Choosing the Best Crochet Hook for Plush Yarn Amigurumi: Inline vs. Tapered

If you've ever found yourself squinting at your stitches wondering why there's a gap in your amigurumi plushie or why your tension is all over the place, you’re not alone — and your crochet hook might be to blame.

Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed animals, dolls, and plush toys — and it relies on tight stitches and clean shaping to get that cute, squishy look we all love. Whether you're using an inline crochet hook or a tapered crochet hook, the type of hook you choose can affect your tension, stitch control, and the overall finish of your project.

So which hook shape is better for amigurumi? In this post, we’ll break down the physical differences, how they handle when you're working in the round, and which one might be the best fit for your crochet style.

Let’s find the right hook to help your stitches stay snug, clean, and adorable.

What’s the Difference Between Inline and Tapered Crochet Hooks?

At first glance, all crochet hooks might look pretty similar — a handle, a hook, a place to hold your yarn. But once you start working on detailed projects like amigurumi, the shape of that hook head can make a big difference in how your stitches turn out.

Let’s break it down:

Inline Crochet Hooks

Inline hooks have a head that’s in line with the shaft of the hook with a deeper throat and a sharper angle between the hook and the shaft. The head is more pointed, which can make it easier to insert into tight stitches. The throat is deeper, helping pull the yarn through cleanly. This shape tends to create very even, tight stitches, which is great for amigurumi makers who want that clean, no-gaps look.

Tapered Crochet Hooks

Tapered hooks have a rounded head that flows into the shaft more gradually. The hook part sticks out a little more, and the transition is smoother. Tapered hooks are often included in low-cost starter sets or colorful multi-size kits, meaning many crocheters start with them by default, without realizing there’s another style out there. The head is more rounded, which can help yarn glide off easily. The shallower throat makes it feel smoother and sometimes faster. Many crocheters say it feels more natural in the hand. They can be great for speed and comfort, especially during long crochet sessions.

In short? Inline hooks are all about control and precision. Tapered hooks focus on glide and speed. And for amigurumi, where tightness and stitch definition are key, even this small difference can change the whole feel of your project.

Inline vs. Tapered: Which is Better for Plush Amigurumi?

Here’s the honest truth: neither hook is “better” across the board, but one might be better for you, especially when it comes to the tiny, tight stitches that amigurumi calls for.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of each with amigurumi specifically in mind:

Inline Hooks – Pros and Cons for Plush Yarn Amigurumi

Pros:

• The pointed head makes it easier to insert into tight stitches, which is especially helpful when working small rounds.
• More control over tension, helping keep stuffing from peeking through inconsistent stitching.
• Creates sharp, defined stitch shapes.

Cons:

• Made for precision, not speed. Some observe that they need to make more hand movements to complete the stitches.
• Some crocheters find them less comfortable for long sessions.

Tapered Hooks – Pros and Cons for Plush Yarn Amigurumi

Pros:

• Smooth, rounded head glides easily through plush yarn, making stitching feel more fluid.
• Ergonomic and faster-feeling, especially with padded handles, which helps reduce hand strain during long sessions with plush yarn.

Cons:

• Can lead to inconsistent stitches. Because the throat narrows, the stitches made closer to the hook will be different than the stitches closer to the handle.

Choosing the Right Hook for Your Style

So now that we’ve explored the basics of inline vs tapered hooks, let’s break down how you can choose the right one for your style of crocheting. There’s a general belief that each hook type suits a certain tension and stitching style, but everyone crochets a bit differently.

Here’s how to figure out which hook will work best for you:

If You Crochet Tightly…

Tapered Hook: A Potential Fit

Why it works: The general belief is that tapered hooks provide less resistance, allowing your loops to glide more easily through the hook. For crocheters with tight tension, this smoother, less-resistive path is often thought to help soften the grip and make it easier to loosen up.

The trade-off: If you already crochet with tight tension and tend to form your stitches around the narrowest part of the throat (instead of the full shaft), a tapered hook might make things worse. That narrow section can cause your loops to cinch even tighter as they slide through, which can lead to uneven stitches or a struggle to keep your tension consistent—especially with plush yarn or when working in small, fiddly rounds.

Inline Hook: A Better Fit in Some Cases

Why it works: Inline hooks are great for tight crocheters because their deeper, more consistent throat can give you more control over your tension. This can help prevent your tension from getting too tight, allowing for smoother, more consistent stitching. The deeper throat limits the space for the yarn to constrict, making it easier to keep tension in check.

The trade-off: While inline hooks are typically better for tight tension, the increased resistance might feel a bit stiffer in your hand, especially when working with thicker or fuzzier yarn like plush yarn. This might slow you down slightly, but the trade-off can be worth it for more controlled stitches.

If You Crochet Loosely…

Tapered Hook: A Potential Fit

Why it might help: Tapered hooks often offer a smoother glide and faster movement, which some loose-tension crocheters find more comfortable. If your grip is naturally relaxed, the gentler shaping might let you stitch without snagging or dragging, helping you find a better rhythm.

The trade-off: That same smoothness can also mean less control over your loops. If your stitches already lean loose, a tapered hook won’t do much to rein them in—and might even make your work feel floppier, especially with plush or slick yarns.

Inline Hook: A Better Fit in Some Cases

Why it works: Inline hooks have a more defined shape with a deeper throat and flatter head, which offers more grip on the yarn. That extra control can be a game-changer for loose-tension crocheters, especially when working with plush or slippery yarns that tend to stretch or shift. The firmer hold helps keep stitches consistent and tension more even.

The trade-off: That added control also means more resistance. If you’re used to a looser, faster stitching flow, an inline hook might feel a bit slower or more deliberate. But for some, that slight drag is exactly what brings balance and consistency to their work.

If You Want Crisp, Clean Stitch Definition…

Inline Hook: A Reliable Choice

Why it works: Inline hooks are a favorite for achieving sharp, consistent stitches. The flat head and deeper throat create more uniform loops, which is especially helpful for detail work like amigurumi. When working with tricky yarns, like plush or fuzzy fibers, an inline hook can help you place stitches more precisely, even if the texture hides the final stitch definition a bit.

The trade-off: Inline hooks can feel a little slower because of the added grip, but the payoff is more control, especially when you're working on small shapes or want your stitches to stay clean and well-formed.

Tapered Hook: A Smoother Alternative 

Why it works: Tapered hooks offer a fluid glide that some crocheters find perfect for fast stitching and smoother movement. If you're using standard yarn (non-fuzzy, non-plush) and want to keep a brisk pace, a tapered hook can help you stitch comfortably while still getting decent stitch definition.

The trade-off: With plush yarn or tighter tension, tapered hooks might make your stitches feel a little looser or rounder. The smoother glide can sometimes sacrifice that extra precision, which may matter more in highly detailed projects.

Pro Tip: You don’t need to marry one hook style forever. Many crocheters switch between inline and tapered depending on the project. (Personally, I use tapered for larger pieces and inline when I really want crisp detail.)

Final Thoughts: It’s All About What Feels Right in Your Hands

At the end of the day, the “right” crochet hook for amigurumi is the one that helps you feel confident and keeps your stitches looking how you want them to.

Inline hooks are generally considered a great option for amigurumi due to their ability to provide tighter control over tension and produce cleaner stitches. That being said, every crocheter has their own preferences, and some find tapered hooks work better for their individual style.

Whether you’re team inline for that tight control, or team tapered for comfort and glide, both styles have a place in the world of plushies and tiny friends. And hey — sometimes the best way to find your favorite is to try both and see what feels best when you're in the middle of a late-night crochet session with a half-finished chocolate chip cookie or watermelon in your lap.