Erica I don't crochet with the tiny hooks any more, I did when doilies and lace were so popular, but I am 70 so that was a long time ago. I will tell you 1 thing those tiny hooks are good for in quilting, Have you ever looked at your finished quilt or almost finished quilt and seen a dark thread, or unwanted thread you can see in the quilting? those tiny hooks can reach inbetween stitches and many times reach that thread and drag it out, also being a knitter have you ever snagged a sweater, sock or hat? You can use a tiny crochet hook to bring that loop to the wrong side (the inside) of the item where it won't be in danger of causing more damage by tieing it off with a thread.I always used the Boys hooks, I have larger hands. I got hand fatigue after a short because of the thinness as you described. I found a handle that they fit down in for people with arthritis and all the hooks will fit the handle and it adds the grip needed to hold on to. It comes with little colars for the different size hooks to hold tight, Just buy 1 handle not a new set of hooks again. You might also try those soft foam pencil holders you slide up the pencil to make them more comfortable then the grip would be where ever you wanted it,.
I grabbed a single hook to see if I like it... absolutely LOVE Clover! I have always been a Susan B gal, love the inline and the finish. But Clover has both as well, and Susan B's ergonomic hooks are awkward to work with. They'd be better if the handle came up just a smidge higher on the shaft. Going to keep using the Susan B for a while though, see if it just takes some getting used to. But Clover... wow! DEFINITELY getting the full set!
Prym hooks are PLASTIC. That is to say they are NOT RESIN HOOKS. If you drop a Prym hook, it will survive. Resin hooks are not so lucky to that end. About 7 out of 10 drops a resin hook will break. Prym is compatible to HL’s plastic ergonomic hooks. If you had any resin hooks the difference would become quite clear. Now I know “ Everyone crochets and holds their hooks differently “, however I notice you are doing something that my grandmother would say is wrong 🤷🏽♀️ You hold your hook SEMI pencil style, but it is not a FULL pencil grasp. You are using your middle finger, ring finger and pinky irregularly. Your middle, ring, and your pinky fingers should NOT be involved in touching the hook OR the yarn. Your thumb, index and ring fingers are the ONLY fingers that should be touching the hook. Think about how you write: The pen or pencil should rest on the middle finger while the thumb and index hold and guide the instrument. You speak about a lot of hand cramping, the way you are holding your hook is what is causing your discomfort 💯 Now here is what will really surprise you. Since I am telling you this, you could assume that I too hold my hooks pencil style: I AM A KNIFE GRIP CROCHETER 😲😂 But I was taught by my grandmother to hold the hook in the traditional grip: Pencil ✏️. I can switch between the two and crochet comfortably either way. But I use resin hooks, Furls being my #1 choice, Ommi second. I figured out that I have long fingers and need longer hooks. So I can’t use the Clovers, or any metal ergonomic hook, and no longer use my Susan Bates. I was raised on those, and now I can’t use them. I have two plastic Pryms, but they are large sizes and only I use them for Bulk yarns, they aren’t a go to though, too much drag. I absolutely HATE BOYE HOOKS! The head is too round, the throat is not deep enough and I can never stay in my stitches because of these two issues. I use either tapered or inline hooks. All of my Tunisian crochet hooks are hybrids.
I was taught how to crochet on the Boye hooks, but I am now using the Clover Amour hooks. When my mother developed arthritis, I picked these up for her, and she loved them. And now I do, too...for all the reasons you have listed! I also really like the different colors for the sizes.
Hi Sandy I recently started having troubles with my hands, because I was crocheting for very long periods of time without taking breaks in between. I absolutely fell in love with the Clover Amour Hooks also. I want to make a suggestion. Several months ago when they first came out I purchased afew of the new Furls Silver Streamline Crochet Hooks ( Not to be confused with their Odyssey crochet hook) . Pick up just one in her favorite size hook. I now notice that I’m using these silver hooks more than any other, and my hands do not hurt at all. I think that they are about 32.00 give or take on the furls website. Like I said just buy one to see if she likes it. I’m crocheting a fairly large blanket/throw right now. I’m using Lionbrand pound of love yarn, and a size M 8.00 mm Silver Streamline hook. The blanket is working up like a dream. I do not like any of their other crochet hooks just these. Good Luck. Have a great weekend
I'm think it depends on what hook you leaked to crochet with. I use susan bates, can't use boye. Sister is opposite. I have been crocheting more than 50 years.
