What kind of hooks do you use?

[Julie]

A new one... <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/wink.gif" />

I use Boye hooks a good part of the time, but my hooks of choice are the ones sold at this website, Turn of the Century (http://www.turn-of-the-century.com/hooks.htm). The are beautiful hooks and I've ordered from him many times. I enjoy looking at his beautiful hooks, and he's really nice to deal with too.

<a href="http://yarngirl.blogspot.com" target="_new">yarngirl</a>

[BklynVonne]

I'm strictly a Susan Bates girl all the way! :)

[pfirsch]

I used to use only Boye because they were cheap and the first type of hooks I ever bought. I prefer Susan Bates over everything else. Now, I don't use aluminum hooks so much because it's much too cold in our apartment to use them without my hands hurting. I switch up between a set Susan Bates bamboo hooks, a few ebony hooks my sister gave me for Christmas one year, and the Crystallites hooks. I also have a few plastic Susan Bates hooks I bought a while ago. I tend to use the ebony hooks because the bamboo ones snag on everything and I'm always afraid of breaking the acrylic hooks.

Pfirsch

[PamCrochets]

I use Boye hooks. I tried Susan Bates, but didn't like them. I've never tried the wooden hooks, but that is in my future plans. ;)

~Pam

[jennmwalsh]

I'll usually just buy whatever's available...I love the feel of the Crystalites, and they were becoming a favorite, but then one broke on me, and now I'm afraid to use them. My favorite knitting needles are bamboo, so I've been debating buying some crochet needles in bamboo. But I think it's probably best that I stick to whatever I find, considering I usually have multiple projects going and need TONS of needles around :D

[BklynVonne]

The Crystallites hold up better in the larger sizes, like I and above; I've heard the G and sometimes H break easily.

[jennmwalsh]

You're right...my G was the one that broke...so I'm taking extra good care of my H...I was using it on a cotton oven mitt, and I stopped bc it just seemed like I was scared of it breaking the entire time. The G hook, I used it on a REALLY frustrating project, and I had ripped it through the project god knows how many times...well, during a really calm stitch, I pulled it out...and the hook part didn't come with it. LOL

[pfirsch]

Well, BklynVonne, you heard right.:)

I broke the G in no time, almost immediately. I've broken the I hook as well and had to replace it. The larger hooks are real troopers, but the G hook is just for decoration.;)

[ConnieCrayola]

I like hard plastic hooks so smooth to use cannot use the medal or steel at all only if I have to for some reason and this is silly my teeth will start hurting if i use medal hooks. I have the chystallites as well and the g and h broke on me to the first time forcing me to buy another set to finish the project.
and it broke again... but the orange one and above hold up well I agree. I would like to try out some of the wooden hooks are they smooth and do they hold up well they are nice looking.

[MommaChelle]

I prefer bates, but have both bates and boye. I have a wooden H hook from Craft Designs 4 You (http://www.craftdesigns4you.com/crochethook/crochethooks.htm) which I dont use much, it's rounded like the boye hook.


Chelle

[ConnieCrayola]

Wow.those are some beautiful hook there! Thank-You and your cats are very pretty aswell.

[MommaChelle]

Why thank you! :) They are ragamuffins, still kittens at 5 months old. My hook is on her custom hooks page (http://www.craftdesigns4you.com/crochethook/samplecustomhooks.htm), at the very bottom of the page on the right...along with my sister's rose hook I ordered for her.



Chelle

[bubblefizz]

i though a hook was a hook is there different sorts??
<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/29/29_1_15.gif' border=0></a>

[bilblio]

We don't seem to have the luxury of hook choice in the UK. Most of my hooks are metal, some of the larger ones are plastic, and they're made by either Pony, or Whitecroft.

My dad does woodturning, so I'm trying to get him to make me some, but, like me, he gets distracted by other fun things to make. I'm happy to wait though as I know they'll be great, and made from the nice pieces of exotic wood he collects.

[bubblefizz]

yea i only know milward makers thats it...oh and areo knitting kneedles

i love the metal hooks, but i think you can only use the metal ones for finer work. the plastic ones is for yarns and metal ones for threads!<img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/roll.gif" />

[bilblio]

I like my metal hooks, plastic ones tend to have ridges on them from the mould lines.
I forgot about Aero needles. I seem to be inheriting all my ancestors knitting needles, and I've got multiple Aero needles in every size available.

