Clover Soft Touch, Hamanaka Rakuraku, Tulip Etimo
This review is based on my personal experience with these crochet hooks, and is affected by my hand size and how I crochet. Other people may have different results. Also, this comparison is for regular-sized hooks only and does not include steel hooks; my review of Japanese steel thread crochet hooks with grips is here.
Clover Soft Touch Hooks
Until recently, I was a Clover Soft Touch devotee. I learned to crochet on Clover hooks. I’ve used them to crochet everything from amigurumi to pillows to blankets. I have always felt that the grip was much better on my hands than the occasional Boye hook I tried. Also, I noticed that my beginning crochet students had fewer problems with their yarn splitting when they used Clover hooks.
What there is to like:
- Clover Soft Touch Hooks are relatively inexpensive. They retail individually at $6.99 or as an 8 hook set with a case at $55.00
- Readily available on the Internet, in your Local Yarn Shop or craft store
- A good basic hook and I really recommend it for beginners
Some drawbacks:
- The grip is comfortable but I think it could be more cushioned
- The hook shaft is not quite as smooth as some hooks I’ve tried and I find my crochet to be a bit slower on the Clover hook
Hamanaka Rakuraku Double-Ended Hooks
A couple years ago, I came across another Japanese crochet hook with a grip that looked really promising: Hamanaka Rakuraku Double-Ended crochet hooks. I saw some positive reviews by crocheters and thought I would order the set online. They’re so pretty, too! Each hook’s handle is a cheerful bright color. I bought a 3 hook set and since the hooks are double-ended, I actually had 6 different sizes.
I liked the feel of the grip better than the grip of the Clover Soft-Touch: it is triangular with the flat side facing the hook and there are little ridges under where your thumb rests. The problem I had was that these hooks didn’t fit my hand very well. The end of my right hand was really bothered by the shaft of the other end of the crochet hook resting against it. It wasn’t bad if I was just crocheting for a brief period of time, but it becomes uncomfortable after a while. I’d say my hands are medium-sized and I think that these hooks would work fine for someone with smaller hands. I also think the indentation below the hook, the crook (can I call it that?), is very shallow and didn’t catch the yarn well when pulling through the loops on the hook. These hooks were okay for me, but rarely use them.
From these two photos below, you can see that the indentation on the Hamanaka hook is the shallowest of the three hooks
Nearest: Etimo; Middle: Hamanaka, Farthest: Clover
Etimo, Hamanaka, Clover (arrow pointing)
What there is to like about Hamanaka Rakuraku:
- Fewer hooks to keep track of, as each hook is two sizes in one.
- Attractive looking
- Grip is nicely shaped and feels comfortable to hold
- Smooth shaft
Drawbacks:
- These hooks are more costly. I think for the set of 3 (6 sizes) that I bought, I paid about $55, plus shipping. (You can also buy them as individual hooks instead of a set).
- Not widely available. I bought mine on Etsy but at the moment, I only see them for sale on Ebay.
- Doesn’t slide through the loops wrapped around it as easily as it should.
- The double-ended style of hook in regular sizes may not be comfortable for some people to hold.
- The actual size of the hook is not printed on the side in millimeters. Instead, there are numbers such as 5/0 and 7/0 and you would have to look up what those numbers correspond to in mm.
Tulip Etimo Hook
So, finally, the reason I “used to be” a Clover Soft Touch devotee is the Tulip Etimo crochet hook. I was completely contented with the Soft Touch hooks until my Local Yarn Shop told me how wonderful the Tulip hooks were and that they had ordered some at yarn market. The shop owners said that the hooks made them want to crochet. I had never heard of Tulip so I looked the hooks up on the Internet and found a glowing review from Doris Chan.
I was a little skeptical because I was pretty satisfied with the hooks I already had but I couldn’t believe how much I loved crocheting with it. The triangular shape of the grip and the rubbery material it was made of are so comfortable to hold. The shaft of the hook is incredibly smooth and the crook of the hook is deeper and caught the yarn more easily when I wrapped it around the hook for yarn overs. The head of the hook slips through the loops easily and I found that I could crochet much faster and more smoothly with the Tulip Etimo hook than I could with the Clover or Hamanaka. Now, when I have to use a Clover I don’t enjoy it because I’ve been spoiled by the Tulip hook.
What there is to like:
- Good quality hooks that feel like a luxury. It’s like when you treat yourself to a really nice yarn!
- The grip feels excellent and has the perfect place to rest your thumb on top.
- Crochet action is smooth and fast, in my opinion.
- Easier to catch yarn with the hook and keep it on the hook.
- You can buy them as a set with a case that includes 8 hooks, scissors in a sheath, yarn needles and a small ruler.
Drawbacks:
- Cost. These hooks retail at $9.99 each. Completely worth it, in my opinion, but you might feel differently. I don’t know yet what the cost of the hook set will be…I’m waiting for my LYS to get it in.
- Availability: They have only just begun to distribute them in the U.S. I recently found them on a few sites online, such as Amazon and Caron (the US distributor) but I bought mine at my LYS, Stitch Your Art Out.
Hamanaka, Tulip, Clover
Have you tried any of these hooks? What was your experience? Do you have a favorite brand of hook? What do you like about it? Please leave a comment letting me know what you think.
