Ergonomically Correct Crochet Hooks
When I was pregnant with my 4th child (about 8 years ago) I started having problems while crocheting. After less than 5 minutes (yes I timed it) I would get severe hand pain. I would rest my hands and try again, only to have to put the hook back down. It was so bad that I gave up crocheting until after my daughter was born :( Things eventually resumed to normal, and I went back to my crocheting. A couple years later I was pregnant again and having the same problem. I’m not sure whether it was that technology had made progress, or whether I was determined to do anything I could to keep crocheting, but I came across ergonomically correct hooks. YES!!! I bought a couple in the sizes I used the most so I could continue to crochet. Needless to by the time I had my 6th child the pain was constant. I can’t crochet for more than 5 minutes without pain (even when I’m not pregnant). So, I decided it was time to invest in a whole set of ergo hooks.
When I started trying new hooks, my plan was to do a review of each hook I could find. But I soon realized what works best for me, may not be a good fit for someone else. And what didn’t help my hand pain may be just the hook someone else needs. So instead, I decided to just tell you what I found and fell in love with. After trying hand carved hooks, Clover Soft Touch, Clover Reflections, and Addi Swing, I fell in love with the Tulip Etimo hooks. But, I do admit it wasn’t love at first sight ;). The first time I used them I thought the smooth surface felt a little slimy. But, that may be exactly why I can now crochet for as long as I want without pain. So, if you’re going to give them a try, it may take a couple of uses before you love them. It took me a while to save up (and I made sure I had a coupon), but once I knew they were what I wanted, I decided it was a worthwhile investment to get the whole set.
If you’re looking at trying ergo hooks here are a couple of suggestions:
- Buy one size to see if you like it (I suggest the size you tend to use the most) – Purchasing the whole set isn’t a great idea, just in case you don’t like them, as they do tend to be pricey.
- Shop with coupons – Many of the craft store chains offer 40% off coupons. While you can’t purchase the Addi hooks at any of them (to my knowledge), they do carry the Clover hooks. Joann’s also now carries the Tulip Etimo hooks.
- If you just can’t part with your Susan Bates hooks (or Boye), even though you have hand pain, consider putting a rubber coating on them to see if that helps. Then you can keep your favorites ;)
Happy Crocheting!
Thank you so much, Kristine, for sharing your information on the Tulip hooks. I have very bad arthritis in my thumbs and experience a lot of pain chrocheting after a while. These look fabulous! I just ordered 1 each of two sizes from an eBay seller. They were $7.79/hook and free shipping. None of the JoAnn stores in my area carry anything remotely ergonomic. I looked at their store online and they are $9.99 each and I only saw one size offered individually. Then there’s shipping and tax unless you wait for a free shipping offer. I can’t tell you how excited I am to get these two hooks!!! Thanks again.
I liked your hooks, I had to share them with my friends.