TULIPTP1166 Etimo Crochet Hook Set

This is a great kit, and I love both the clutch that holds the hooks as well as the included scissors. (I already had tapestry needles with bent tips, so I haven't used the ones with this set. I haven't used the ruler yet either.) It may seem that you get more bang for your buck ordering the Clover Amour set linked below because it contains 10 hooks, but you just get hooks. This set includes the eight hooks, plus a clutch in which to keep them that has room to store two additional hooks, and you also get the scissors and tapestry needles; all stored handily. This Tulip Etimo set is a bargain, especially if you watch the prices for a while and catch the set when it's at its least expensive.ADVANTAGES: How Tulip is better than CloverFor comfort, Tulip Etimo hooks are, hands down, the best I have used. They are more comfortable than Clover Amour (and generic ergonomic) hooks and regular aluminum hooks (like Boye and Curtzy). While the Clover Amour handle is flat where the thumb rests, the Tulip Etimo handle is more rounded. This means that when rolling the hook to create stitches, the edge of the Amour handle rubs against the finger, causing soreness, as do regular hooks, but the Tulip Etimo handle doesn't. Also, the finish on the Etimo hooks is even smoother than the one on Amour hooks, so that scratchy yarns move more smoothly and squeak much less. (The smoothest finish of all, though, in my opinion, goes to Curtzy hooks.) It's a dream to crochet with Etimo hooks.DISADVANTAGES: How Clover slightly edges out TulipSadly, Etimo hooks aren't as deep as Amour hooks. This means that yarn sometimes slips off the hook when making complex maneuvers, such as when I am using the join-as-you-go method to connect granny squares. Really, that's the only advantage of Amour over Etimo, and it's not that big of a deal, in my opinion. I still prefer to use the Etimo hook, even if it means I have to spend a few extra seconds trying to pull one loop through another. I will say that, in the case of the smaller hooks, the Amour hook shaft and handle are longer than that in the corresponding Etimo hook. This applies to hooks B/1-2.25mm (not in this set), C/2-2.75mm (not in this set), D/3-3.25mm, and E/4-3.5mm. By the time you hit the larger hooks, things start to even out.THE BOTTOM LINE: I highly recommend the Tulip Etimo hooks. Clover Amour hooks are very good, but Tulip Etimo hooks are better, I think. Even though it does cost more per hook to buy these hooks separately, I would recommend buying one to try it out before committing to the purchase of this set. It's worth it, even if you end up with extra hooks. I bought the G and H hooks first to take them for a test drive, since those were the hooks I was using most at the time. I don't regret it. Get the I (5.5mm) hook here.

These hooks are a game changer when working with the rougher 100% cotton yarns. I have a lot of the bargain ergonomic crochet hooks that really made crocheting a dish cloth or hot pad a challenge and time consuming. I had heard these Tulip hooks were really good and honestly couldn’t justify the price. But, after reading a post from someone who also suffers from arthritic hands I decided to take a chance and spend the money. I am so glad I did! The rough cotton glides over these hooks, my hands are not cramping up trying to work the stitches! I can fly through working with cotton again. Best crochet investment I have ever made. The pouch is rugged and has a zipper compartment for your tape, blunt needles and some stitch markers. It folds up easily and is made of quality material. The scissors are excellent as well, very sharp. If you don’t want to buy the set, at least buy the size Tulip Etimo hook you use most and give it a try, your hands will be grateful.

I had wanted to get back into crocheting but have had carpel tunnel for about 25 years, including having had surgery on both hands for this. Holding normal crochet hooks was just not comfortable for more than a few minutes, and so I was just never able to do so. Then my daughter had purchased some hooks with cushiony grips, but to me they just seemed cheap with the plastic hooks that were just inserted in the rubber. I did some research and found these Tulip Etimo hooks and bought a set and I really like these.These hooks are comfortable to hold and do not make my hands ache. With normal hooks, I would have to stop after only about 5 minutes, even after the surgery. My surgery was 6 years ago and the carpel tunnel is coming back, so I try to be as careful as possible about anything that causes me pain and numbness in my hands, as I do not look forward to having surgery again. The metal part of the actual hook is durable, there is no paint flaking or anything, and they all seem to be very well constructed. There are also no burrs or any rough spots that catch any of the threads or yarn, they are very smooth. I have been using them since July and have had no problems with any of the hooks in the pack. There has been no separation from the base and they are all well lined up with the grips and straight.These are high quality hooks, and the price of this combination pack is much better than buying the included hooks individually. It includes 8 hooks, a pair of scissors, 2 needles and a small 4.5 inch ruler, that at first I thought was paper, but when I took out of the pack is actually plastic. This is all kept in a carrying case that is well designed and has slots for an additional 2 hooks. Hook sized are D-3 (3.25mm), E-4 (3.5mm), F-5 (3.75mm), G-6 (4.00mm), 7 (4.50mm), H-8 (5.00mm), I-9 (5.50mm), and J-10,(6.00mm). They also sell other sizes (as well as these) individually and they sell packs with the smaller sizes. This pack has the most common sizes that are used. For 8 hooks, they average between $5-6 a hook as a pack. Individually, they run from $8-10 each.

Absolutely the best hooks I have used. They are a good length for my hand. The handle is comfortable and my fingers don't get fatigued (I have arthritis). The shape of the hook makes it easy to get in and out of the stitches and bring the yarn thru the stitches. I especially like that the size of the handle makes these a dream to use.