Thank you so very much for your video. It was the most helpful. I agree and disagree with some of the things you said. The older metal hooks have been around the longest and I think they’re the most accurate and true to size. A lot of the newer hooks that have all these fancy handles and fancy heads, they’re not true to the actual size and you have to adjust your size of the hook to fit the pattern that you’re using. And you shouldn’t have to do that. If they’re gonna develop a new hook, then it needs to be accurate and correct. In my opinion. You are exactly right on that about how it fits your hand and holding it, the length of the hook, all of that I agree with of what you’ve said. Oh, and also, I agree with what you said about cramping your hand, extra full and thickness of some of these new fancy hooks, keep your hand from cramping. Overall, very good video. I’m gonna keep you around.
I’ve been crocheting for over 60 years and am still using the same Boye hooks I began with. I love them. I do put a “comfort grip” onto the hooks. Help with the grip and puts my fingers closer to the hook.
Susan Bates also sells an ergonomic grip (in sets of 2). Once I added that to the handles- they actually became my favorite. The only drawback is they don't cover the really small sizes, or ay hook larger than 8mm.
The dot hooks are my second favorite hooks (right behind the clover of course!) and they're my travel set. They were slightly "sticky" on the onset but I buffed them with my t-shirt and now they glide nicely. I do also have the red etimo and prym hooks but something about them rubs (har har) me the wrong way. Also, shouldn't the overall be an average of the category scores?
Thank you for this review. It was quite informative. I was 5 years old when I learned to crochet using Boye hooks, so they always feel good, even now in my arthritic hands. I have some inexpensive wooden ones, some Clover Amour (which I love), and other off-brands. Your review has made me want to buy other brands to try out. Again, many thanks.
Thank you for doing this video. I have been looking for new hooks. The clover i have been leaning towards. I a just so stuck with how much they cost where i live. Even the single ones are coostly. I do need to switch my hooks. My arthritis is getting worse and fingers are locking up as I crochet. Does anyone think its worth getting the top 3 to 4 sizes that you use almost all the time? Wondering on the lasting of the hooks. Anyone have to replace from wear?
I have very small hands, so I am comfortable with my clover Amours and my Tulips. I also like the Knit Picks radiant laminated wood hooks. Then hooks do not give me cramps of any kind. I can just stay away from bargain brands or store brands, because I really do think you get what you paid for. I do still have my aluminum hooks, and I use them from time to time. The hooks I really don’t like are the big ones with the long shelf. They might be pretty, but they would never work for me, because my hands are just too small for that kind of thing and I like a shorter shaft.
I started using yarnology hooks from hobby lobby and love them for 2 reasons, they are a perfect grip for me and they are only $1.99. I've since replaced every size for these hooks. Jmho...Thanks for the video I do enjoy seeing these kinds of reviews ❤
I’m so old school. I’ve been crocheting for 55 years and still prefer just plain old Susan Bates. I have a zillion of them and I’ve noticed that the head shapes are all slightly different depending on the year they were made. As a pencil holder I want to like the newer hooks but I still prefer my G Susan B’s.
Same. I learned how to crochet with Mom's Susan Bates hooks and, except with bulkier yarn, I tend to go right back to my trusty H hook. I'm going to try the soft ergonomic set to see if my (very tight) grip will relax a bit and whether they'll help with cramping. I've heard that Clover Amour are closer to the Susan Bates style, rather than Boye, too. Seems to have a smaller head and it doesn't extend beyond the shaft as much, in profile. They also have a similar finish... which I love! So I'm going to try those ones next lol.
This was my first visit to your channel and I enjoyed your review. My crochet grip is virtually identical to yours and I absolutely love Clover Amour hooks. At last count, I have 18 - from 2.25 mm to 15 mm. I started with Boye hooks many moons ago and switched to Clover about 10 years ago. I bought most of them using my 60% off coupons at Joann’s which made them super affordable. I was gifted a couple of those pretty Knit Picks hooks and will have to try them now. I was also given 15 of the We Crochet Bright Hooks and notice that the hook part is as you described for the Dot hooks. Disappointing since they are pretty. Again, thanks for the nice video!
