Inline vs. Non-Inline Crochet Hooks: The Basic Difference
Inline and non-inline (also commonly called “tapered”) hooks are the two main hook shapes you’ll come across, and the difference comes down to the shape of the hook’s throat — the part just below the hook head.
- An inline hook has a straighter-sided throat, with the hook head sitting closely in line with the shaft. The overall profile looks more uniform from the head down.
- A non-inline (tapered) hook has a throat that narrows gradually toward the head, giving it a more tapered, rounded profile.
This difference can subtly change how yarn moves through the hook and how the hook feels in your hand, but neither shape is considered objectively better — a lot of crocheters develop a preference simply because it’s the style they happened to learn on first.
What Inline Hooks Are Used For
Inline hooks are used for the same range of crochet work as any other hook — there’s no special project type reserved for them. Some crocheters feel that the straighter throat on inline hooks gives a more defined “stop point” when pulling yarn through, which some find helps with consistent tension, while others find the same feature makes the hook feel stiffer or less smooth. In practice, the choice between inline and non-inline comes down to personal feel rather than a technical requirement tied to a specific stitch or project.
Does Hook Style Affect Tension or Gauge?
It can, but usually not dramatically, and the effect is often smaller than the difference your own technique makes. Switching hook styles can feel different because the shape and construction of the throat and head affect how smoothly the yarn glides and how the hook catches it. If you switch from an inline hook to a non-inline one (or the other way around) partway through learning, don’t be surprised if your tension feels a little different at first — that’s a normal adjustment period rather than a sign you’re doing something wrong.
It’s also worth knowing that two hooks marked with the same size number don’t necessarily produce identical results, since hook shape and manufacturing can vary between brands. If you’re working on a project where exact sizing matters, making a small gauge swatch with your actual hook and yarn is a more reliable check than assuming the labeled size alone guarantees a match.
Are Susan Bates Hooks Tapered or Inline?
Susan Bates hooks are generally described within the crochet community as inline-style hooks, with a more squared-off head that sits in line with the shaft. By contrast, Boye hooks are generally described as tapered (non-inline) hooks. This is a widely repeated distinction among crocheters rather than a hard technical specification, so treat it as a helpful general reference point rather than an absolute rule across every hook that either brand makes.
What Should Beginners Look for in a Crochet Hook?
Rather than chasing a specific brand or hook style, beginners are generally better served by looking for a hook that:
- Feels comfortable to hold for an extended stretch of time.
- Allows yarn to glide smoothly without snagging.
- Is easy to grip and control, especially while you’re still building muscle memory.
- Matches the size recommended on your yarn’s label, at least as a starting point — see this site’s guide to choosing crochet yarn for more on matching yarn weight to hook size.
If a hook causes hand strain or doesn’t feel natural, an ergonomic hook with a larger, cushioned handle is worth trying, regardless of whether it’s inline or non-inline in shape.
Is There a “Best” Crochet Hook?
Not in any universal sense. The hook that works best for you is largely the one that feels most comfortable and helps you form consistent stitches, which is a personal fit rather than a fixed technical answer. Many experienced crocheters who prefer one style over the other learned on that style first — their preference likely has more to do with built-up muscle memory than with one hook shape being inherently superior.
How to Choose Between Inline and Non-Inline
If you’re just starting out, don’t spend too much time agonizing over this decision before you’ve even picked up a hook. A practical approach:
- Start with whatever hook is readily available to you, ideally in the size recommended on your yarn label.
- Give yourself time to build basic muscle memory with that hook before judging whether the style suits you — as covered in this site’s tips for beginner crocheters, consistent practice matters more early on than the specific tool.
- If you later try the other style and prefer it, that’s a perfectly good reason to switch — just expect a short adjustment period and consider a gauge swatch if you’re mid-project.
The debate between inline and non-inline hooks is a long-running one in crochet circles, but for a beginner, comfort and consistency will get you further than picking a side.