If you crochet in poor light, have sight problems, or have a hard time seeing stitches made with dark yarn – especially when working with thread or two- or three-strand yarn – lighted crochet hooks might make your life a whole lot easier.
Lighted crochet hooks allow crafters the opportunity to crochet in the dark on long road trips or when the rest of the family wants to watch a movie in a darkened room. The light is small enough not to distract a driver or your family yet strong enough so that you can see in various lighting conditions.
What Are Lighted Crochet Hooks?
Lighted crochet hooks are simple — they’re just like standard crochet hooks that have an added light on the hook or the handle which is activated by a small switch. Depending on the style you purchase, the hooks might share an interchangable handle or may be a set of standalone lighted crochet hooks. Also, some may require batteries, and some may be rechargeable.
Monica Dremann invented the lighted crochet hook and filed for a patent in 2006. The lighted crochet hook uses an ergonomic shape made of plastic paired with light-emitting diodes powered by a battery. Since that initial patent, many others brands have manufactured lighted crochet hooks to capitalize on this newfound market.
Depending on the brand, you may have to buy batteries for your hooks or recharge them. There’s limited information on how many charges rechargeable batteries used in these units will last, but in at least one set, they are not replaceable. They’re also relatively inexpensive, allowing beginners, intermediate, and advanced crafters access to these fun, convenient tools.
Why Use Lighted Crochet Hooks
You might consider using lighted crochet hooks for several reasons, including:
- Eyesight challenges
- Crocheting at night
- Using dark yarn – the light helps you see the stitches better
- Crocheting in dim light
- Better handle grip
- Plastic hooks
- LED lights
- Aluminum hooks
Dark yarns are always difficult to crochet with since it’s hard to see the stitches – especially if you crochet in front of the television with dim lighting. The lights on these hooks can help you find the stitches on even the darkest yarn, and are small enough so that the light isn’t distracting to others in the room.
Sometimes stitches are hard to find when using thicker yarn. The lighted crochet hooks are a good choice to help you locate the stitches, especially when using thicker yarn that is darker in color.
Sometimes, those who have poor vision might not be able to crochet at all, even with a bright overhead light. The LED lights on the lighted crochet hooks direct the light right on your work, which makes it possible to crochet – even with poor eyesight.
One of the best features of using lighted crochet hooks is that the handles have larger grips that are ergonomic. It allows you to crochet longer without suffering hand fatigue. The grips also make it possible for those with arthritis or carpal tunnel to crochet.
Helpful Features
Various brands of lighted crochet hooks have their own take on which features are the most useful. Depending on the brand you purchase, you might find hooks with the following features:
- Handle uses interchangeable hooks
- Rechargeable with the USB port on the computer or USB plug in the wall
- Uses replaceable batteries
- Set of hooks includes extras, such as stitch markers, gauge ruler and seam ripper
- Comes in a set
- Round ergonomic handle
- Flat oval handle with rubber grips
- Comes with a USB charger
- Comes with a mini wrench to tighten interchangeable hooks into the handle
- Ergonomically curved handle
- Silicone cover
- Smooth plastic handle
When looking for a set of lighted crochet hooks, it can be helpful to have a must-have feature or two in mind. It will help you narrow them down to the best set for your needs. Some sets also come with accessories, such as a seam ripper, stitch markers and row counters. Some come with round handles or flat, oval handles.
You might already use regular crochet hooks with similar handles – purchase a set of lighted crochet hooks with the same handles so you won’t have to get used to using a new type of handle.
Product Recommendations
The top seven lighted crochet hooks have various features. Some sets come with accessories, some are rechargeable, and some are made from plastic or aluminum. Most of the hook handles are some form of silicone, rubber or plastic.
Yarniss Lighted Crochet Hooks
9 in 1 Interchangeable Heads Light Crochet Hooks with Accessories
This set of rechargeable lighted crochet hooks is made of silicon. The set has nine sizes with a purple handle. The hooks come with a case, so it’s harder to lose them. The lights have two brightness modes. You can choose either dim or bright based on the lighting conditions and the color of the yarn.
This set uses USB fast charge technology. The the built in battery takes just 15 minutes to charge and lasts from 7 to 9 hours. You can charge the hook with a wall adapter, computer, or a power bank. If you are a power crocheter, you might consider purchasing two sets. When one hook is charging, you can use the other hook.
While the handle is silicon, the hook heads are made from PC and are durable. The handle is ergonomically shaped. Sizes included in the set: 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5.
One reviewer said the hooks sometimes come off the handles, but not often. Another said the shaft could be longer. Otherwise, this set of hooks got many great reviews.
Genround Lighted Crochet Hooks
46pcs LED Lighted Crochet Hooks Rechargeable Set
This set of lighted crochet hooks comes with many accessories. This set has interchangeable hooks with one handle. The hook set includes 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm, 6.0 mm and 6.5 mm sizes. The handle is an ergonomically rounded handle that makes it easier for those with arthritis to hold and work with. The handle also prevents hand fatigue for those long crochet marathons.
This set comes with several accessories, including stitch markers, a mini spanner, cable stitch holders, measuring tape, scissors, and a USB charging cable.
