Home»Free Crochet Patterns»Tulip Crochet Hooks and Why I Love Them
Tulip crochet hooks stand out as the go-to choice for many crocheters, and there’s good reason behind that. I’ve been relying on them for the past nine years, and I don’t see myself switching anytime soon.
If you’re currently in the search for your new favorite hook, Tulip crochet hooks might just be the missing piece you’re looking for. This article is your comprehensive guide to all things Tulip, providing you with everything you need to know before deciding if they’re the right fit for you.
UPDATED: MARCH 1, 2024 BY BRITTANY
This post may contain affiliate links.
Before we dive in, a quick heads up. This post isn’t sponsored by Tulip. They haven’t paid me to share my thoughts, and they haven’t sent me free hooks in exchange for my opinion. I purchased them with my own money, and my recommendation comes solely from my own experience.
Here’s a quick overview of the topics we will cover in this article:
- Why Tulip Crochet Hooks?
- What Sets Tulip Crochet Hooks Apart?
- Exploring Tulip Crochet Hook Collections
- Where to Buy Tulip Crochet Hooks
- Why I Believe Tulip Crochet Hooks Are Worth It
- Unboxing the Tulip Etimo Rose Set
- More Crochet Hook Resources
Why Tulip Crochet Hooks?
Crocheting goes beyond being just a hobby; the tools we choose can truly shape our experience. In the quest for the perfect crochet hook, many experienced crocheters, like myself, lean towards Tulip – a name synonymous with quality and dependability.
I got my hands on my first Tulip crochet hook in the fall of 2014, and before I knew it, I had the entire set just a few months later. That same set is my go-to nine years later.
Why? Well, I fell head over heels for them. They’re not just comfortable; they feel just right in my hands. Working stitches feels natural, I can crochet faster compared to any other hook, and the end result? Neater, more polished stitches every time.
It’s like finding the perfect fit, and while everyone’s preference for a crochet hook is personal, you might discover the same wonderful harmony with Tulip crochet hooks.
What Sets Tulip Crochet Hooks Apart?
A crochet hook isn’t just a tool you use. It’s the only tool you use, and spending time finding the right one is the difference between loving to crochet and hating it. When it comes to Tulip crochet hooks, there are a few distinctive features that make it worth your while to try.
1. Ergonomic Design for Comfortable Crocheting
The Tulip hook’s ergonomic design is a lifesaver for long crochet sessions. With a comfy thumb grip and a rubber handle, it might not seem like a big deal, but trust me – it makes all the difference in avoiding hand fatigue and cramping.
Even after nine years of heavy use, my Tulip crochet hook handles still look almost as good as new. The sizing stamp hasn’t faded or peeled, and the rubber handle remains in excellent condition. It’s a true testament to the durability and thoughtful design of Tulip crochet hooks.
2. Smooth and Durable Material for Efficient Stitching
The material of the hook truly matters, and Tulip nails it in my opinion. Their hooks are crafted from smooth and lightweight aluminum, making yarn glide effortlessly. This low drag allows you to crochet speedily, turning your crafting time into a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Stay tuned for a closer look at the various styles of Tulip crochet hooks, but a quick heads up: the black and gold set’s finish may fade over time. Nevertheless, it doesn’t take away from the fantastic experience Tulip hooks provide.
3. Range of Sizes and Styles for Different Preferences and Projects
In the crochet world, it’s clear that one size doesn’t fit all. Tulip gets that and brings a range of sizes and styles to the table, catering to different projects. Whether you’re crafting delicate lace or cozy blankets, rest assured, there’s a perfect Tulip hook for the job.
4. A Hook That’s Build for Speed
When you compare a Tulip crochet hook to, let’s say, a Boye hook, the first thing that catches your eye is the difference in the hook shape. The Tulip hook is a bit shallower, which might feel a tad different at first, but trust me, it’s great for speedy crocheting. Combine that with the high polish finish, and you’ve got a hook that’s not just stylish but also crafted for top-notch speed and ease of use.
