Best Ergonomic Crochet Hooks for Arthritis

Best Ergonomic Crochet Hooks  by Janice Jones  |Published 10-31-2022

If you are feeling some pain or soreness in your hands, you might wonder if your days as a crocheter are quickly coming to an end. If you're like me, a diagnosis of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may seem like a death sentence for an avid crochet lover.

But the good news is that it's not, and your hands get extra exercise when you crochet and that may be good for you.

By now, you're probably saying, but if it is painful, do I really want to crochet? In this article, I will argue that crocheting can be fun and fulfilling for everyone, including those dealing with joint pain.

But we must take additional steps to keep our hands in good shape and pain-free and prevent any repetitive strain injury.

An assortment of ergonomic crochet hooks from many different manufacturers

Regardless of your diagnosis, joint pain can be uncomfortable and quite painful, so crocheting may exacerbate the situation, especially if you like to crochet for long periods of time.

Can I Still Knit or Crochet with Arthritic Hands?

According to experts, there is no reason why we can't knit or crochet, even if we have arthritis if we follow a few simple rules. 

  1. Soak your hands in warm water before beginning and stretch to reduce stiffness
  2. Vary your crafts, switch from crocheting to knitting, to needlepoint or other needlecrafts
  3. Loosen your grip. If you find yourself gripping the hook, practice crocheting with a looser grip.
  4. Allow yourself plenty of time to complete your projects so you don't feel rushed.
  5. Rest and take plenty of breaks
  6. Use an ergonomic crochet hook.

If I may, I'd also like to add to the list above, based on my own personal experience.

  1. Try a different hook (inline or tapered).
  2. Find the perfect ergonomic crochet hook
  3. Crochet when you are relaxed
  4. Crochet in a warm area where your hands will not get cold.
  5. Remember to hydrate while you work.

Luckily we have a few tools today to help keep us happily crocheting longer than our mothers could years ago. We can count on ergonomic crochet hooks designed for hands that might need a little help.

A quick search turns up the definition of ergonomics: Ergonomic products help us become more productive, healthy, and efficient.

There are ergonomic products everywhere: chairs, shoes, keyboards, and even pillows, and there is no reason we can't have ergonomic crochet hooks.

What is an Ergonomic Crochet Hook?

An assortment of ergonomic crochet hooks being held in one hand

An ergonomic hook is one designed to reduce or alleviate the pain that occurs during the repetitive process of crocheting.

Most have longer, larger handles without sacrificing the metal part of the hook where the real work is done. In other words, they have an ergonomic handle and a regular crochet tip.

They come in different sizes, so you can purchase a high-quality ergonomic hook for any project you want.

Unfortunately, no one hook is best for everyone. Much depends on how you hold your hook (pencil or knife hold), the type of crochet you do, the size of your hands, and the length of time you devote to this hobby.

We all have different styles of crocheting, and no two hands are ever the same, so no ergonomic hook shape is the perfect solution.

In general, ergonomic crochet hooks are designed to reduce the fatigue you might experience when crocheting for a long time and prevent pain in the hands, fingers, and wrists.

Learn more about crochet hooks by reading this beginner's tutorial.

Types of Crochet Hook Shapes

A crochet hook is labeled with its parts (thumb rest, shaft, throat, hook, hook tip)

Before I review my favorite ergonomic hooks, I think it's essential to look at the different kinds of hooks: Inline crochet hooks and tapered hooks.

Inline Crochet Hooks

These hooks are shaped to have straight edges that stay straight to the tip of the hook. The hook is carved into the shaft of the crochet hook, making the head directly in line with the shaft. The head of the hook may be sharper or pointed, and the groove may be deeper. The hook is in line with the handle of the crochet hook.

Inline hooks can be good for allowing it to be inserted into tight stitches because they have a point at the top, but they can also snag or split the yarn.  

susan bates inline crochet hook

An example of an inline crochet hook with a deeper throat, pointed head, and a shaft that is inline with the head.

Tapered Crochet Hooks

As opposed to the inline crochet hook that is straight, the tapered hooks have a narrowing as the shaft nears the throat of the hook and a rounded tip.

This narrowing gives the tapered hook a shallower throat, which some beginners find difficult to work with. The tapered hook generally has a rounded hook head, as well.

These hooks are likely better if you have wrist pain because they require less movement to get the loops of yarn on and off the hook.

An example of a tapered crochet hook

A tapered crochet hook has a narrowing of the shaft as it nears the throat and has a rounded head.

Materials Used to Make Hooks

Traditional Crochet Hooks are made from wood or bamboo, steel or aluminum, resin, and plastic. Even the thin metal hooks can be turned into an ergonomic hook with the addition of soft rubber handles.

If you love a specific hook, you will likely find an ergonomic hook made of the same material. If you are an experienced crocheter you've no doubt worked with different crochet hooks and discovered their likes and dislikes.

Unfortunately, beginners may need to experiment with different ones to find the perfect hook that's right for them. If you are new to crochet, before purchasing a complete set of hooks and a carry case, consider experimenting with different hooks to see how they feel.

Check for:

  • Ease of Use: Not only how it feels but how it performs with different types of yarn
  • Is the Thumb Rest comfortable?
  • Does it have a comfortable handle for your hand?
  • Does the hook you love come in a wide range of sizes?
  • Is the hook you love within your price range?

Top Choices for the Best Ergonomic Crochet Hooks

Here are My Top Picks for Crocheters Who Have Arthritis, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, or any hand or wrist pain. I have used them all and can say these are my favorite, best ergonomic crochet hooks for arthritis.

Clover Amour Crochet Hooks and Clover Amour Crochet Hook Set

One of my favorites is the Clover Amour Crochet Hooks. It is made with an elastomer handle that is warm and easy to grip for extended periods. The thickness of the grip is just about right, and these hooks are affordable.

