Marble Ergonomic Crochet Hook Review: A Must-Have for Crafters

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. About the Brand
3. Comparison with Other Hooks
4. Design and Grip
5. Hook Head
6. Labeling and Size
7. Performance Test
   • Single Crochet
   • Half Double Crochet
   • Double Crochet
   • Triple Crochet
8. Pros and Cons
9. Conclusion
10. FAQ

Article

Introduction

In this crochet hook review, we will be taking a closer look at the brand new hooks from Hobby Lobby. As an avid crafter, I always appreciate finding affordable yet high-quality tools, and these hooks caught my attention. I got my hands on the 6mm and 5.5mm sizes and was excited to test them out. Let's dive into the details and see how these hooks perform.

About the Brand

Hobby Lobby is a popular craft store known for its wide range of supplies. They recently introduced their own line of crochet hooks, which are gaining quite some attention. The hooks are part of the ur-analogy collection and offer a cost-effective option for crafters. With prices that are 50% off every other week, they certainly have an economical advantage.

Comparison with Other Hooks

Before we delve into the specific details, it's worth mentioning that I have tried numerous crochet hooks in the past. From cheap ones to high-end brands, I have a good reference point for comparison. This allows me to assess the features and performance of the Hobby Lobby hooks in relation to others on the market.

Design and Grip

One notable feature of these hooks is the ergonomic handle. It has a slightly squishy texture, providing a comfortable grip. The handle is shaped in a way that accommodates the thumb, allowing for a relaxed grip during longer crochet sessions. However, upon inspection, I noticed a slight flaw. There is a seam on the handle that seems to be coming up, which may cause some discomfort for those with sensitive skin.

Hook Head

The design of the hook head reminded me of the popular Clover Amour hooks. However, upon feeling it, I realized that it's not as smooth and slick as the Clover hooks. It still glides through the yarn, but there is a noticeable difference in the overall feel. Another interesting aspect is that each hook has a different design, despite having the same color scheme. This adds a touch of uniqueness to each hook.

Labeling and Size

One interesting choice that Hobby Lobby made with these hooks is the placement of the size label. Unlike most hooks, where the size is indicated on the handle or grip, these hooks have the size labeled directly on the hook head itself. This is a new labeling method for me, and I'm not sure how well it will hold up over time. It seems etched into the hook, but only time will tell if it remains legible after frequent use.

Performance Test

To accurately assess the performance of these hooks, I decided to put them to the test with a few different crochet stitches.

Single Crochet

Using Lion Brand Landscapes yarn in a lovely gray color, I started with a simple single crochet stitch. The hook felt lightweight and provided a good grip, preventing any sliding during the stitch. The ridges did not cause any discomfort, but I did notice that the hook head was not as pointed as I prefer. However, for those who prefer slightly duller hook heads, this can be a plus.

Half Double Crochet

Continuing with the same yarn, I moved on to the half double crochet stitch. The hook glided smoothly through the stitches, but something unexpected happened. The hook shaft started to become slightly sticky as I worked. I'm not sure if it was due to my body heat or the material itself, but it was a minor inconvenience. It didn't affect the overall stitch quality, but it was noticeable.

Double Crochet

Next in line was the double crochet stitch. Again, the hook performed well in terms of gliding through the stitches. However, I encountered a new issue. The hook head seemed to attract lint from the yarn. This was unusual and slightly frustrating, as it affected the overall aesthetic of the project. It's worth noting that this may not be a problem with all yarn types, but it's something to consider when using certain fibers.

Triple Crochet

For the final test, I tried the hook with a triple crochet stitch. The stickiness of the handle became slightly more pronounced after prolonged use. This may not be an issue for everyone, but it did impact my overall experience with the hook. The presence of yarn fuzz on the hook shaft worsened this issue, making it more uncomfortable to hold. While the hook performed decently overall, these negatives should be taken into account.

Pros and Cons

After thoroughly testing the Hobby Lobby hooks, let's summarize the pros and cons:

Pros:

• Affordability, especially when purchased during the 50% off sales
• Unique designs for each hook
• Comfortable grip for most hand sizes
• Lightweight for extended crafting sessions
• Dull hook head for those who prefer it

Cons:

• Seam on the handle can cause discomfort for those with sensitive skin
• Hook head is not as smooth as higher-end brands
• Size label placement may rub off over time
• Handle becomes sticky with prolonged use
• Hook tends to attract lint from certain yarns

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hobby Lobby crochet hooks have their pros and cons. While they offer a cost-effective option with their regular sales, there are a few issues to consider. The handle's stickiness and the presence of lint on the hook shaft can be frustrating, especially during more extensive projects. However, for quick and casual crochet sessions, these hooks can get the job done. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and tolerance for minor drawbacks.

FAQ

Q: Are these hooks better than higher-end brands? A: It depends on personal preference and specific needs. These hooks offer affordability, but they may not match the smoothness and quality of higher-end brands.

Q: Can the seam on the handle be fixed or smoothed out? A: It might be possible to sand down the seam, but this is not recommended as it may affect the integrity of the handle.

Q: Does the stickiness of the handle affect the overall crocheting experience? A: While it doesn't impact the stitch quality, it can be uncomfortable for those who prefer a smooth handle.

Q: Are these hooks suitable for large projects? A: The stickiness and lint attraction make them less ideal for larger projects, as they can impede the flow and aesthetics of the work.

Q: Are the Hobby Lobby hooks available in all sizes? A: The Hobby Lobby hooks come in various sizes, including larger ones. It's best to check their available range in-store or online.