Inline Hooks vs. Tapered Hooks, Which Is Your Favorite?

Inline Hooks vs. Tapered Hooks

Did you know there are two different crochet hook styles?  Often we learn with one style, then later try the other.  I learned with a tapered style hook and later tried an inline style hook.  Let’s learn the difference between Inline Hooks vs. Tapered Hooks!

The hooks below are a mix of styles, can you spot each below?

Inline Hooks vs. Tapered Hooks

So what’s the difference between Inline Hooks vs. Tapered Hooks?  Here are two hooks below that I’ve placed side by side.  The hook on top is a tapered hook, and has a cylindrical body, then transitions into a smooth, cone-like throat.  You’ll notice too that the hook is a little less deep and has a bit of overhang.  I also want to point out that the thumb rest is further down.

The hook on the bottom is an inline style hook.  This hook has a more geometric appearance, almost as if it were cut from a cylinder.  You can see that the throat is more planar, with a flatter shape.  The hook itself is deeper, and pointer than the tapered style.  Also, the thumb rest is a bit higher.

Inline Hooks vs. Tapered Hooks

Here they are from another angle, the inline style being on the left in green, and the tapered style in aqua on the right…note the more sloping smoother look of the tapered hook. Notice the more angular sharper edges of the inline hook. Most crocheters have a definite preference with one over the other. Some stitchers will even use them interchangeably, with different yarns and different projects. Some will say that certain yarns work better with a specific style hook too.

So stitchers, what is your favorite style?  Do you use them interchangeably?  Do you prefer one for a certain project or type of stitch?  Comment below, I’d love to hear your thoughts! 

Inline Hooks vs. Tapered Hooks

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75 thoughts on “Inline Hooks vs. Tapered Hooks, Which Is Your Favorite?

  1. Hmm… Interesting… I never knew the difference before; plus I have only been crocheting for a few years now. I guess you could say I only use inline hooks because that is all I have to purchase in the Country… If I went to the city I would have many different options…

  2. I learned on inline style and am much faster with this style. I have trouble finding the inline style in stores so I tried the tapered but I constantly split the yarn with the point on the top of the tapered hook which slows me down.

    1. The tip is pointier but the head itself is smaller overall on the tapered hook vs the same sized inline hook. I prefer tapered for tight stitching such as with amigurumi because it goes into those tight stitches more easily but I'll often opt for an inline hook when doing something more loose like an afghan.

  3. I prefer my Clover soft touch hooks which are tapered. But if I am needing a looser stitch I switch to my inline hooks.

  4. I prefer the inline hands down. I've tried the tapered and it just doesn't work for me. Well it works but not well.

  5. I purchased an inline hook by accident and really don't prefer it over the tapered. Love the tapered, especially metal versions, because they are smoother and work easily with yarn.

    1. I agree because the work seems harder for having to reach farther to unhook for the hook of the next yarn for stitching. I use tapered also because of the smoothness whereas you don't have to use the extra tension accept when needed.

    2. I agree. Even if you look at the picture above, you can see that the green one (inline) has a very short working shaft, just a tiny space between the thumb rest and the start of the sharp cut which leads to the actual hook. So where is the space for you to work? Especially with stitches that require multiple loops or dcs such as puffs and popcorns. You wouldn't have consistent loop size.

    3. I agree, I can never let the yarn off my hook on the inline. I learned with tapered and that is my choice. I bought an inline and regretted it.

  6. I haven't been crocheting very long but I am finding I prefer the tapered. I just finished a scarf with an inline hook and I noticed it was harder for me to hook the thread and get it in the loop. I dropped the yarn over more than I care to admit. It was a chunky yarn and a bigger hook. I didn't happen to have an L hook in a tapered so I used that one, but going forward, I will probably look for a tapered hook in that size if I need to use it again.

  7. I have a mix of Susan Bates, Boye, and Hero. Most of the time I use Boye but when working with bulky fabrics I prefer Bates Crystalites. Love collecting hooks of all kinds, especially vintage.

  8. First choice Etimo Tulips and then Boye are my favorites. The Bates are not smooth enough for me. Bates heads are to chunky.

  9. To me Susan Bates inline hooks are better when you need to crochet a slip stitch row, with bulky yarn also.

  10. Boye is my favorite. I didn't realize there were so many different hooks until recently myself. I find the Bates creates a looser stitch, therefore a larger gauge for me than a Boye, when using the same size hook.

  11. I learnt to crochet using a tapered hook, although I have a mix of hooks I very much prefer the tapered hook.

  12. I can't stand inline hooks. I hate using them and refuse to buy them. The second I picked up my first tapered set I became a happy hooker and haven't stopped using them all these years later. Love, Love, Love

    1. I have one inline hook. It's my only one in that size, so when I need that size hook, I have to use it. I hate it. Absolutely hate it. I feel like I have to work much harder when using the inline. It requires more wrist movement, splits my yarn, and gets caught. Judging by the available selection of hooks at every store I have been to, it would seem that tapered are the more favored style overall.

