Crochet Hook Review and Giveaway: Susan Bates Bamboo Handle Hooks

Every Sunday during National Crochet Month 2013, I’ll be reviewing crochet hooks.  Today’s post features the Susan Bates Bamboo Handle hooks, along with a giveaway for 2 hooks, courtesy of Susan Bates.

I mentioned last week that I don’t personally prefer in-line crochet hooks.  But as a crochet teacher, I know that many students find it more comfortable to use an in-line crochet hook.  Susan Bates seems to be the brand most associated with an in-line hook, and I wanted to make sure to review one of their offerings during National Crochet Month.

I first discovered the Susan Bates Bamboo Handle Silvalume Hooks in 2011, when I taught crochet to children at the Queens Library.  The central office ordered these hooks for the children to use in class.  I immediately noticed how helpful the large, bamboo handle was, especially for the younger children who hadn’t yet developed the fine motor skills required for using a smaller hook.

For people who regularly use Susan Bates Silvalume hooks or other in-line hooks with a sharp throat, the bamboo handle is a great option to provide more comfort when crocheting.  The handle only covers the lower half of the shaft below the thumb rest, so the throat and neck are the same length as other Susan Bates hooks.  This allows you to crochet any type of stitch (including bobbles and bullions) without adjustment.  The handle is solid, but the bamboo stays cool to the touch.  For those who find the temperature changes that pass through metal hooks too difficult for their hands, this would be a wonderful alternative.  Similarly, this hook is also great for crocheters who need a larger handle to prevent or reduce hand cramping.

And, for all you threadies out there, the Susan Bates Bamboo Handle hooks are also available in Steelite thread crochet sizes.  There aren’t as many comfort hooks for thread crocheters, so kudos to Susan Bates for offering an affordable option.

The Susan Bates Bamboo Handle hooks come in two variations:

  • Silvalume (aluminum for yarn) hooks have the size etched on the thumb rest and also come in different colors for each size.  These are available in US sizes B through N, including the elusive size 7 (4.5 mm).  The retail price is $2.75 per hook.
  • Steelite (steel for thread) hooks have the sized etched on the thumb rest but and are available in silver.  These hooks are sized from 0.9 mm through 2.7 mm.  The retail price is $5 per hook.

If you prefer an in-line hook with a sharp throat for yarn crocheting, or if you are looking for an affordable comfort hook for thread crochet, I recommend the Susan Bates Bamboo Handle hooks.

Full disclosure: Two free review samples were provided by Susan Bates/Coats. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation from the distributor/manufacturer, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions. You can read my complete review disclosure here.

Giveaway

When I contacted the nice folks at Susan Bates to tell them about my plans for reviewing the hooks during NatCroMo13, they were generous enough to send along a prize pack of 2 different Susan Bates Bamboo Handle Hooks (one Silvalume in US Size I-9/5.5 mm and one Steelite in US Size 5/1.7 mm) for me to share with one lucky reader.

Susan Bates Bamboo prizes

This giveaway is open internationally.  Enter by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday, March 16, 2013.

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