Crochet Hooks NZ: Buying Guide

01 / Start with something manageable

Which crochet hook is best for a beginner?

A comfortable, ordinary single-ended hook in a medium size is a useful first choice. Pair it with yarn that makes the stitches easy to see, and a small project you can finish.

A 5 mm hook is large enough to handle without being a tiny precision tool. A soft handle gives your fingers a broader place to rest. That is why Clover Amour and KnitPro Waves 2.0 make a sensible shortlist for learning, provided the size matches your yarn and pattern.

Choose a smooth yarn in a pale or mid-tone colour. Fuzzy fibres, very dark colours and dramatic textures can make it harder to see where the hook should enter. Save those effects for a project where identifying the stitches already feels natural.

For a first make, try a small square, a simple coaster or a short strip of a repeated stitch. Keep a couple of removable stitch markers nearby to identify the first and last stitch. Counting each row teaches you more than rushing into a large blanket and discovering the edges have wandered.

02 / Read the millimetres first

How to choose the right crochet hook size

The number in millimetres describes the working diameter. A 4 mm hook and a 6 mm hook create different-sized loops, even if their handles look similar.

Begin with your pattern’s hook recommendation. The yarn label is useful when you are experimenting or choosing a first project, but the pattern accounts for the fabric the designer wants. A firm bag, a soft scarf and an open shawl can call for different hooks with the same yarn.

Millimetres are the most useful comparison across brands. US letters and numbers are not completely consistent between manufacturers. The Craft Yarn Council’s hook-size guidance recommends checking the metric marking and making a gauge swatch.

Yarn weight is a starting point

The following broad ranges help you orient yourself. They are not fixed rules, and they do not mean every hook within a range is right for every yarn in that category.

Yarn category	Common hook starting range	What to check next
Fingering / sock	2.25–3.5 mm	Pattern tension and the openness of the fabric
Sport / fine	3.5–4.5 mm	Stitch definition and the intended drape
DK / light worsted	4.5–5.5 mm	Whether the project needs a firm or flexible fabric
Worsted / aran	5.5–6.5 mm	The pattern’s stitch and row measurements
Chunky / bulky	6.5–9 mm	Weight, comfort and how the finished fabric moves
Super bulky	9–15 mm	Whether the required larger size is included in your set

Broad starting ranges adapted from the Craft Yarn Council’s yarn weight guidelines. Your pattern and swatch take priority. Fine crochet thread uses its own sizing guidance.

In New Zealand, you will also see labels such as 4 ply and 8 ply; DK is commonly sold as 8 ply. These are yarn-weight descriptions, not instructions to choose a 4 mm or 8 mm hook. Read the actual hook recommendation.

What if the pattern gives a US letter?

Common labels include G-6 for 4 mm, H-8 for 5 mm and J-10 for 6 mm. Check the stated millimetres whenever they are available. A metric set can contain useful sizes that do not map neatly to the letters in a US pattern.

03 / Two useful everyday starting points

Clover Amour or KnitPro Waves 2.0?

Both offer a smooth working end and a broader coloured handle. The choice is personal: compare how the grip meets your fingers, how easily you rotate the hook and which sizes you use most.

Soft grip / Carefully shaped working end

Clover Amour

Clover’s soft, non-slip, three-dimensional handle provides a defined resting place for your fingers. Its hook is shaped to pick up the yarn and pull through while keeping the working loop under control.

Direct Sewing lists individual Amour hooks from 2.5–10 mm, as well as the nine-hook 2–6 mm set shown here. The set includes every 0.5 mm step across that range.

A detail worth knowing: the listed 2.5–6 mm individual hooks have aluminium working ends; the larger 6.5–10 mm options use ABS resin. The soft-grip concept continues across both.

Choose an Amour size Explore the nine-hook set

Colour-coded / Broad size choice

KnitPro Waves 2.0

Waves 2.0 pairs aluminium working ends with soft-grip handles. It is a practical option for trying a handled hook or building a collection around the yarns you enjoy.

The individual Waves range extends from 2–12 mm. For a ready-made collection, compare the nine-hook Deluxe set, 2–6 mm, with the 14-hook Grande set, 2–12 mm.

The Grande range is especially useful if your projects move from smaller motifs to larger hooks. Check the exact contents: a wide size range does not mean every intermediate diameter is included.

Choose a Waves size Explore the Grande set

Design references: Clover Amour and KnitPro Waves 2.0. The product links above show the local assortments.

The feel of the tool

Aluminium, bamboo or a shaped handle?

The part touching the yarn and the part touching your hand can be different materials. Think about both when you compare hooks.

01

A slim metal hook

If you like a light, straightforward tool, consider KnitPro Zing or a PONY aluminium set. The slim profile leaves more of the shaft free of a bulky handle.

Try how easily the yarn slides and whether the thumb-rest position suits the way you hold the hook.