  13. Interesting because I have a terrible time with the tapered. I keep dropping the stitches with them. I guess it's a good thing the 2 different kinds exist for all of us.

  14. Huh I had no idea there was such a thing as inline hooks. I've always used tapered. I'd be interested in trying an inline however. My favorite hooks I've ever used are tapered and ergonomic (The ones with the thick rubber grips) Boye hooks. I crochet hats and ear warmers for the souvenir shop I work in and switched to ergonomic after a few weeks of crocheting non stop. Worth the extra money.

  15. I am 100% Inline! I learned on Tapered but I cant stand using them anymore! I have to have the inline!

  16. i use both tapered for getting into the tight spaces if i'm working tight, and inline if its loose. if tension don't matter, i just go with whatever floats my both. I LOVE both sets of hooks, but i guess if i was FORCED to chose, Susan Bates inline all the way. (really i'm decided based on the bright vivid colors of my hooks :P)

  17. I am all about some Susan Bates inline! I drop the yarn constantly with the Boye, the throat just isn't deep enough.

  18. I do not care for either. I like the bamboo hooks that have no thumb rest and a very short throat so I know there's plenty of room for my stitches to stay the correct size, i.e. treble crochet. I wish my metal hooks were made like the bamboo hooks.

    1. Ditto. Nice and light. I just have to be sure to measure and mark the size when they aren't clearly marked, and check for smooth hooks, as they tend to splinter when made once in a while.

  19. I inadvertently purchased a Bates inline hook while on vacation once and had to make a special stop back at the store to return it. For some reason I really struggled capturing the yarn and then dropping it. It also felt like I was far slower. I am certainly a Boye tapered type of girl!

  20. Wow. Amazing how few comments are here as this is the "religion" question of the crochet world. I learned how to crochet using the tapered Boye hooks. After a while, I noticed the rabid discussions regarding the two different hook types and went out and bought a Bates inline hook One use was all it took for me to go out and buy a complete set of inline hooks and trash the tapered hooks. I was crocheting faster with less splitting of yarn and dropping loops off the hook. A few months ago, someone made mention of the Clover Amour hooks that are like a hybrid of the inline and the tapered hooks. I now have almost a complete set of the Amour hooks as they have become my favorite hooks of all time. There's just something about the blend of the two styles and the polished aluminum and comfy handle that's just perfect for the way that I crochet. In the end, though, it all depends on the way you crochet and what YOU find more comfortable. Your best bet… try 'em both!

    1. I'm with you, Mike. Didn't know there were different types and had only the tapered hooks. Bought an inline hook, by accident, and loved it. Have not picked up a tapered hook since. Am curious about the Amour hook. Haven't heard of it before. Will look for it. Thank you for the tip.

  21. I have used both inline and tapered style and don't really have a preference, as long as the yarn doesn't split or the hook doesn't break (I've ripped the heads off a few inline plastic hooks and can't say that it was a good experience). I do have one special hook that is inline, doesn't have any thumb rest and makes fantastic I-cord that I adore, but it's a one-of, not part of any particular set. My sister bought me a full set of tapered hooks for Christmas this past year and I like them almost better than my inline Bates crystal hooks.

  22. In line, I always have a hard time with the other hooks and it takes me longer to Crochet with the tapered hooks

  23. I think it depends on if you are a "knife grip" or a "pencil grip" as the inline or tapered hooks grab/slide differently. I'm an inline pencil gripper 🙂 My wrist barely moves, it's all in the fingers. My co-worker likes tapered hooks and she's the overhand knife grip — and her wrist/elbow are just all over the place when she crochets (lots of motion).

    1. I agree. My mother and I were just having this same discussion yesterday. I love the inline for my pencil grip, but she prefers the tapered and holds her hook knife-style. It's strange that she taught me to crochet, yet we have completely different styles and preferences. She also crochets very loosely and I am much tighter.

    2. I don't think that her crocheting style depends on the hook, though.
      I use pencil grip and I hate inline hooks, can't work with them. So that can't be the reason.
      You should ask your coworker to try the other style of hook in front of you, just for the sake of experimentation, so that you can see whether there's a difference. It would be interesting.

  24. I use the tapered hook because I learned to crochet with that kind and I like it's low thumb rest. When I tried to use the inline hook, the deep throat & sharp angle of the hook would always splits my yarn. However I like the pointed head of the inline type as it makes insertion into tight stitches easier. What I really want is a hybrid hook; a blend of the two…a tapered hook with the low thumb rest, but also with a pointy head. I believe this hybrid hook would be my dream hook.

  25. I didn't realize that there was any difference in hooks until I purchased a different brand hook than what I had been using. Suddenly, I couldn't crochet without splitting the yarn or losing my stitch off the hook! Now, I refuse to buy anything but the inline hooks, although it is harder to find them in stores.