Happy hooking!
http://lamanosa.blogspot.com/
Hello
So glad I found this site, I too feel exactly the same about the clover soft touch, it has a nice grip but as you say the finish is rather rough and does slow down the process, I also thought this of the Tulip, but is not as bad as Clover, I have small hands so I do like the Hamanka (I think these are the smoothest of all) but am very frightened that I may accidently pick up and start using the wrong end! I wanted to ask if you had tried the Addi swing yet? I bought on a normal type one a few months ago and wasn't impressed the handle was rough with lines and again the hook was not a smooth hook, just wondered if they may have improved on it as I don't want to waste money buying a swing if the hook is the same as you know these are not cheap ( think I have a fetish for hooks, but not wood or bamboo)
Many Thanks
Marian
Hi Marian, thanks for taking the time to share your experience with these crochet hooks! It is always nice to hear another person's perspective. You know, I hadn't heard of the Addi Swing hooks until you mentioned it. I looked them up but I don't know how they compare to their regular hooks which are called Color Coded hooks. If you have an opportunity to try one, I'd love to hear what you think.
thank you for the insight about the hooks. i owned a couple of clover soft touch and i am quite satisfied with it. i love the glide of the yarn on the shaft, not so " slide-y" and in control. the thing is the plastic touch to it while crocheting which i have to live with , and which i did. i want to try tulip etimo ( read doris chan's review) and the reviews are very good. someday i would love to try but hopefully i would still be using my clover too.
by the way, are bamboo hooks nice to work with?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the hooks! I know what you mean about the plastic handles being a bit bothersome, at times. I have to agree that I was quite happy with the Clover soft touch hooks and it was only when I was persuaded to try the Tulip hooks that I decided to work with Tulip instead. I haven't tried the bamboo hooks but would like to see how they crochet. If you ever have a chance to use them, I'd love to know what you think.
Thank you so much for your review…
I'm a french newbee crocheter and I'd like to find the perfect crochet for me…
I have a clover soft touch at home to try… great grip indeed but I think the indendation is too small for me
Your Pixs show me that Hamanaka hooks aren't for me (even if they are so kawaï !!!) and that I should prefer the tulip indentation and the grip of etimo
…
Then now I know what I should ask for my birthday : a Tulip etimo set
Hi Charlotte!
Thank you for stopping by and commenting! I am glad that you found the review helpful and I hope that you will get a Tulip Etimo set for your birthday.
The grip feels great and is raised enough that your thumb rests comfortably on it. I really enjoy working with them.
Happy crocheting!
I have spent over an hour trying to find a set of these hooks online but they out of stock everywhere. I tried an Addi Swing and it is just to big to be ergonomic for my small hand.
Wow! I guess word has spread that these hooks are really great! My local yarn shop still has individual hooks and the sets in stock if you want to call and order them. The shop is called Stitch Your Art Out and the phone number is (814) 238-4151. They\’re open 10-5:30 M-Sat. Good luck!
Thanks for the review on the hooks. I was so excited when I read it that I just had to have a whole set! LOL This morning I woke up and decided to order one. I haven't crocheted much lately because of hand problems so it is best to go slow. I really can't wait to get my hands one one though
Hah! You are going to love the set, Cindy! It is totally worth it. The hooks feel great in your hands and I think they actually make you want to crochet MORE.
I'm excited for you!
I too like the clover hooks especially when you get to the smaller hooks. The larger handle makes it easier to work for longer periods of time. I came upon this sight looking for hooks with larger handles, and am inpressed with the tulip review, may give them a try. Was also wondering about the addi swing, not sure I want to just ry it for the price.
Hi bullylvr,
I would highly recommend the Tulip hooks! I am so happy with them that I haven\’t even bothered to look into the Addi Swings. I feel like the Tulip hooks are the ones that will be my go to hooks for my lifetime, I like them that much.
Thanks for stopping by!
Misty
Thanks for the review on the Hamanaka, Soft Touch Clover and the Tulip Etimo hooks. I have a set of the Clovers and the Hamanakas too and your review of these hooks is right on target.
I don't own any of the Etimo hooks, but I would love to give them a try now.
Thanks very much for this helpful review. Since I am a devoted threadie, I'm heading over to the steel hook review soon.
_______
Lee Ann
My blog: Crochet…Gotta Love It!
Crochet…Gotta Love It!
*********
My website: Crochet…Gotta Love It!
Crochet…Gotta Love It!
*********
Hi Lee Ann,
I am glad to hear that you have tried some of the same hooks and with similar results. I can\’t say enough good things about the Etimo hooks! I hope you have a chance to try them some time!
Best wishes,
Misty
I have been on a search for the perfect crochet hook. I have tried the clover, addis (sure grip), addi swings, tulip etimos, Chia goos with bamboo handle, Init bamboo hooks, Prims from Britain and knitters pride from Webs. The addi swings would be nice but they don't really fit the way I crochet. They would work best for someone who really makes a fist when the grip their hook. I absolutely love the Tulip Etimos and they are worth every penny. Amazon has some good deals on sets. I bought the regular set and the steel hook set. The steel hooks have cushioned handles but the are not nearly as big around as the handles of the larger size hooks. I really like this as I don't think I would like a fat handle with a tiny hook. The hook that came in at a very close second was Webs' (Yarn.com) Knitters Pride. They feel almost as nice as the Tulip Etimos, the metal material is just as smooth. My only problem with them was that they have a little shorter handle than the Etimos which for me, I like the handle a little longer. But they were definitely my second choice and get this they are only $2.99 each!
Hi Lisa,
Wow, you have done some serious research on crochet hooks–I am impressed! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on what you like and dislike about the ones you have tried. I didn\’t even know Chai goo made hooks! I\’ve only heard of their needles.
So have you found the perfect hook, do you think?
Best wishes,
Misty
Hi
For me Iam using hamanaka hooks buy it from eBay
Set of five hooks so I have ten sizes beside the lace hamanaka hooks
I like it so much before I used clover
The old fashion not soft touch