02

The feel of bamboo

Sirdar Bamboo crochet hooks are 17 cm long with a polished natural surface. They are worth considering if you enjoy the touch of bamboo and a traditional hook shape.

Compare the feel with your usual yarn. A surface that gives one maker welcome control may feel slower to another.

03

A broader handhold

Handled hooks such as Amour, Waves and the Prym soft-handle set give the fingers more surface to rest on. The shape matters as much as the word “ergonomic”.

Try your natural pencil-style or knife-style hold. Look for easy movement without having to squeeze or force your fingers into position.

addiSwing Ergonomic Crochet Hook Set – 7 Hooks with Travel Case — addiSwing’s curved handle offers a distinctly different handhold.

A different shape to try

What about addiSwing?

The addiSwing seven-hook set has long, curved handles with a rounded finger support and aluminium working ends. It contains 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 mm hooks in a textile case.

Consider it if a curved, more substantial handle appeals. Comfort varies with hand size and grip, so choose by the fit in your hand. A premium hook still needs to suit the person using it.

Pay attention to the head and shaft, too

Notice how the tip enters a stitch, how the throat catches the yarn and how much working shaft remains above your fingers. Different profiles can feel very different with the same yarn. If you make stitches with several loops on the hook, check that the working area feels roomy enough.

04 / A collection that earns its place

Which crochet hook set should you choose?

Start with the sizes your patterns use, then compare the handle and storage. A set with the right everyday sizes is more useful than a larger assortment you rarely reach for.

Set at Direct Sewing	Included size selection	Why consider it?
Clover Amour 3674	9 hooks · 2–6 mm	Soft handles and every 0.5 mm step in a useful everyday range
KnitPro Waves 2.0 Deluxe	9 hooks · 2–6 mm	Handled aluminium hooks organised in an aqua zip case
KnitPro Waves 2.0 Grande	14 hooks · 2–12 mm	A broader collection including larger project sizes
Prym Soft Handles	8 hooks · 2–6 mm	A handled assortment; note that 5.5 mm is not included
PONY Classic Aluminium	6 hooks · 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 4.5, 5 mm	A simple metal-hook collection for selected smaller sizes
PONY Anodised Aluminium Colour	6 hooks · 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6 mm	Traditional coloured aluminium hooks with a different size mix
KnitPro Oasis Starter	7 heads · 2–5 mm · 1 handle	A shared wooden handle, interchangeable heads and coordinated case
KnitPro Oasis Chunky	7 heads · 5.5–10 mm · 1 handle	The Oasis format for a selection of larger diameters
addiSwing	7 hooks · 2–8 mm in whole millimetres	Distinctive curved handles and a textile travel case

Selected sets from the collection. Ranges are not promises of every intermediate size. Follow each product page for exact contents, current price and availability.

KnitPro Oasis Starter Interchangeable Crochet Hook Set — Oasis Starter keeps seven hook heads, one handle and accessories together.

One handle / Several working sizes

How KnitPro Oasis works

Oasis separates the hook head from the wooden handhold. Screw in the size you need and keep the same grip as you change projects. Each Starter or Chunky set includes one handle, so one complete hook is assembled at a time.

This is an ordinary single-ended crochet system. “Interchangeable” here describes changing the head on the handle. A Tunisian system uses a hook and cable to hold a row of loops.

Buying a gift? Find out which sizes the recipient uses and which handle they already enjoy. A well-chosen set with useful storage makes a thoughtful gift; a familiar grip is often more valuable than an unfamiliar shape chosen only for presentation.

Small scale / Beautiful detail

Fine steel crochet hooks for thread and lace

Fine-thread crochet needs a different scale of tool. A 0.6 mm hook is much smaller than a 6 mm hook, even when both have a colourful handle.

Clover Amour Steel

The Amour Steel 3675 set contains seven hooks: 0.60, 0.75, 0.90, 1.00, 1.25, 1.50 and 1.75 mm. Consider it for fine crochet cotton, lace, miniature details and decorative edgings.

It is a specialist fine-thread set. For ordinary yarn projects, compare the larger Amour 3674 set instead.

Tulip Etimo Rose Crochet Hooks 14cm | Premium Ergonomic Crochet Hooks

Tulip Etimo Rose Steel

The Etimo Rose hooks listed here are fine steel models with cushioned rose-coloured handles. Individual sizes run from 0.40–0.90 mm, with five options in the listing.

Choose the exact diameter your thread and pattern require. The 14 cm measurement describes the tool’s length, not the size of the hook tip.

Keep fine tips protected between projects and check the millimetre marking carefully when ordering. Handle colour alone is not a reliable size comparison across brands or product families.

A different way to build fabric

When do you need a Tunisian crochet hook?

Tunisian crochet collects loops across a forward pass, then works them off on a return pass. The tool needs room to hold those loops, often with the help of a flexible cable.