[Donna]

plastic ones tend to have ridges on them from the mould lines Except for Skacel hooks from Germany. They are soft as butter. There is a slight mold line, but you can hardly feel it. I have only one Skacel, a size N, but I love it sooo much. :)

[shelbyro]

Boye, all the way--I just can't seem to get the feel for the Susan Bates ones. I've tried many times, but gave up. plus I need the really bright aluminum colors boye uses so I can find the hooks wherever my toddlers have hidden them.:D

[Tiffany]

I have that problem too, Michelle. :) I have a few pastel hooks that either the couch ate, or have become part of my girls' baby clothes collection. I can always find the bright colors, but those pastels, they disappear fast. :)

[vhanna26]

I like speedy hooks;) .

Most of my hooks are Boye. I have a few Susan Bates, but I can't crochet very fast with then.

I also have some Addi hooks, and they are so so for me. They tend to split the yarn with the way I work.

A lady a work gave me some Hero hooks which work pretty well.

I couldn't work with the Crystalites at all, and I took them back to the store the next day.

My new favorites are the Clover Soft Touch. I have them in sizes C thru J and some steel hooks in 6, 8, and 10. I have a Clover in bamboo, but don't like it even though I love my bamboo knitting needles.

[crochetcrazy]

I really like aluminum hooks...Susan Bates and I do like the bright ones best although the last set is all pastel. The Red Heart Crystallites are great for soft, light yarn, I have only used them for scarves. And I have a really big 12.75mm Susan Bates for making scarves with the funky yarns like fun fur and stuff.

Has anyone ever used bamboo? I heard they are supposed to be light weight and smooth and fast? Pretty expensive, though. So I thought I'd ask before I buy.

[bilblio]

I have a new favourite hook.
My Dad retired about a year ago, and since then he's taken up wood turning. I found some instructions online for turning a crochet hook and set him the challenge.
I now have a beautiful 6mm hook made from Ebony. He's going to experiment with different woods and make me some more larger hooks too.

[bythehook]

Oh, you lucky dog, you. I'm so jealous. What a great dad.
:approve
Dot

[bilblio]

He is great, and he spoils me rotten. <img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif" />

I managed to take a (slightly blurry) picture last night.

<img border=0 src="http://www.coastaltown.nildram.co.uk/images/crafts/crochet/crochethook.jpg" />

[3parrots]

Beautiful!!! :D

Margaret

[crochetme]

Wow! It is truly beautiful. He should set up shop!

Kim

[bythehook]

Absolutely beautiful. Your dad is fantastic.
Dot

[MommaChelle]

Wow really! He could have a small business selling his hooks :Y It looks great!!

[Julie]

Very pretty hook!

[lunchbox]

I MUCH PREFER the Bates hooks. If anyone is interested in trading Bates for my Boyes, let me know.

I have one wooden hook that I bought in Branson, MO. I've never used it. I don't find it quite smooth enough but its pretty.

I would love to try the Crystallites. That ebony hook is gorgeous! I have periodic access to deer antler and wonder if that would make good hooks.:thinking1

[rebeccav]

icky! aren't they hollow? would it splinter?

[Donna]

Nah, deer antler are not hollow and they are very strong. I think they'd make excellent hooks if you could get a straight piece long enough. And a nice handyman to carve it for you! ;) I have a deer antler cribbage board and earrings and pendants. By the way, mine are all made from naturally shed antlers, so nobody jump on me!

[bramble]

i bought a clover bamboo hook yesterday, b/c i'm looking for a type that i can bring on the plane with me (i.e., non-metal) when i travel in july. i was really excited about it, but when i tried to use it with some patons decor, it didn't feel smooth at all. i have been using bates metal (silvalume?) hooks, and in comparison the bamboo was so difficult.

does this vary by brand? by the type of yarn you're using? are different types of wood significantly different from the bamboo, such that it's worth trying a birch one or something? if not i guess it's plastic for the plane!

[crochetcrazy]

Ok..I use both boyle and bates and seem to get along with both.

But I love this new wooden crochet hook in size M
so comfy and warm!!!! I want more of them!!! It's hand turned and has a beautiful handle.