I would love if Prym would make a shorter hook set as I do love the grip! We Crochet Dots is a set I enjoy for certain projects (not cottons). Will skip those birch ones by We Crochet...because I am not fond of wood hooks and I need to have the hooks marked with the size! I might try the Sewrella, but I do wish they had different colors for the different size hooks. Overall, I adore my Clover Amour hooks! (But I sometimes buy others because they are so cute. 😳🤓😂). Thank you for an awesome review Erica! ❤🦋
I have bigger hands and love the Prym hooks. They are very comfortable for me and hand fatigue is minimal. I started with Susan Bates hooks many years ago and love the inline shape but the shorter overall length and narrower diameter handle really limits my ability to crochet very long due to hand pain. Great review!
Hi. As a pencil holder and not a knife, the longer Prym are terrific! The shorter hooks cramp my hands but there are different hooks for different applications & yarns. Have a lovely day
I've never used plastic hooks, so I'm not sure I'd like these, but I'm intrigued. They come up in a lot of hook reviews, might have to give them a shot 😊
For the issue with the grip try getting a pencil grip and put on them it makes it thicker and softer as well for the thin metal ones and you can place it where ever on the hook you want it. I like the Clover hooks I just wish they made all sizes with the plastic shaft since I like those best
Best bet... buy a standard aluminum set each of Susan Bates (inline) and Boye (tapered), so you can try both styles out and see which you like best without going broke lol. Both brands have ergonomic versions as well. The hybrid brands are a mixture of each. I prefer the inline hooks, so I may try the Clover Amour soon, since they lean more toward the Susan B style than Boye. Try making small washcloths in each stitch until you're comfortable with the stitch. Start with single crochet (sc), then half double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc), and triple/treble crochet stitches (tc). Then try a beginner project (baby blankets or scarves are great) to get the hang of reading a pattern. There's a ton of YT videos to help too💕
I want to try the Susan bates, I think the head is right up my alley! I looooove the head and handle of the prym ones, but the material is so bad! Everything a 4mm and down don’t buy it! I’ve snapped 2 4mm in half! My local craft store doesn’t even stock them anymore because they had so many returns. Also here in Europe they only have the mm size on the handle. I really like the really pointy heads esp for cotton or worsted weight yarn
Those Sewrella hooks look a bit like Clover Soft Touch or Knitter's Pride/KnitPro Waves in the handle, but the price point seems similar to Tulip Etimo hooks. (Actually, my set of Laurel Hill wood hooks is close to that price when they're not on sale, but "Santa" found a good sale on them a couple of Christmases ago.)
Wish you would’ve included Tulip and Furls. Pretty expensive, but really good hooks. Clover is by far my default hook I use, it’s such a great and affordable hooks.
I own several of the WeCrochet wood hooks, but have only used the 6mm/J hook, largely because of the lack of hook size information on the hooks. They are comfortable and light, though, not that much different from my favorite Laurel Hill wood hooks.
I learned to crochet in high school with Susan Bates aluminum hooks (the same set you showed, in fact!). I prefer bamboo, wood or ergonomic hooks nowadays, though. I love my Laurel Hill wood hooks, but bring a set of Athena's Elements "Clover Amour" dupes when I travel (inexpensive, so less to miss if I lose 1), and use a Furls Streamline, a Clover Amour (with resin head) or an inexpensive bamboo hook when I need a large (10mm+) hook.
I love the Prym hooks! But I got confused when you said they only had the US size on them (the letters), I checked mine, and they have milimeter on them. I live in Europe tho. Maybe they make different ones, for different regions? Still a bit weird tho, imo
The clover amore’s were a total game changer!! The comfort grip and the ultra smooth glide of the hook through any yarn...made crochet SO MUCH MORE enjoyable!! I’ve gotten them off eBay for much cheaper than Amazon or other yarn suppliers. I’ve bought 3 of the reg size pack the one that hoes up to a 6mm. I’ve bought 1 of the ‘steel’ hooks and then the bigger/plastic hooks. The reason is because I usually have multiple wips going on w same hook size. This way I can keep the hook and project together. HIGHLY recommend clover amore.