Exploring Tulip Crochet Hook Collections
Tulip understands that crochet projects come in all shapes and sizes and that crocheters have their own preferences too. So they have five different collections to meet the needs of you and your projects.
Two of their collections are specifically designed for project scale, and three cater more toward the preference of the crocheter using them.
1. Black and Gold Tulip Crochet Hooks
This collection is probably the one you’ve come across most often and for good reason. It offers a variety of hook sizes tailored to suit the demands of fine, lightweight, and medium-weight yarns.
The black handles are resilient, resisting discoloration and fading over time. Meanwhile, the gold hook stands out with its bright, vibrant, and smooth finish. Although the gold finish may slightly fade over time, particularly on the sizes you use the most, rest assured, it hasn’t impacted their performance in my experience.
If you’re intrigued, you have the option to buy individual hooks or go all-in with the set. The set includes 8 crochet hooks in sizes from 3.25mm to 6mm, along with a fabric carrying case, scissors, ruler, and yarn needles.
These were my first Tulip crochet hooks, and to this day, they’re my daily companions. If you’re considering trying them out, I’d recommend starting with a 6.5mm size for a project. It’s a great way to test the waters, and if you fall in love with them, getting the set ensures you won’t end up with duplicate sizes in your collection.
2. Rose Tulip Crochet Hooks
This is the latest addition to my crochet hook collection, and they carry the same comfort that initially won me over with my Black and Gold set.
Although the hooks in the Rose set are essentially the same as the black and gold set, the Rose collection stands out in several ways. The case is slightly sturdier, and has a zipper closure. While you still receive scissors and yarn needles, the included sizes are a bit different.
Perfect for fine, lightweight, and medium-weight yarns, the Rose set includes 10 crochet hooks in sizes from 2mm to 6mm. However, the sizes don’t completely overlap with the black and gold set, offering in-between sizes. If, like me, you decide to own both the Black and Gold and the Rose set, you’ll enjoy a broader range of sizes with only a few duplicates.
The Rose set handles maintain the same shape and material but vary in shades of pink, which is what drew me to them. However, it’s worth noting that with use, the handles can discolor. The good news is they clean up easily with a bit of hand soap and water.
Notably, the hook color is different too. While they might appear silver in many photos, up close, they reveal a subtle pink tint.
Similar to the Black and Gold set, you can buy Tulip Rose hooks individually. Following my recommendation, start with a 6.5mm size to test them out. This way, if you decide to invest in the set, you won’t end up with duplicate sizes.
3. Red Tulip Crochet Hooks
Meet the latest addition to the Tulip crochet hook family – the Red set. Just like the Black and Gold and Rose sets, these hooks boast the same comforting feel and aesthetic appeal.
In this set, you’ll get eight crochet hooks ranging in sizes from 1.8mm to 5mm. It’s important to note that these sizes closely align with those in the Rose set. The cloth case, has a pretty pattern on it, and still includes a set of yarn needles and a ruler.
Perhaps the most striking feature is the bold red color of both the handle and the hook. The handle maintains the familiar feel of the other sets, but the hook has a slightly more matte finish compared to the shiny Black and Gold, and Rose sets.
So far, I’ve enjoyed working with these hooks just as much as the others.
4. Steel Tulip Crochet Hooks
While the previous three Tulip crochet hook sets suit your everyday yarn weights, the steel collection steps into a specialized role, designed for use with even thinner yarns and threads.
Identifiable by their light blue handles, the handles have a slightly different shape compared to the other Tulip crochet hooks we’ve explored. The case is similar to the Black and Gold set, complete with scissors, ruler, and yarn needles. Inside, you’ll find 8 crochet hooks ranging in sizes from 0.5mm to 1.75mm – perfect for the finest of yarns and threads.
Personally, I don’t crochet with thread or really fine yarns, so I haven’t used these hooks myself. However, from what I’ve heard, they maintain the same comfort and reliability you’d expect from a Tulip crochet hook.