Each size comes in a different colored handle, and the hooks are tapered and primarily aluminum, but larger sizes are made of plastic. I think aluminum hooks are good because they don't snag your yarn.

You will find them in sizes B (2.25mm) – P/Q. The length is a generous 5 7/8 inch long, and the larger sizes K to PQ are over 6 inches long.

I love the colors, and after using them for a while, I can identify the size simply by the color. But if I forget, the sizes are imprinted on the handles and are easy to read.

Tulip Etimo Crochet Hooks and Tulip Etimo Rose Crochet Hooks

These hooks are made from high-quality aluminum and coated with a polished finish that won't chip. The ergonomic handles have a soft comfort that is comfortable in your hands. Sets come in sizes D3 (3.25 mm) to J10 (6 mm).

If you love pink and need larger-sized hooks, they also come as a set, Tulip Etimo Rose Crochet Hook Set, that includes three crochet hooks in sizes 8/0, 9/0, and 10.5/0, one tapestry needle, one ruler, and one case.

Boye Ergonomic Crochet Hooks

From a company that has been around since 1906, Boye makes these Ergonomic Crochet Hooks that you can purchase individually or as a set. The set includes 12 hooks, B (2.25), C (2.75mm), D (3.125), E (3.5mm), F (3.75), G (4.25), H (5mm), I (5.25mm), J (5.75mm), K (6.5mm), L (8 mm), and N (10mm).

Each Boye hook in this crocheting supply set features an ergonomic handle with a soft rubber grip.

Yarniss Crochet Hooks

This is an excellent choice for a beginner because it is likely the most economical kit I've reviewed. The hooks have a non-slip, color-coded ergonomic elastomer handle with an aluminum hook.

The smooth tapered hooks are longer than most, which makes them ideal if you need to add additional loops onto the hook.

The complete set includes hook sizes B (2.0mm) through N (10.0mm), and the sizes are printed on the handles for easy identification. The kit consists of 9 yarn needles, ten stitch markers, a pair of scissors, and a fabric case.

They also sell a set of smaller ergonomic hooks in sizes (0.8mm /1.0mm / 1.25mm / 1.5mm / 1.75mm / 2.0 mm / 2.25mm / 2.5mm / 2.75mm), with sizes marked on the handle. These are for those interested in lace and doily crocheting.

BeCraftee Crochet Hooks Kit

Here is another inexpensive set of 12 Extra-Long Crocheting Needles with Soft, Ergonomic Rubber Grips in just about any size you might need to get started if you are starting with crochet.

Every crochet hook is a different color and has printed letters and numbers on the handle, so you'll always know which needle is which. I definitely do not recommend purchasing a hook or set of hooks that are not labeled.

Their kit consists of 12 hooks from B/1 (2.0mm) to L/11 (8mm). You can also purchase a kit containing 9 hooks from B/1 (2.0 mm) to J/10 (6.0 mm), 6 yarn needles, 10 stitch markers, 2 stitch holders, scissors, measuring tape, a ruler, and a row counter.

Furls

These are likely the most beautiful hooks you will find. They are handmade, sourced from sustainable woods, and created to have a smooth surface, but the grains of the wood show through automation. Their larger handles make them ergonomically friendly, and crocheting with them will add to painful hands or wrists.

They are available in sizes D (3.25mm) to P (10.0mm) and 7 inches long. Furls hooks are a generous 7 inches long, which may be too long for some, but I appreciate those extra inches and love the wood feel in my hands.

They source different woods, including teak, ebony, and camwood. Others are made from resin, polished aluminum, and a combination of a nickel-plated tip with a cosmetic-grade resin handle. The biggest drawback, in my opinion, is that these hooks are more costly than others.

Soft Touch Crochet Hooks

Clover also makes these soft touch hooks very ergonomic and will fit into your hands comfortably. They have a smooth metal hook and a wide flat handle with a soft touch pad where you can rest your thumb.

These hooks are available individually in sizes B through J, making them attractive because they are less expensive than others.

Addi Swing Crochet Hook

We probably all know Addi for their knitting machines and wide assortment of knitting needles, but it surprised me that they also make Crochet hooks, and ones with an unusual shape at this.

They are ergonomic have just a hint of flexibility, which means they fit right into the curve of the hand to allow for a more comfortable crocheting.

They are available individually in a full range of sizes and also be found in small sets. Each size has it's own color and the sizes are marked clearly on the soft handle.

Susan Bates

This company also produces ergonomic hooks as part of its line. You've no doubt purchased Susan Bates products if you are familiar with crafting, and this company also makes crochet accessories. You can buy them individually or as a crochet set, which is economical. 

Susan Bates' ergonomic hooks are designed for comfort with gently rounded tips and a long taper to make crocheting easier, especially when you have more than one loop on the hook, and reduce yarn splitting.

They are made of ultra-smooth aluminum and come in sizes E to K. Some crochet enthusiasts like how the hooks pick up stitches, but the colors fade or bleed onto your fingers. Something to consider if you are using a light-colored yarn.

Best  Ergonomic Crochet Hooks for Arthritis:  Last Words

Just because you have arthritis or another type of injury does not mean you should give up crocheting.  There are hooks that were specifically designed to minimize pain and discomfort making crocheting an enjoyable pastime again.  

Find the best hook for you by experimenting with different brands.  If you already know that you like tapered or inline hooks, seek out ergonomic hooks that meet those requirements. 

Once you have found your ideal hook, consider investing in a kit that includes all the major sizes you normally use in your work.

Keep crocheting.  The exercise you get will be good for you.    (at least that is what my rheumatologist told me!)

Best Ergonomic Crochet Hooks
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