By Becky Stahl
Well, I have pretty much every hook known to man in my crochet hook collection. Apparently I'm conducting a very extensive research project. I have Boye ergonomic hooks, hooks that a daughter's friend's daughter made for me, Prym hooks, bamboo hooks, an ergonomic wooden hook, Furls Streamline crochet hook, Susan Bates hooks with wood handles, Dots crochet hooks, Clover Amour, and a Tulip Etimo hook.
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And, of course, the old standard aluminum hooks that I never reach for anymore. They're retired, but apparently still living with me.
Why The Tulip Etimo Won Me Over
The one I'm reaching for lately is the Tulip Etimo. I didn't think I would like it because it's shorter than the rest and I use the pencil grip, but I'm really liking it. I recently bought it, and I'm glad I did. I also like the Furls Streamline hook, but it's harder for me to hold with a pencil grip.
My Thumb Deserves A Place To Sit
I prefer hooks with at least a little ergonomic shaping. I don't like them big and bulky, but I do like a thumb rest. My thumb deserves somewhere to sit. It's working hard.
I'll never go back to using plain aluminum.
Furls Streamline Versus Tulip Etimo
Let's compare the Tulip Etimo and the Furls Streamline crochet hook. Two totally different hooks, very different styles, but both are economical. I believe the Furls hook is made for someone who uses a knife grip. I use the pencil grip, so my hand gets a little more fatigued over time when using the Furls Streamline crochet hook.
Both hooks are absolutely beautiful, especially the Furls hook. It's a little heavier, but so smooth and easy. It catches the yarn very smoothly. The Tulip Etimo feels great in my hand; it's comfortable to hold and grabs the yarn smoothly. I can use it for long periods without my hand getting fatigued. When I used it for over an hour, it didn't seem to bother my hands as much as the Furls crochet hook. The Furls crochet hook is much prettier to look at.
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Yes, apparently looks do count when I'm choosing a crochet hook.
The Prym Hooks I Never Reach For
I've bought so many hooks over the years that I've never used. I thought the Prym hooks would be fun, but there's something about them that I don't care for. The Susan Bates hooks with wooden handles seem to hit my fingers in the wrong place and bother them.
Yes I Am Buying A Whole Tulip Set
I would spend money on more Tulip Etimo hooks. I'm actually thinking about buying a set. I would also spend more money on the Furls hooks, although they are quite pricey. Because clearly, the problem with my hook collection is that there aren't enough hooks.
What I'd Tell Someone With Sore Hands
If you have sore hands and $40 to spend, I would recommend the Tulip Etimo or a Clover Amour. I think these are the most versatile, and they seem made for comfort rather than just looks; plus, they grab the yarn well. I would skip the basic aluminum hooks and the Susan Bates hooks.
The Boye ergonomic hooks are comfortable and easy to use too, and they're a better option on a budget. The Furls Streamline hooks are an excellent choice if you use a knife grip.
I enjoy having nice crochet hooks, and I'm always looking for new ones. I want to try the new ones by TL Yarn Crafts; I've heard they're really nice.
The research continues. Stay tuned.