5. Tulip Etimo Grand Hooks
If you prefer working with thicker yarns, the Tulip Grand Hooks are your go-to choice. I haven’t seen Grand Hooks offered as a complete set, but you can snag them individually in sizes 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 15mm.
Crafted from plastic, like most jumbo crochet hooks, these Grand Hooks showcase a slightly different shape compared to the other Tulip hooks we’ve explored thus far, but still easy to crochet with as you’d expect from Tulip crochet hooks.
The soft rubber handle is just the right size for an ergonomic crochet hook – large enough for comfort but not too bulky or hard to use. Additionally, the well-placed thumb rest adds to the overall comfort. These factors collectively make the Tulip Grand Hooks my top choice for tackling bulky weight projects.
Where to Buy Tulip Crochet Hooks
Finding Tulip crochet hooks in your local craft store might be a bit tricky. While some local yarn stores might carry them, I’ve discovered that the most reliable place to purchase them is on Amazon.
As mentioned earlier, Tulip Etimo crochet hooks are available both individually and in sets. If you’re eyeing the Black and Gold or Rose sets, I recommend starting by purchasing the 6.5 mm hook individually. Testing it out on a project can help you decide if the entire set is the right fit for you.
For those interested in the Red set, ordering a 5.5mm, 6mm, or 6.5mm individually allows you to explore the hooks without ending up with duplicate sizes if you decide to invest in the set later.
Set Options on Amazon
Here are direct links to each set on Amazon. Please note that these are affiliate links, meaning I earn from qualifying purchases made through them as an Amazon Associate. This comes at no extra cost to you and helps support the content on this site.
Individual Options on Amazon
Price
When it comes to price, Tulip hooks fall somewhere in the middle.
Reflecting on my purchase in 2015, I spent just over $100 for my set, which initially felt like a significant investment. Now, with the knowledge of their enduring quality, I hardly hesitate to treat myself to the Rose set simply because I prefer the color.
Buying the set can save you money in the long run, but if that feels like a lot, going for individual sizes as needed might be a more practical approach.
Why I Believe Tulip Crochet Hooks Are Worth It
From my experience, Tulip crochet hooks are well worth it, considering I’m still using the same set that I bought almost a decade ago. I only recently added a new Tulip crochet hook set to my collection, and that decision was based purely on the fact that I love the color pink.
Finding the perfect crochet hook may take time and effort, but it’s something worth investing some real time into.
It should feel just right in your hands, enhance the speed and beauty of your stitches, and make your crochet experience delightful. If you find yourself wrestling with your hook at every stitch, it might be a sign to explore something new.
While I’d love to shout from the rooftops that Tulip is the absolute best crochet hook for everyone, the truth is that everyone’s journey is unique. The way you hold your hook and create your stitches will ultimately decide which crochet hook is your perfect match and whether Tulip crochet hooks will be your crafting companions.
In my experience, Tulip crochet hooks align perfectly with the way I hold my hook, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they become your favorites too.
However, the ultimate test is to try one for yourself. Actually, that’s the best way to find your perfect crochet hook – experimenting with as many hooks as you can get your hands on. If you’re unsure which crochet hooks to use, check out my guide here; it’s the ideal starting point for your crochet hook exploration.
That said, treat yourself to a Tulip crochet hook, complete an entire project with it, and then decide if it’s the one for you. This allows ample time to adapt to the hook shape and understand how it harmonizes with the yarn.
Unboxing the Tulip Etimo Rose Set
In this video, I walk you through my decision-making process when purchasing the Tulip Etimo Rose set. Join me as I unbox them upon arrival and share my thoughts after putting them to the test for several weeks.
Video not displaying? Watch it on YouTube instead.
More Crochet Hook Resources
- Crochet Hook Size Chart + How to Pick the Right Size
- What is the BEST Crochet Hooks to Use?
- Are Furls Odyssey Crochet Hooks Worth It?
*Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made through these links. Please note that prices and availability of products are subject to change. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the content on this site. I only recommend products that I have personally used and genuinely believe in. Thank you for your support!