Where does furls hooks fit in on your review. You covered a lot of hooks really liked your review compared to others you showed a lot more, thanks. I agree with the clover and I also liked furls, it’s difficult after hand surgery and having to wear a brace, to find the right ones.
I love those soft grip Clovers too. I will say that my first crochet hook set had printed numbers and I've rubbed them off-- so I like a stamped in size on my hooks now.
I have older hands, lol and could not work with a f hook or a g hook. My go-to crochet hook is a 6 mm, j in the US, and I stick with worsted yarn. Anything else will cramp my hands like crazy
Great comparison. My favorites are also the Clover Amour hooks. I have small hands and I also have a pencil grip. The wooden hook is so beautiful! I’ve been hearing good things about the Tulip hooks but they’re also pretty expensive. Thanks for the for the informative video.
As a knitter, I’ve used teeny crochet hooks to place different sizes of beads on my lace knitting. I love crocheting with bulky yarn so I don’t see myself using those tiny hooks for anything else 😅
You are right. There are no sizes on the week Crochet nitpick hooks. I think that was a big mistake. It’s the only thing I don’t like about the hook. I took mine out of the package, I just didn’t like the package. I ordered the. 10.5 hook, and the.N hook separately, because they are the sizes I like to use. I generally use the J J, K K, and N hooks from this set, and it is easy to remember the sizes of each one. I love using these hooks because they are just so pretty, and they feel so good in my hand.
I believe WeCrochet also sells a set of "Brights" hooks, which appear to be an inexpensive Clover Amour dupe. I haven't used them myself, but I recall buying a set of them on sale a couple of years ago as a Christmas gift for a teenager who was just learning how to crochet.
Yeah, I like the look of those better than the Dots hooks. I really want to try them out too, but I want the Clover Amour ones just a little bit more lol.
My WeCrochet wood hooks are in the Caspian (blue/green) finish. I can confirm that there are NO hook sizes marked on them. I kept the hooks I wasn't using in their original individual packaging, and included a hook sizer with them when I posted them for sale on eBay.
Boye and Susan Bates have ergonomic options now too. I'm going to be grabbing a set of each when I can. Definitely need to try the Clover Amours some day too!
I love the clover amour hooks, out of the brands I’ve tried they are my favorite. Could you use a pencil grip on the wooden hooks to make them more comfy for you?
Hi Erica and I am new to your channel and right now I am working on my cottage core mosaic blanket and granny squares blanket and butterfly mosaic blanket and a baby blanket and I love your channel and your videos and if you keep making videos I will keep watching them and what is your favorite crochet project to work on right now and favorite types of yarn to used when crocheting and keep up the great work on your RU-vid channel and keep up the great work on your crochet projects
I have a friend with the Tulip hooks and she said they're fairly comparable to the Clover. I tried them out and agree, so I didn't want to spend money on another set that was so similar. She did say that Tulip has some other sizes that Clover doesn't offer, so that may be something to consider.
Thank you for the review! Very helpful! I would love a review on knitting needles. I am just now getting into knitting and a review on needles would be very helpful! Thank you for keeping us inspired!
I love hooker review, because I think it is so important to use the right tools. And, of course, the right tools for me might not be the right ones for you. My favorites are,Tulips, C;over Ampirs, Susan Bates plain, and my brautigul knit Picks, radiant hooks. I do own or odyssey, which I don’t use very often a set of beautiful lantern, moon, hooks, and a few boy hooks. I tried to print, but it is way too long for my very small hands. I really don’t like big long hooks. I learned on Susan Bates, aluminum hooks, and I still keep a pack of them in my notions bag. I love them. Thanks for the review. I’m looking forward to it.
