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Choosing the best crochet hook for amigurumi is a crucial step in the process. You probably know that awkward moment, when your cute little amigurumi project is finished, yet it seems like something went wrong. Your adorable mini bear looks a bit wonky, that’s fun penguin squishy seems to have some holes and gaps in texture, and the little lady doll doesn’t seem that ladylike at all. This is where the proper hook adjustment to the character of your work comes onto stage.
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Specifics of amigurumi crochet
Focusing on such a specific type of crochet as amigurumi has its advantages, but also brings some issues you wouldn’t have to think about when crafting other items. First and foremost, choosing the hook size is quite simple, as the general rule of thumb is to size down 1 mm or 2 letter sizes from what is recommended as yarn thickness for the particular amigurumi pattern. That’s because you want your amigurumi to keep its shape and the way to do it is to make the crochet really dense and thick.
Below you may consult the table of hook sizes and yarn weights for amigurumi prepared by Tiny Curl.
Table by Tiny Curl.
With such a simple twist not only the loops are smaller hence closer to each other, but also your hands need to operate easily and in comfort in such circumstances. To do so, you would have to match your needles perfectly with not only the yarn and the pattern, but most of all, with yourself.
Things to look at when choosing a crochet hook
Just like in any other type of crochet project, you may choose from very different crochet hooks when tackling the amigurumi design. After a while, you will for sure have your favorite, either it is a colorful resin-made needle, classic all wooden one or simple aluminum crochet hook. It all depends on your personal preferences, build of your hand and how comfortable you are working with specific tool type.
When it comes to the hook size, many of the experienced crafters recommend size D (3,25 mm) hook. That would be the ultimate choice if you are a beginner and you don’t want to invest in the bigger crochet needle set just yet. See our article about the best crochet hooks for beginners where we have covered the indications on how to choose the best hook size and what exact hook types are there to choose from.
Switching to the more problematic choices you would have to make, we will start by tackling the exact type of the crochet hook that you can use in your projects.
In-line vs tapered amigurumi crochet hook
Crochet hooks that are specifically made for amigurumi craft come in two main styles, an in-line and tapered hooks. The difference might not seem that big or significant, it is yet a one that needs to be considered and will grow in importance with your skills.
The inline hook got its name from the hook head being literally in line with the handle. Also, the head is slightly more pointed and the thumb rest is a little deeper.
Pros of an inline hook
- Helps creating evenly sized stitches in more consistent fashion
- Pointed head makes going through tight stitches easier
- Deep thumb rest together with one metal body gives more control over tension
Cons of an inline hook
- May provoke wrist or hand tension and pain more easily due to the lack of an ergonomic handle
Picture by Cranberry Crochet.
The tapered hook instead is a one equipped with a comfortable and ergonomic handle, made with resin, plastic or wood. The slightly more rounded hook head is placed in the center of the handle. It is a great needle for bigger, chunkier projects.
Pros of a tapered hook
- Crocheting is quicker
- Yarn does not slip off that easily
- Handle is more comfortable and gentle to your hand and wrist
Cons of a tapered hook
- It might be challenging to crochet tightly smaller projects with thin yarn, even with smaller hook size
The personal preference plays a huge role when choosing between inline and tapered amigurumi crochet hooks. You can also switch between those two when crafting different parts of the project, as usually they have different specifics. Choose the tempered hook for the main amigurumi body and swap for the inline one when handcrafting smaller, more detailed parts.
Armed with all this knowledge you can now check our review of the top products on the market.
5 best crochet hooks for amigurumi
Clover Amour Crochet Hook
Type: tapered crochet hook
Pros: Rubbery hook handle makes the grip more stable and sturdy. Pointed head allows you to make smaller hoops and crochet detailed parts more intricately. Thanks to a good price point the set is a beginner purchase that’s worth investing in.
Cons: Metal isn’t as smooth as other hooks of the same quality range. The handle is thin which can cause pain in the palm of the hand and in the wrist. There’s a risk of getting counterfeit hooks. The popularity of genuine versions made them vulnerable to counterfeit. Short grip might make your pinky slip off it, or the end will dig into the palm of a hand.
Learn more on clover-mfg.com, or buy it on Amazon.
Odyssey Furls Crochet Hook
Type: tapered crochet hook
Pros: It is the smoothest metal hook according to many crocheters. The combo of an ergonomic handle and pointed head makes it a practical choice that’s easy on a hand and perfect for detailed, small amigurumi crochet projects. Feels heavy and hefty in hand, the nickel-plated pewter neck is chrome-smooth, making for easy stitches and great crocheting speed. Wide color range is a fun addition to the product.
Cons: The pointy end makes it easier to pull the yarn apart, which then requires frequent fixes. They tend to break during crocheting as they sometimes wiggle due to the unstable build. Higher price is not only the show-stopper itself, but it also seems not to be relevant to the hook’s quality.
Learn more on furlscrochet.com.
Rascol Tulip Etimo Red W/Cushion Grip
Type: tapered crochet hook
Pros: The set comes in a handy roll that’s great for storage and travel. The high-end design makes it easier to crochet and beginner crafters feel more confident with their skills. Nice and smooth head that’s gentle on the yarn. Exceptional Japanese quality is what makes those hooks so durable and popular amongst advanced crocheters.
Cons: Works better with the knife hold, as it is then easier on hands. A pricier option, especially when bought in a set.
Learn more on rascol.com, or buy it on Amazon.
Luxbon Acrylic Plastic Crochet Hooks – Crocheting Starter Pack
Type: plastic inline crochet hook
Pros: A full set that covers the full plethora of hook sizes one may need. A beginner-friendly selection that helps starting crochet adventure. No need to research further on sizes and types, as the set covers it all. Low price point makes it easier to replace them in time with more professional needles.
Cons: The plastic surface may chip with time, which will tear the yarn, or even break when crocheting. General low quality means that those are not the hooks that will last for years, more of a training item for beginners or people who are wondering whether this hobby is for them.
Learn more on Amazon.
Boye Crochet Master Steel and Aluminum Crochet Hooks
Type: metal inline crochet hooks
Pros: Suited both for a beginner and advanced crocheter, so they can serve you for years. The metal construction makes them durable, while also resistant to chipping and general surface damage that may tear the yarn. The rounded hook heads prevent fraying or splitting of threads during work. Comes with a handy case.
Cons: The metal used is not the sturdiest one so it might get bent. Manufacturing flaws occur, like head facing the word way or sizing discrepancies which makes the crochet pattern planning process inconsistent. Neither the body, nor the head are of the best metal quality hence the surface is not ideally smooth, causing issues on the project and to your hand.
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Learn more on desertcart.us, or buy it on Amazon.
Summary
All in all, the type of hook depends on your personal preferences but also on a type of project you’re working on. In case of amigurumi designs, you will for sure need a precise, small needle to work all those details and to make sure your piece is tightly crocheted.
However, this time it is so obvious who’s the winner of the best crochet hook for amigurumi competition. The Rascol Tulip Etimo Red W/Cushion Grip with its Japanese quality, high-end design and great materials used are for sure the best ones to invest in. The high price point might be scary, but those surely are worth investing in. For beginners or those not yet convinced of the crochet craft in general, we suggest Boye inline metal hooks. A good first set of needles to train with.
