Clover Soft Touch vs Etimo Tulip Crochet Hook - Find Out Which is the Best Crochet Hook for Amigurumi — Pocket Yarnlings

Clover Soft Touch vs Etimo Tulip Hook Introduction

If you’re struggling with finding a good crochet hook, I’ve got good news.

There are lots of great tools and resources out there to help.

So many in fact, it can be tough to figure out which one is right for you.

In today's post, I'm going to compare Clover Soft Touch and Etimo Tulip Crochet Hooks and explain which one is best based on your priorities.

In a hurry?

If you are an avid amigurumi crocheter, I recommend Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hook because it is great for crocheting small amigurumi in terms of the sizes available and the compact nature of the hook which is great for mini projects. While it does not look so pretty or cheap, it’s actually great because of its ergonomic nature and durability.

Clover Soft Touch vs Etimo Tulip Crochet Hook comparison

There are affiliate links in this post. We will receive a commission if you make a purchase through our affiliate link at no extra cost to you. Most of the hook recommendations here have been used personally by me so check out the amigurumi examples!

Table of Contents Show

What is Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hook and Why You Should Consider it

In this section, I’m going to talk about how Clover Soft Touch crochet hooks help with my wrist pain while crocheting, how I found out about it, my first impressions and my user experience with it and finally a short summary of pros and cons of it.

How Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hooks helps with making crocheting painless

There are a few factors including the general overall ergonomic design with a soft pad in the middle that helps with crocheting even for long periods of time. Also, its lightweight design also makes it easy to handle, especially for crocheters like me with small hands!

In terms of durability, the Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hook is built to last. The steel hook is strong and sturdy, and the soft handle is designed to withstand regular use and wear. I have used mine really since I started learning how to crochet, which is about 8 years already! I will talk more about pros and cons later below.

How I Found Clover Soft Touch and Why I Bought it

When I first started off crocheting, I only invested in a cheap ball of yarn and a cheap metallic crochet hook from a Japanese value dollar store. I just wanted to test out crocheting for a start, so I did not want to invest too much money at first. Only after I got my first book on learning how to crochet and started developing significant wrist pain with only a short period of crocheting, then I decided to find out if there was a way to reduce the pain.

At that time, I went to a popular specialty local craft store to source for more interesting types of yarn and possible more crochet hook options. That was where I sought the advice of long-time crocheter and owner of the store, and she suggested to try out the Clover Soft Touch series. To minimize the cost, I just got one crochet hook at one size only to test out.

First Impressions Using Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hook

After trying out the crochet hook, the grip felt so much relaxed and there was less tension in my index finger and thumb when making multiple circular wrist movement. For the first time that day, I was able to crochet for a few hours with no pain at all. Which helped a lot with making my work more uniform and less tense, because I was struggling with very high tension and curled up crochet stitches with my first hook. The grip was also definitely easier with a thicker shafter than a thin metallic hook.

User Experience with Clover Soft Touch

My Clover Soft Touch is still my go to crochet hook after all these years, despite me buying an Etimo Tulip Hook because it looks prettier. It still very much maintains the same build and texture but the hook labels have all but faded. I bought a 3mm and a 2mm one and the differences are pretty obvious even without the labels but it is kind of frustrating that the numbers are almost completely gone. If you decide to buy in 0.5mm graduations, this will likely be more of a problem. 

Pros of getting a Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hook

Comfortable grip: This can help prevent hand fatigue and cramping.
Smooth hook: This can help prevent snagging and splitting of yarn.
Wide range of sizes: From 0.5mm to 6.5mm.

Lightweight: This can be especially helpful for intricate projects and for small hands like mine.

Cons of getting a Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hook

Price: These hooks are more expensive than some other brands on the market.
Limited colours: The hooks only come in one colour - a combination of orange and grey, which are pretty dull colours.
Not suitable for all types of yarn: While the smooth hook is great for most types of yarn, it may not be the best choice for very slippery or fuzzy yarns.
Faded Hook Label: The label of the hook size tends to fade with time especially with repeated use.

For more details on the breakdown of the Pros and Cons and all the specifications of the hook itself, check out this article “What You Must Know About Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hook Before You Buy!”.