Prym Natural Tunisian Crochet Hook Tips 15cm | 4mm to 10mm — Prym Natural interchangeable Tunisian tips connect to a compatible cord.

Check the whole system

Prym Natural 15 cm Tunisian hook tips are sold individually in sizes from 4–10 mm. A compatible cord is sold separately, so check that you have the complete setup your project needs.

If you want a set with several sizes and cables, explore KnitPro Symfonie 2. It includes eight hook sizes from 3.5–8 mm and four swivel cables, plus connection accessories.

For a closer look at choosing the tip and cord, read our Prym Tunisian crochet hook guide.

An ordinary blanket or granny-square pattern does not automatically require a Tunisian hook because it is large. Choose the tool for the technique named in the pattern.

The most useful small experiment

Try the same yarn with two hook sizes

A sample can tell you more than a long list of specifications. Make two small swatches using the same yarn and stitch, with neighbouring hook sizes.

Keep the other choices consistent

Use the same yarn, stitch pattern and stitch count. Label each sample with its hook brand and millimetre size.
Compare the fabric

Lay the pieces side by side. Feel their thickness and flexibility, look at the gaps between stitches and notice how the fabric hangs.
Measure for the actual project

For a garment or another size-sensitive pattern, make the specified gauge swatch, finish it as instructed and measure away from the edges. Check both stitch and row counts.

Too many stitches in 10 cm?

Your stitches are smaller than the target. Try a larger hook and swatch again.

Too few stitches in 10 cm?

Your stitches are larger than the target. Try a smaller hook and swatch again.

Compare over the measurement specified by your pattern. Hook size is a starting point; your own tension determines the result. See the Craft Yarn Council’s crochet gauge guidance.

Make the pattern easier to follow

A quick note on UK and US crochet terms

The same stitch can have different names. UK double crochet is US single crochet; UK treble is US double crochet. Check your pattern’s terminology before following a tutorial.

Getting the stitch right matters just as much as matching the hook size. A change of hook will not correct a sample made in a different stitch from the one specified. Keep the pattern’s abbreviation key beside you; the Craft Yarn Council’s standards booklet also includes a UK/US comparison.

The questions that make choosing easier

Crochet hook FAQs

Where can I buy crochet hooks in New Zealand?

Browse crochet hooks at Direct Sewing NZ for individual hooks, sets, fine steel hooks and Tunisian tools. Product pages show the available sizes and current ordering options.

What size crochet hook should I buy first?

A 5 mm hook is a useful option for learning when paired with a suitable yarn and beginner pattern. Clover Amour and KnitPro Waves 2.0 are practical handled choices to compare.

What crochet hook size should I use for 8 ply yarn?

For DK or 8 ply yarn, 4.5–5.5 mm is a common general starting band for crochet. Your pattern may specify another size to create a particular fabric. Check the recommendation and make a tension swatch.

Are ergonomic crochet hooks worth trying?

A broader or shaped handle changes the contact with your fingers and can feel more comfortable. Try the grip with your usual hold and yarn. Comfort is personal, and the most expensive hook is not automatically your best fit.

Should I buy a single hook or a set?

Buy one hook for a specific project or to try a new grip. Choose a set when you want several useful sizes for different yarns and tension adjustments. Read the exact included sizes before comparing sets.

What is the difference between Clover Amour 3674 and 3675?

Amour 3674 contains nine 2–6 mm hooks for yarn crochet. Amour Steel 3675 contains seven 0.60–1.75 mm hooks for fine-thread crochet. They serve different scales of work.

Is KnitPro Waves Grande the same as Deluxe?

No. The Waves 2.0 Deluxe set has nine hooks from 2–6 mm. The Grande set has 14 hooks spanning 2–12 mm. Check the product listing for the complete assortment.

Is KnitPro Oasis a Tunisian crochet set?

Oasis uses interchangeable heads attached to one wooden handle for ordinary single-ended crochet. For cable-based Tunisian crochet, choose a purpose-designed hook-and-cable system.

Which hook should I use for amigurumi?

Follow the toy pattern’s yarn and hook recommendation, aiming for the intended firm fabric with minimal gaps. A comfortable handle and a tip that enters compact stitches easily are useful. Make a sample before choosing by size alone.

Why does my crochet look different after changing hooks?

Different grips and hook profiles can change how you form loops, even at the same marked size. Check your tension when switching brands during a project, and keep a note of the hook you started with.

Can I use knitting yarn for crochet?

Many yarns are suitable for both. Choose the fibre and weight your crochet pattern needs, then select a hook through the pattern recommendation and swatch. A knitting needle size on the label is not automatically the required crochet hook size.

Crochet Hooks NZ: Choosing the Right Size & Style

Good yarn.
A lovely hook.
One more row.

Which crochet hook is best for a beginner?