These are my absolutely favorite crochet hooks. I even have a set of them in sizes for thread. Those are hard to find. I googled and found that this site still has a few left in thread sizes – http://www.yarn-store.com/crochet-hooks.html.
I have never ordered from that site, so I can’t actually endorse them. But, the Clover Soft Touch Hooks in thread sizes are hard to find. I purchased mine through my LYS a couple years ago. The dearth of them on the internet may well mean that they are no longer in production. That’s too bad. BUT – the yarn sized hooks are readily available and they are not overly expensive. Besides – these are our TOOLS, folks. We NEED good tools.
Why do I like these hooks? They fit my hand nicely and the thumb rest is nicely cushioned, hence the name ‘soft touch’. Their heads are also a nice ‘in-between’ inline and traditional hooks. I prefer inline hooks, but have adapted to these easily. For a quick head-to-head comparison of inline vs ‘traditional’ crochet hooks, check out the pictures at www.karpstyles.com/crochet/Types-of-hook.html .
Before I discovered these hooks, I used a Caron silver hook which is no longer produced. I found those at Garden Ridge back when they used to carry more yarn, hooks, and needles. Haven’t seen the Caron hooks in years. Then, I discovered the wonders (for me) of inline hooks and bought a whole set of Susan Bates hooks. The Susan Bates Silvalume hooks are readily available in full sets and in single sizes. Not having to buy an entire set of hooks every time I need a new G hook is a definite plus.
I have encountered a few problems with individual Clover Soft Touch hooks. In one, the brown thumb rest pad came loose. Another friend encountered this problem also. I should have called the company to complain, but just used a bit of Super Glue to tack the pad back down. That has worked well. Another issue was one hook that came out of its handle. That was a bit of a shock when it happened, but again, it was quickly fixed with a speck of Super Glue. You might say, rightfully so, that one should not have to mend one’s crochet hooks. But, we do any number of things to our hooks to make them work better for us – adding padding, custom clay molded handles, filing, oiling, etc. So, a speck of Super Glue here and there doesn’t bother me since it’s a simple, inexpensive, and effective fix.
The thread hooks each come with silver-colored hook covers. This is a nice feature since they are really lethal weapons – think ice pick – if mishandled. I’m sure the airport luggage searchers would call for the arrest of anyone attempting to get those things in their carry-on luggage!
Clover Soft Touch hooks are the ones I recommend to new crocheters that I teach. My LYS carries them – as do Hobby Lobby and Michael’s – making them easy to find. Invariably a crochet student will show up with a skein of worsted weight acrylic yarn and a set of newer Boye hooks. The yarn is fine, but the hooks have to go. You’ve probably already read in another blog how I feel about THOSE hooks!
Keep an eye out for another hook review soon.
JD, I have to agree 100% – several years ago I began collecting the Clover Soft Touch series in yarn and thread sizes. They have allowed me to continue crocheting despite some pretty severe arthritis damage to my right hand.
You can still find the thread sizes quite readily on Amazon.com and sporadically on ebay.
For my crocheted illusion jewelry, I use the Clover hook in a size .75mm, a made in Japan hook with a totally round wood handle. Definitely the tiniest hook I’ve ever used but it works just great because it’s small enough to fit through the holes in most gemstone beads!