Free Crochet Planner Journal!

Click here to grab this 20-paged workbook and checklists that will help organize your creativity before you even start on your next crochet project! Or click on image on the left.

What is Etimo Tulip Crochet Hook and Why You Should Consider it

In this section, I’m going to talk about how Etimo Tulip crochet hooks similarly help with my wrist pain while crocheting, how I experimented it, my first impressions and my user experience with it and at the end, a short summary of pros and cons of it.

How Etimo Tulip Crochet Hooks helps with making crocheting painless

The Tulip Etimo Crochet Hook has a smooth and polished surface, with a cushioned elastomer rubber material which allows the hook to glide effortlessly through your yarn, making for a smooth and enjoyable crocheting experience.

The weight of the Tulip Etimo Crochet Hook is light weight, making it easy to handle and use, which means you can use it for long periods without experiencing any discomfort or fatigue.

Its smooth and efficient design also makes it a great choice for crocheters who want to increase their speed. The hook's lightweight and balanced design allows for faster hooking, resulting in quicker completion times for crochet projects.

In terms of durability, it is made of high-quality materials that are built to last. The hook itself is made of durable aluminum, while the handle is made of elastomer rubber. This combination of materials makes the hook both sturdy and comfortable to use.

How I Found Etimo Tulip and Why I Bought it

This time when I got this hook, it was more of a want rather than a need. I had previously seen this hook around online, especially the pink and red versions. The red version has the whole hook and handle in the same colour which was really pretty and I had seen good reviews of it online. So when I headed down to another popular yarn and crochet specialty shop to try buying my first set of chunky yarn, I decided to invest in a larger hook than my usual (4.5mm) to pair with my bulky yarn. I would say when I bought either hook locally, the Tulip one is slightly more costly than the Clover hook.

First Impressions Using Etimo Tulip Crochet Hook

My first thought was that it is so pretty and soft to use! It has this cushion feeling when you grip it in between your index finger and thumb. I know of some crocheters who love using this brand of hook with the pencil grip rather than the knife grip. Read more about grip of holding a crochet hook here at “Breakdown of 6 ways on How to Hold Crochet Yarn and Hook”. It is also lightweight and has slightly more bulk than the Clover Soft Touch Hook.

User Experience with Etimo Tulip

After initially getting a 4.5mm tulip hook for use with chunky yarn, I also decided to invest in a smaller sized hook 2.0mm. It is also pretty lightweight and great for my small hands with a nice cushiony grip. I like the smooth velvety texture of the handle and there was no issue with the hook size label becoming more faded. It is slightly fatter and rounded in the shaft as compared to the Clover Soft Touch hooks which is something some crocheters prefer. I will talk a bit more about the pros and cons before comparing both hooks below in further detail.

Pros of getting a Etimo Tulip Crochet Hook

Comfortable grip: Ergonomic design to fit comfortably in your hand, even during long crochet sessions.
Smooth and cushioned hook: Your yarn will glide smoothly over it without getting caught or snagged.
Wide range of sizes: Comes in a wide range of sizes, from 1.8mm to 6.5mm. Lesser options than the Clover hook.
Lightweight: Makes them easy to handle and maneuver.

Pretty colours: These hooks come in many different pretty colours including pink, red and blue.

Cons of getting a Etimo Tulip Crochet Hook

Price: These hooks are more expensive than some other brands on the market and definitely an investment.
Not widely available: You may need to order them online or search for a local yarn store that carries them.
Ergonomics: While many find the handles comfortable, ergonomic preferences vary among individuals. Some crafters might prefer different handle shapes or materials for their hooks.

For more details on the breakdown of the Pros and Cons and all the specifications of the hook itself, check out this article “What You Must Know About Etimo Tulip Crochet Hook Before You Buy!”.