[Stephanie]

I prefer Boye (aluminum). Just never felt comfortable with other materials or brands for crochet in sizes smaller than a K. I'm still trying different things for the larger hooks.

[threeolivemartini]

i am with Yarngirl

Bill at Turn Of The Century is a true gem

his hooks are very nice and affordable.. he has even made a couple custom hooks for me..


of course i have others because you cant use metallic yarn with a wooden hook... and there are times when you just need something else ..

but most of my projects are made with his hooks...

and he also has other items not just hooks.. he does knitting needles..hair sticks.. fountain pens etc.. all reasonably priced i think..

[TShell]

I like Bates hooks (metal, the pastel kind... whats it called?) . I had used Boye but I didn't like how it tapered at the top.
I just ordered some plastic Bates hooks, we'll see how they are. I would LOVE to get Bamboo or wood ones. Maybe if i get gift certs or something.

[crazzy cow]

I use Boye hooks and Susan Bates I also have a set of SB in pastel hooks . I never thought any different on the hooks I always thought that the hooks were all the same. Would like to try some from Turn of the century but money is very tight right now..:knit . This may be a silly question but how or what do you do when you break a hook? :)h


Becky

[Julie]

You mean a wooden hook, Becky? I've been very careful with them and haven't broken one yet. They are very strong and sturdy, but I tend to use them for the things I can take my time on, not the things I need in a rush. I do use his P and Q hooks all the time, rather than the plastic ones from Boye. The wooden ones are so much prettier than the plastic. :)h

[crazzy cow]

I guess any kind of hook. or can u bend the metal one

Becky

[Julie]

Probably not so easy to do it on the metal ones, though some of the thinner aluminum ones will bend if you put enough pressure on them. You'd have to work at it though. The steel thread hooks don't have any give to them at all. :)) Luckily, the metal hooks are really cheap to replace, so if you ever were creative enough to break one, you wouldn't worry about the expense.

[kaycrochay]

I'm definitely a Boye girl. I was very excited when I first bought the Crystalites (sp!) but had all but the I hook break. Between that, and the lack of size marking on the hook, I was turned off of them, no matter how pretty they are.

I've tried Bates, but with the sharper angles, I have a bit more difficulty stitching, so back to Boyes I went.

I do still have 1 Bates, size I, and I wouldn't cry if someone else wanted it. First one gets it!

[Sharon]

I always wanted to order one special hand made hook, but I always worried the size would be off. Are they accurate? Also, I wouldn't be without my hook cushions.

[threeolivemartini]

i recommend bill at Turn Of The Centruy (http://www.turn-of-the-century.com/tchome.htm#pages) he tells you what size the hooks are and what guage he uses.. they are beautiful.. and what i consider very affordable..

[MadiStitches]

Hi all...thought I would just my 2 cents in here lol
I first started using boye hooks, but prefer the bates ones.
It all depends on what stitches I am doing and what yarn I am working with.

I bought a Brittany hook quite awhile ago now, I think it's black walnut in size L. But can't use it, don't know why but the hook and my hand don't cooperate...make sense? :?

Lately I have been doing graph ghans with an afghan hook, using a size k hook. Would love to get a easy tunisian hook or an afghan hook in size p..if that size is even available.

Marg

[rebeccav]

yes, the tunisian is available in P - and i love these hooks, they are soo much smoother than any other plastic hook i've seen :)h

annies attic (http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/list.html?cat_id=306)

[threeolivemartini]

I have Brittany hooks as well.. it took me a while to get used to them and i cant use them with every yarn i have.. i was kind of disappointed when i first got them.. then i found turn of the century and wished i had never spent the money on the brittany hooks..

he amkes "afghan" hooks as well .. i think they are worth it .. i have two of those in wood.. i think he charged me 16.95 for them and they are both cherry ..

[cdgayer]

I like Susan Bates aluminum hooks. I like the way they are tapered down by the hook end--it makes the yarn flow so easily. I tried the crystalites hooks:U Boo! My yarn kept getting caught on the plastic, and it isn't tapered. I already am a slow crocheter--I don't need my hook to slow me up any further.

Unfortunately, I can't get Susan Bates hooks at very many places around here. If I need a new hook, I have to go out of town or on the internet.

[lillian1969]

I use boye and susan bates.