The Start of My Quest

My research and study of crochet hooks began with a missing hook. My sister bought this set of Lee Ward hooks for my Mother in the 1960’s.


When I inherited them from Moma there was one hook missing. Most crocheters want a complete set of hooks whether used or not. And like most crocheters, I wanted the set to be complete. This started a quest to find a hook to replace the missing one. I looked in antique stores, thrift shops and finally on eBay.

Shortly after I started the quest, I discovered the hook was never missing I had put it with my other hooks by mistake. By then I was hooked on finding out if hooks could be dated based on their markings and I was off on a research project that continues to this day.

For the Susan Bates Crochet Hook Collector

So the Susan Bates hook lovers do not feel left out this blog is dedicated to Susan Bates vintage hooks. And if you are lucky, you might run across a vintage Susan Bates store display case to house some of your hooks.

The C. J. Bates Company started out making bone hooks. Sometimes referred to as Ice Cream Cone hooks because of their shape, these bone hooks are not too difficult to find. However, what is almost impossible to find are hooks in pristine condition like the ones in this picture.

Clipson hooks are also collector items. There are two kinds, one with the metal clip and later ones with a plastic clip.

Some other vintage Bates hooks…

1. Anchor Crochet Hook …steelite crochet hook in a handle.
2. Quicksilver … the Susan Bates version of the Teflon coated crochet hook.
3. Early Plastic … pre in-line plastic hook.

And last but not least...early plastic afghan hooks.

As you can see from this sampling, there is enough variety of vintage made in the USA Susan Bates crochet hooks to keep a collector looking for a long time.

Rare Size 15 Boye Crochet Hook

In my research on crochet hooks I came across a reference to Boye introducing a size 15 crochet hook in late 1924. About 5 years ago, I finally found one.

Then, yesterday I was sorting through some hooks I bought on eBay a couple of years ago. If I hadn't procrastinated so long, I would have discovered that buried with the hooks was another size 15 Boye hook. This one has markings indicating it was made after 1925.

In your search for hooks to add to your collection, see if you can find one of the rare Boye size 15 hooks.

Difference Between Vintage and New Susan Bates Inline Hooks

I have had several people question the differences in vintage inline Susan Bates hooks and the new ones made in Mexico. Soooo...I am going to attempt an explanation .

The difference is more evident in the steel hooks.

The top hook is the made in Mexico hook, the middle is made in Japan and bottom is made in the USA. The USA one has a shorter shank and flatter throat than the other two. The others have more of a scoop for the hook than the classic inline shape of the USA hook.

Aluminum hooks...

are very similar (top is USA) (bottom is made in Mexico). The one made is Mexico has a more pointed head and the throat is not quite as flat. Also the throat on the one made is Mexico is a little shorter than the USA hook and though it doesn't show on the picture there is more space for the yarn in the USA hook.

Every good girl deserves a Boye...

is an ad from the 1950's for Boye crochet hooks. In addtion to the standard aluminum and steel hooks... here are some hooks you might want to add to your collection..

Bone Hooks

Steel Yarn Hooks

Interchangeable Hook Set showcased at the 1933 World's Fair.

Boye Interchangeable Hooks What's Old Is New Again

I used a Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon to buy the a new Boye interchangeable crochet hook set.

I just had to have a set to compare to the set that Boye made in the 1930's.



What do you think?

I like the case on the new hooks but think the old ones are better looking.

You can order the new INTERCHANGEABLE HEAD CROCHET HOOK SET from Amazon...the vintage one you'll have to order from me.

Cleaning Steel Crochet hooks

I was asked how to clean a vintage steel crochet hook on the Crochetville Forum. This was my answer.

To get rid of the rust, I dip only the discolored area of the hook in CLR or Lime Away for a few minutes then take an old toothbrush and a little dish detergent and clean it good.

Next, using "0000" steel wool moistened with a few drops of WD40 or a good machine oil, I rub the area well (this could take a while). Then I coat the hook with a little Blue Magic Metal Polish Cream let it dry and buff with a clean dry cloth.

If the hook is still discolored, I use a finger nail buffer or jeweler's cloth or both and buff it. I repeat the use of the steel wool and the buffer until the area is smooth.

Once all the rust is removed, I use the metal polish again and then wax it well. The best wax to use is Renaissance wax, the second best is bee's wax, next best is rub it well with waxed paper.

Remember that rust indicates that the protective coating on the hook has been destroyed and it will need to be washed regularly, protected with a good metal polish and kept waxed to prevent it from rusting again.

I restored the bottom hook in the picture using this method, when I started it looked worse than the top hook . Here is a link to a bigger picture with more detail.