  26. Definitely inline hooks for me! I have been crochet for nearly 30 years and always used the tapered style, until a friend sent me a package with a packet of Susan Bates hooks and I love them. They are my "go to" hook for working with 4ply and up, I still use the tapered style when making doilies and finer thread projects, but that's only because I can't find small sized inline hooks where I live in Australia.

  27. I've used both styles and I find I like the inline style over the tapered. I think the inline hooks keep the yarn on the hook better for me. It is harder to find the inline style though in stores.

  28. I have a mixture of both but love the smoothness of my inline hooks as thry don't tend to snag on the yarn so I can hook a lot quicker 🙂

  29. I prefer tapered hooks but have used both for various projects. I too find that the inline hook snags and splits the yarn. I have been crocheting for over 45 years and learned using a tapered hook that explains why I am so comfortable with it.

  30. This is really interesting. I could see the difference immediately, but I think I've only ever used tapered hooks. I'll have to buy an inline and try it out!

  31. Have been crocheting for 50 years. Use inline exclusively. Tapered shreds my yarn and it takes me FOREVER to get a row or round done. Love the crystallite hooks for chunky yarns.

  32. I'm definitely a Boye (tapered) girl. My favorites are the Crochet Dude hooks with the soft grip handles. I have some inline, but they aren't my favorite to work with.

  33. It's funny, I thought everyone would agree that the tapered was the way to go because that is what I use. I guess it would be a pretty boring world if we didn't have differences. I don't like the inline for the same reasons some don't like the tapered. I feel clumsy with the inline and the ones I have are the matte finish so they are not as smooth. I wonder if I found a smooth inline if I would feel differently? hmmmmmmm

  34. I am a fan of the tapered. I have used both – and have both in my hook drawer. I find the inline slows me down. I want to try a Furl hook – but they only come in inline, so I am hesitant to spend the money. Right now, I am loving Boye's Crochet Dude hooks – very comfortable to use.

  35. I thought that inline hooks just didn't have the thumb rest in the middle Ie: Tunisian hooks to hold your stitches and the Knook which is used for knitting. Never realized it had to do with the hook end not being tapered. hmmmmm
    Stay inspired!
    Michelle

  36. IN line – ALWAYS – the tapered is what I learned on but the inline is much smoother and faster – 🙂

  37. Hi everybody! Are Clover and Clover Amour crochet hooks inline or tapered? I'm thinking of buying them because of the excellent reviews but I need to know if they're inline or tapered. I seem to crochet better with my old Susan Bates Quicksilver crochet hook than I do with the a Boye hook. Please help. I'm purchasing soon. Thank you!

  38. I prefer inline. I find I snag yarn and loose my stitch to often with the tapered and it slows me down to much. I crochet faster with inline. There are some cases i still use tapered like if I need a looser stitch. I guess my tension tends be to tighter with inline and looser with tapered.

  39. I prefer inline as well. I decided to stick with my old Teflon-coated Quicksilvers by Susan Bates. They don't make them with the Silkon Finish anymore. Crocheting with them is a joy, smooth as butter. Check eBay because sometimes the older Susan Bates Quicksilver crochet hooks come up for sale. Buy one. You won't regret your purchase.

  40. I prefer tapered. I tried both inline and tapered and found that I split the yarn more often and I crochet slower when using an inline hook. Thankfully, the Clover Soft Touch hooks are tapered and have used them exclusively for all of my projects. Looking forward to trying the Amour set.

  41. I have been crocheting for almost 40 years, and have always used both the inline and the tapered hook, but hands down I much prefer the tapered hook as I tend to crochet really fast and the slightly larger overhang of the inline hook makes the yarn ravel more, which makes me have to stop and disentangle it. For me, the smoother head of the tapered hook makes for a better texture and more even stitches and doesn't slow me down near as much

  42. I can honestly say I’ve never used an in-line hook. I don’t think I’d like them to be honest. I like my comfort grip hooks. They’re comfortable and are better for my arthritic hands.

  43. I've tried both but feel more comfortable with inline. I drop and split the yarn with tapered. The hook just won't hold the yarn. I use pencil grip and that may make a difference. Wonder if the knife grip people prefer the tapered and pencil grippers prefer inline?

  44. I didn’t realise there was a difference and when l checked thought mine were all inline until someone mentioned clover Amour of which l have 4 or 5. When l bought them it was for the soft handle and they are fine but my absolute favourites are the clover soft touch and it’s hard to tell but l think they’re tapered l don’t notice much difference in the actual hook – for me it’s all about the soft comfort regardless.

  45. I learned from my mother on tapered Boye hooks at age five. Flash forward three decades and Susan Bates became available in our area. We took one inline stitch and never went back. Inline all the way from then on!

  46. I learned on an in-line Susan Bates. I hold my crochet hook more like a pencil. Using a tapered hook I have to use a lot of wrist movement. In-line is so much easier and causes less damage to the yarn at least for me. Less movement and better looking stitches.

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