What a great review. My favorites are Tulips, Clovers, nitpick, radiant, and my color coated Susan Bates aluminum hook. Actually, my Susan Bates hooks are fun to use, because they bring back so many memories. My hands are child size, so I really don’t like anything that big and bulky or long. I did try a print, but gave it to my great niece, because it was just too awkward in my small hand. One thing I really like about the clovers is that they are color coded, and so easy to tell what size I’m reaching for. I have severe glaucoma, so reading sizes on Crochet. Hoax is a big deal. next time tryTulips, They come in black red and pink. The handle fits perfectly in my hand and they glide through yarn life butter. Oh, I almost forgot. My old Susan Books have never given me a hand cramp. They fit nicely in my hand, and I love how they feel. I also enjoy the nitpicks laminated wood hooks. My only complaint about them, is that they have no sizes on the hooks themselves. Thanks again for a great review❤
I love the Clover Amour as well. I have 2 sets. I was able to get a great price on Amazon one Christmas and couldn’t resist. I also really like my Tulip Etimo. They come with a great case which includes scissors and storage compartments. I also bought the Dots when they came out. I like them too. I especially like the hole in the bottom where you can hook in a stitch marker! A nice little bonus. I don’t think I’ve bought the Prym. I honestly can’t remember, lol. I may be getting them mixed up with the Dots, but I have heard complaints about the long tip as well. I learned years ago on Susan Bates which are inline hooks and during one class I needed a different size and had to buy the Boye, which is a tapered hook. I test out my yarn and pattern using different hooks to see which one works the best for each individual project. Thank you for a great review. I never knew Sewrella had hooks. They are pretty but I prefer the Clover at half the price.😊
Excellent comparison , thank you. I was watching one of your tutorial of grannies squares when RU-vid suggested this video to me 😀 after watching the video I meditate order the clover set . Thank you for contributing so much to me with your knowledge and talent 🥰🤗🙏
Just discovered your channel. You might like the chiagoo crochet hooks. The handle is shaped like the sewrella but is bamboo. The hook is closer in shape to the clover. The reason i like the bamboo handle is that it doesnt cause friction sores on my hand like the rubber handles (tulip or amour). This only happens when i crochet for a prolonged session of crocheting. Universal yarn sells the chiagoo for $5-6 per hook.
Hi Erica, I am a new subscriber. Your review on hooks is very interesting. I am going to be honest what drew me in was your last name. I am a older woman, also a Christian, and my maiden name was Arndt. I will be watching to the end of your videos so you get credit for it. You seem real interesting and I like your views. 😊 A crochet friend!
If you have hand fatigue ,go to the dollar tree abd get make up sponges ,put a hole in the middle and slude down the shaft of the hook ,believe me your hands will thank you for it abd its only a dollar fix ,you don't have to spend 15 or 20 dollars on grips 😊❤
I didn't realize there where so many different brands. I prefer a large grip also. Would love a comparison on both knitting needles and sewing machine needles. Thanks
That Susan Bates hooks sizes are a little hard to see however, they are color coated, so all you have to do is just know that each size has its own color. Easy Peezy I love this about these hugs because I have serious vision issues and cannot read any sizes on any hooks.this is very handy for clover. Amor’s are also color-coded. That’s such a big help those of us with vision issues.
I enjoyed your review of the hooks, and my favorite is the Clover hooks also. When I first learned to crochet I only had Boye hooks and then I bought some Clover and now that's all I use.
A wonderful tutorial. I especially appreciated how to weave in all the tails so beautifully. Usually I just ended up with a big tedious mess at the end of a project.
This video was so well done. There wasn't any extra verbage no straying off the path to comments that were not pertinent just right to the point and then pointing out the areas that were the most comfortable for you as well as the price point very valuable I subscribed and thank you
Smaller hooks are used for thread. For lace and filet crochet. I just learned how to filet and it was really fun. Took a bit to get used to the small hook and thread.
Just wanted you know I purchased and my husband installed the felt right quilting star in my sewing room. I used your discount code. Thank you very much. I LOVE this product! I selected red/white. Kim
Hello, I love my Susan Bates hooks. Back when I first learned how to crochet Susan Bates and old were the only hooks on the market so one had to make due. Now that I'm much older, I tape the ends with colorful Duct Tape (that can be found in Michael's) for a better ergonomic grip. Also I love the Addi Swing crochet hooks, they are pricey, but they are ergonomic, and help cut down on hand cramping and strain in my case.