The light has two levels – dim and bright. The rechargeable battery takes 15 minutes to charge and, like most, will last between 7 to 9 hours. You can use a wall adapter, computer or power bank to charge the lighted crochet hook. In an emergency, you can even use the handle with the light as a small flashlight.
Yarn Mania Aiyana Aluminum Light Up Crochet Hooks
Light Up Crochet Hooks w/ 12 Sizes
These hooks are great for all skill levels and include sizes from 2.0 to 6.5 in half sizes plus size 7 and 8-millimeter hooks (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 8.0 mm). The handle is made of silicone and plastic. The LED light is rechargeable, which means you won’t have to hunt down batteries in the middle of a project. It takes about 30 minutes to charge these hooks, and the charge lasts from six to 12 hours. The light has two levels of brightness.
The polished aluminum heads are interchangeable, which means you get one handle and 12 sizes of aluminum hooks. And, unlike plastic hooks, the aluminum hooks don’t bend and are 20 percent longer than previous hooks from this company.
The handle is ergonomically curved to reduce hand fatigue and helps those with arthritis continue their favorite crafting activity.
One reviewer said the coating was starting to wear off on the three hooks she uses the most. Otherwise, this set received many good reviews.
BCMRUN Rechargeable Lighted Crochet Hooks
BCMRUN Lighted Crochet Hooks Rechargeable Complete Set
This set of hooks is good for those with arthritic hands. Sizes included in the set are 2.5 mm to 6.5 mm (E, G, 7, H, I, J, K). The handle is made from rubber. This kit also includes crochet accessories, including stainless steel needles, stitch holders, stitch markers, plastic sewing needles, a row counter, scissors, the storage bag, and a knitting gauge.
The hooks are made of ABS+ plastic and are interchangeable with a smooth surface. The handle is ergonomically designed to reduce hand fatigue and is good for those with arthritis. The light has two levels – bright and dim. The battery is rechargeable – you can use a USB charger. It takes 15 minutes to charge the battery, and the charge will last from 7 to 9 hours.
One reviewer stated that she had a hard time getting the hook into tighter stitches, while another said it was more difficult for her to get used to the hook design. Otherwise, this set received many good reviews.
Yarn Story Lighted Crochet Hooks
9 pcs Light up Crochet Hook Set w/ 9 Extra Batteries
Yarn Story lighted crochet hooks come with nine batteries. Each hook has its own handle – they are not interchangeable. The handle is plastic, acrylic and rubber. The lights are bright enough so that you can crochet anywhere. Additionally, the handle is ergonomically designed, so your hands don’t become fatigued. The handle design also helps those with carpal tunnel or arthritis.
The set has nine hooks, and sizes in this set range from 2.5 mm to 6.5 mm, and the hooks are labeled with numbers and letters to denote the size. The case the hooks come in is water-resistant. You can also choose from three different color cases.
Reviewers said this set was “worth every penny,” and the light was very bright – a big plus. One reviewer thought the hooks seemed larger than other hooks (size).
Deflectair Lighted Crochet Hooks
Rechargeable LED Lighted Crochet Hooks Complete Set
This set of 11 lighted crochet hooks is made of silicone. The heads are made of PCTG so that they won’t break. They help immensely when you are crocheting with dark colored yarn and in bad lighting. The heads are interchangeable, and the head is ergonomic, which reduces hand fatigue and allows you to crochet if you have arthritis. The sizes range from 2.5 mm to 8 mm.
The light has two brightness levels for different lighting conditions. The battery charges in 15 minutes and lasts 7 to 9 hours. You can charge the battery via USB on your computer or a USB wall plug.
One reviewer stated that the grip tends to slide, and another said the tips needed to be longer. Otherwise, this set received good reviews all around.
Yarniss Lighted Crochet Hooks
Yarniss 17 Size Counting Crochet Hooks Set
This set of lighted crochet hooks has 17 sizes. The handle is made of hard plastic and has row and stitch counters built into the handle. You do have to click the buttons to count the rows and stitches – it doesn’t do it automatically. The sizes range from 2.5 mm to 14 mm, so you have the larger sizes you need for chunky yarn.
The battery for the light charges in 15 minutes and lasts 7 to 9 hours. You can use a power ban, wall adapter or a computer to charge the battery. This set also comes with an extra handle.
One reviewer was disappointed that she had to manually click the counters. The other reviewers loved the hooks for many reasons, including the bright light and the counters.
You can also choose to purchase this kit with 11 hook sizes instead of 17 hook sizes.
Lighting The Way
Whether you like to crochet in poorly lit places, have trouble with arthritis or carpal tunnel, or just prefer a lighted hook to help you see stitches when using dark-colored yarn, a lighted crochet hook will help. You have several brands you can choose from – look for the set with the features that best fit your needs.
Some of the plastic hooks might seem flimsy, but reviewers have said they haven’t broken yet. Only one reviewer said the seam in the plastic interfered with the yarn, though if that seems to be a problem, you could always sand it down with fine sandpaper.
Craft stores have many different brands of hooks. While doing research on the internet, you can compare brands and features, then pick up your favorite set from your preferred craft store.
