Clover Interchangeable tunisian crochet hook set (left), Chiaogoo TSPIN interchangeable tunisian crochet hook set (right) and assorted other tunisian crochet hooks - straight, double ended, and Knitter's Pride Interchangeable.
If you're at this post i'm guessing by now a pretty nifty Tunisian Crochet design (maybe even one of mine) has caught your eye! But, you've been told you need a special hook that will likely need to be ordered online.
Which hook is the best? Which size do you buy? Should it be straight, double ended, or with a flexible cord?
Don't worry, i've got you! In this post i'll cover a few of the basic details you need to know about choosing your first Tunisian Crochet hook as well as my personal favorites (which are NOT affiliate links - just my opinions)!
Types of Tunisian Crochet Hooks
Hand carved tunisian crochet hook by Roux Studios
www.handcarvedhooks.com
A traditional Tunisian crochet hook is a long straight version of a standard crochet hook. This type of hook you likely have seen your Grandmother using to do what she calls "afghan crochet" or "afghan stitch."
What do you use it for?
It's excellent for making wide pieces of fabric such as blanket panels, scarves, or even an infinity scarf worked flat. Think of it as the straight knitting needles of tunisian crochet.
Where can I find one?
1) A craft store. You can find a traditional tunisian crochet hook in just about any craft store, but you won't have many choices for sizes. Likely you will have the option for a US J (6.0mm) or US H (5.0mm) and that's about it. (Cost: about $6)
2) Furls crochet hooks now carries straight Tunisian crochet hooks. They have plenty of sizes, and lovely wood color choices. (Cost: about $25)
3) An artisan hand-carved hook. These have a wide price range depending on the intricacy of the work. The one in the photo above was $90 because it's an absolute work of art!
Interchangeable crochet hooks & flexible hooks
Chiaogoo T-SPIN interchangeable crochet hook set
You've probably seen interchangeable hook sets around if you're active on social media. Hook sets like these are popular on Facebook, Instagram, Ravelry, and YouTube. They feature a solid crochet hook (hook length varies depending on the brand) with a flexible cable that attaches to the base of the hook.
What are they used for?
Interchangeable and flexible hooks are excellent for making very long pieces, or shaped pieces. For example, if you want to crochet a triangular shawl like my Dayspring Shawl (Ravelry Link)
A flexible crochet hook allows you to work around the point of the triangle, from one edge to the other on a single flexible crochet hook. It also allows you to hold a large number of stitches on the cable without the weight of a long straight hook, so the flexible hooks are a little more ergonomic and user friendly.
Where can you find them?
1) The set above is from Chiaogoo; it's called T-Spin, and is about $135. This set includes hook sizes E-N (3.5-10 mm)
2) Knitter's Pride Ginger hooks are available individually and as a set on Yarn.Com. The individual hooks are sold as a head only (no cable) for $6.09-12.09 or as a set for $140.59. The set includes sizes E-12 (3.5-12.0mm).
3) Clover/Takumi also has an interchangeable bamboo set that is very similar to the Chiaogoo set (more comparisons below). They retail for about $150 at a box store like Michael’s or Joann’s, but if you catch them when the store has a 40-50% off coupon, it makes the set much more affordable. That's how and when I got my set. This set includes hooks from sizes E-L (3.5-8.0mm)
4) Crochet.com also sells their own brand of Tunisian crochet hooks. I haven’t tried these hooks, so I can’t give you an opinion on them. These will cost you between $5.49-9.99 depending on hook size, or $44.99 for a set including sizes E-K (3.5mm-6.5mm).
Double Ended Straight Hooks
Chiaogoo T-SPIN interchangeable crochet hook set
What are they used for?
Double ended hooks are used for working Tunisian Crochet in the round. It's a super fun technique that I plan to write more about soon!
Where can they be found?
1) You can typically find these in craft stores like Michael's and Joann's. The last time I looked in one, I saw about 4 sizes in the store (US H-J/4.0-6.0mm) and a few more online.
2) Online. The google is your friend!
What if I can’t find the size I need in a double ended hook?
You can always put two hook heads on one flexible cable to create a flexible double ended hook of the length you need.
Comparison of three Tunisian Crochet Hooks
From L-R: Knitter's Pride Ginger, Chiaogoo T-Spin, Clover/Takumi
But Ruth, what's the difference between sets, and which do YOU use?
I'm so glad you asked!
Check out the photo above - You can see a hook from each of the three interchangeable sets I mentioned. Here’s a summary of some of the biggest differences i've noticed while using them:
Knitter's Pride Ginger
* 12 Hooks, Sizes 3.5-12mm
* Gloss/Sealant on hook for a smoother feel
* Heaviest of the three
* Largest head of the three
* Shallowest throat of the three
* Point on end of head to help with catching yarn
* Medium length
* Comes with standard Knitter's pride cables - these are the least flexible of the three.
* Has a key for tightening the join between cable and hook
* Storage: Flip cover, snap shut case (plus a matching pen)
Chiaogoo T-Spin
* 11 hooks size E-N (3.5-10mm)
* No gloss or sealant, but very smooth feel in hand
* Light weight bamboo
* Throat is the same as the Clover set, but with a rounder angle
* Slightly larger and rounder head than the Clover set, much smaller head than the Knitter's Pride set
* Comes with the standard red Chiaogoo cable with a metal wire inside it - This helps reduce cable kinking.
* Has a key for tightening the join between cable and hook
* Storage: Zip up travel case
Clover Bamboo Interchangeable Set
* 9 hooks size E-L (3.5mm-8mm)
* No gloss or sealant, but very smooth feel in hand
* Light weight bamboo
* Throat is the same as the Chiaogoo set, but has the sharpest angle to it
* Smallest head of the three, with a medium point - less pointy than Knitter's Pride, more pointy than Chiaogoo.
* Comes with a clear, VERY light weight cable
* The hook spins in the cable, so it doesn’t smack you while you crochet
* No key for tightening the join between cable and hook
* Storage: a roll up fabric case with a tie
Yes, Ruth, but which one?
Either the T-Spin or the Clover. While the T-Spin and Clover sets are very similar, the Chiaogoo set comes with another hook, a tightening key, and a zipping case that's super compact for traveling and storage. BUT the T-Spin cables do not actually spin while you crochet and the Clover ones do.
Why does it matter if the cables spin? Because if they don’t spin, they smack you and flop around while you crochet, and can pull on your hook. Of all the ones I have, I find the Clovers are my go to.
The Knitter's Pride set is my third choice. I enjoyed them for my first hooks, and they're excellent if you want to buy a single hook without needing to buy the full set.
I hope this was a helpful article for you! I'd love to hear which hooks you end up choosing and how you like them!
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