Clover Soft Touch vs Etimo Tulip: User Experience

Initially, I got a larger 4.5mm Tulip hook so it was probably not the best comparison with a smaller Clover 2.0mm hook. Subsequently I did get an equivalent 2.0mm Tulip hook as well, so it was great for comparing. To be extremely honest, it was definitely more ergonomic than other hooks like metallic hooks, but after a few hours of crocheting, I felt the Clover Soft Touch had less strain on my wrist than the Etimo Tulip one. Eventually when I decided to use a 2.0mm hook, I went back to my Clover hook but when I was using larger hooks for chunky yarn, I did choose my Etimo hook. It felt like I need to use a bulkier hook for when I was handling bulkier yarn, if that makes sense and the Clover hook was quite lean in its build.

Clover Soft Touch vs Etimo Tulip: Effectiveness at preventing wrist pain

I would say both are good at preventing wrist pain when crocheting for long hours at a stretch, but like I mentioned above, I felt that the Clover Soft Touch was better at holding off the pain for a longer period of time. It might have something to do the small anatomy of my hands because I do know of some crocheters who prefer larger hooks for their bigger hands. As for use with a bulkier yarn, sometimes the Clover hook felt too skinny to use with it, so I switched to using my Tulip hook.

comparing clover soft touch and etimo tulip

Clover Soft Touch vs Etimo Tulip: Pricing

When it comes to buying crochet hooks, price is an important factor to consider. Clover Soft Touch and Etimo crochet hooks are both popular options, but how do they compare in terms of price?

Clover Soft Touch crochet hooks are generally priced between $10 and $20.00 per hook, although I have seen some sources that are lower about $5, depending on the size. I personally bought it for about $7 for the smaller less expensive ones. Etimo crochet hooks, on the other hand, are priced between $10 and $20.00 per hook, but more on the higher range. I bought mine for about $10. So technically there is not very significant price difference.

I have seen a blue Etimo Tulip full set for $1000 though which is a limited edition version of that crochet hook range.

While there is some variation in price between the two brands, both are relatively affordable options for crocheters. Additionally, investing in a quality crochet hook can save you money in the long run by reducing hand fatigue and improving your overall crochet experience.

Clover Soft Touch vs Etimo Tulip: Usability

Clover Soft Touch hooks have a soft, padded handle that provides a comfortable grip. The handle is made of a plastic-like material that is easy to hold and doesn't slip. The soft touch handle is perfect for those who suffer from arthritis or other hand conditions, as it reduces the strain on your hands.

On the other hand, Etimo hooks have a cushioned grip that is shaped to fit your hand. The handle has a flat side that rests against your palm, which helps to reduce fatigue. The handle is also slightly longer than the Clover Soft Touch handle, which may be more comfortable for those with larger hands.

When it comes to crochet hooks, the size of the hook can make a big difference in the finished product. Both the Clover Soft Touch and Etimo crochet hooks come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different yarn weights and project needs.

The Clover Soft Touch hooks range in size from 0.5mm to 6.5mm, while the Etimo hooks range from 2mm to 6mm. Both sets include the most commonly used sizes for crochet projects.

Conclusion of choosing a crochet hook

Overall, both the Clover Soft Touch and Etimo crochet hooks are excellent choices for crocheters of all skill levels. Each hook has its unique features that make it stand out from the other, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

If you're looking for a hook with a comfortable grip and a smooth, snag-free surface, the Clover Soft Touch is an excellent choice. The ergonomic design of the handle makes it easy to hold for extended periods, while the polished aluminum hook glides through yarn effortlessly.

On the other hand, if you prefer a hook with a slightly larger handle for a bigger wrist, the Etimo hook is a great option. The tapered head of the hook allows for precision stitching, while the soft grip handle provides added comfort and reduces hand fatigue.

Both hooks come in a variety of sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your project. Plus, they're both affordable and durable, so they'll last you for years to come.

As for my own personal preference, if I had to choose only one crochet hook to bring along when I’m travelling, I would say I’ll bring along my trusty Clover Soft Touch hook, especially if I’m working with sport or DK yarn. If I’m thinking of working with chunky yarn or heavier weight yarn, I would probably pick my Etimo hook instead. If you love crocheting and would like to invest more time into this relaxing hobby, consider getting both and experimenting with them – you might end up needing both anyway!

Remember to check out these other 2 articles about Clover Soft Touch Hook review and Etimo Tulip Hook review!