I was moseying around the internet the other day, when I stumbled across something intriguing. An illuminated crochet hook. How wonderful is that?! I ordered one because of my propensity for nocturnal crochet/knitting whilst various members of my household (the toddler twinnage, mostly) snore beside me in the bed. So I thought I’d do a product review, in case you too are tempted by the concept.
So, introducing the Crochet Lite illuminated crochet hook, in this case supposedly a 4.5mm, although more on the sizing issue, later. Here’s the chappie:-
Reasonably cool, no? I paid £5.99 (plus postage) at WoolWarehouse. Now, I can’t offer you any slow, thoughtful ‘unboxing’ (Ugh! When did that become a word?) videos on YouTube, because when the parcel plopped through the letterbox, I shredded its packing within nanoseconds, to get to the treat within. Sorry. So unless you wish to see a photo of cardboard carnage, I have nothing to offer on that front. Folks who produce unboxing videos are patient sorts.
Anyway, having done that, I realized that there was not a lot I could achieve with the hook, because it was broad daylight. Duh.
Enter night-time, stage left. Witness night-time sniffing, scratching, and settling itself down.
So then, it was late. I was sitting up in bed in the dark with yarn and hook. The toddler twinnage snored outrageously beside me. The stoic spouse was up in the tower strumming his guitar, busy expanding his repertoire of chords from six to seven. (I’m not mocking: he’s been doggedly practising every single night for weeks, and some nights he practises his French, too. I deeply respect him for this, but please don’t let him know that I said something nice about him.)
All was well. I switched on the hook.
Wowsers! That’s properly bright! The light gives the impression of coming from two places – the tip of the hook and its base. It’s plenty bright enough for nocturnal hooking, and it’s plenty bright enough to read a pattern. In fact it stayed bright for a couple of hours before dimming to a slightly calmer level. (Yes, a couple of hours. Sleep? What is this ‘sleep’ concept of which you speak?)
There are some things that I should tell you about this hook. It’s comfortable to hold for long periods. If feels light and well-shaped. The tip is smooth but not especially sharp. And wow, you really can crochet in the dead of night, although you might struggle if you were working on an exceptionally complex lacy design, unless you’ve got another source of light as well.
However, working in the pitch black, crocheting at speed, you get some seriously distracting flickering, as the tip of the hook dashes in and out of your fabric. This is quite annoying, and I think it will be the biggest factor that will stop this hook from becoming my new favourite-gadget-in-the-whole-world. (I should stress that it’s not the light itself that’s flickering, purely the fact that you’re working it in and out and in and out of your crochet.)
By the way, check your gauge when working with these hooks. My 4.5mm hook seemed about the right size, but online reviewers often suggest that the larger hooks in the Crochet Lite range are over-sized.
A lot of people use these hooks to work in dim (but not fully dark) conditions, especially when they’re working with dark-coloured yarn. I tried this too and yes, it is probably better suited for these conditions than it is for my secret midnight hooking. The Crochet Lite is not just a gimmick: it clearly has been thoughtfully designed as a useful tool, and the construction feels solid enough. But it’s definitely best suited to low light, rather than no light. Enjoy.
PS: Apparently, you can buy illuminated knitting needles, too, but I’m convinced they’d be requisitioned by the toddler twinnage for fencing contests. Also, even though I’ve never seen Star Wars, I realize that they’d be just a little too much like lightsabers. Possibly the Jedi like to knit on their days off. (Do Jedi get days off? I had to look up lightsaber on Wikipedia to even find out what sort of characters use them. That’s how little I know. If you came here in search of the Star Wars Aficionado blog, you’ve taken a massive wrong turn. Sorry.)
jengolightly says
Hello!
Bravo at crocheting in the dark! I have the light up knitting needles but never had need of them. If its dark, my brain thinks its sleep time lol!
The Twisted Yarn says
Hello to you too! 🙂 I know you say you don’t use them, but do the light-up knitting needles seem as though they’re any good? I’m getting quite tempted….
jengolightly says
Yes they are very bright. If you knit in the dark a lot, they will work well! X
gladeridercrafts says
Well that’s certainly a new idea (at least from where I’m sitting!)
The Twisted Yarn says
Yup, new to me, too. Wish I’d thought of it first. Oh well, I’ll just have to keep up the day job.
thecontentedcrafter says
Awww you Brits have all the best gadgets! I can see how the wee light would be helpful working in wee [dim] light – I think my eyes are probably too far gone for the dead of night scenario! But what a fab treat all the same! I really like the sound of the knitting needles – ’cause at the end of every row you could have an imaginary sword fight with Liam Neeson or one of them other Jedi Knights – or Yoda! You may need to look him up if you’re not informed 🙂 Your hubby might even decide to take up knitting – can you see yourselves all cosied up in bed with the snoring toddler twinnage; you hooking like crazy with your flashing light and him at a steadier pace, taking time for the obligatory ‘Ziiiiiiiiiiiit’ at the end of every row [You may have to look that up too…….]
The Twisted Yarn says
Hmmm… I can’t see the stoic spouse, knitting, somehow. And if we’re hogging the best gadgets, I’d be happy to send a hook to NZ – I do already feel I’ve done rather unfairly well out of our previous exchange, so this would make me happy.
thecontentedcrafter says
Do you follow The Snail of Happiness? Her spouse just learned to knit strictly in order to contribute a square to her project. Most impressive!!
I really don’t NEED a hook. But, if it makes you happy ……… 🙂
lizard100 says
Looks interesting? How does it work? Is it battery powered? How often do you need to change the batteries?
The Twisted Yarn says
Yup, battery powered. You can definitely get a good few hours out of each set of batteries.
lizard100 says
Hmmm curious.
The Twisted Yarn says
I recommend it – just about.
mollieandclaire says
You’ve NEVER seen Starwars?! Even this poor deprived child of the 70s whose father allowed only one hour of TV a week (yes, I have a complete cultural gap til the ’90’s, apart from Dynasty. Yes my sister and I spent our precious hour watching Dynasty…!) has seen it! Anyway if they want to knit with their light sabres it will be extreme knitting for size and extreme in other ways because, er, they’re made of light. Where will the stitches go?! You can tell this has taken possession of my mind because so far I haven’t mentioned the yarn based stuff. The hook looks cool btw.
The Twisted Yarn says
Yes, I am that strange. (And Dynasty was banned in our house.)
mollieandclaire says
Considering what was banned in our house I’m staggered we got away with Dynasty 😉
The Twisted Yarn says
Ooh, I’m intrigued?
thecontentedcrafter says
And PS – thanks for the shout-out 🙂 You’re so sweet!! 🙂
The Twisted Yarn says
No I’m not. I’m horrid. (But you’re welcome, re the shout-out.)
sazcreates says
Ah my goodness, I am all over this! What an amazing gadget! Thanks for the review! x
The Twisted Yarn says
You’re muchly welcome. 🙂
A Crooked Mile says
Oh, my goodness, what a great idea! This is perfect when my family wants to sit at home and watch a movie and I want to sit with them and crochet. Thank you. I just might try it. I do think the knitting needles would give me a headache though. Too much flickering.
The Twisted Yarn says
Yes, but I’m still quite intrigued about the needles. Might have to try…
littleblackdogsa says
I think it is stunning, I do want one. 🙂 …. going over to check it out and order…..
The Twisted Yarn says
I do recommend it…. cautiously…
Gallivanta says
Intriguing. Does this mean there may be lighted pens so you can write in the dark? And lighted forks and knives so you can eat in the dark? The possibilities are endless.
The Twisted Yarn says
I LIKE your thinking.
KerryCan says
All I could think was how much fun it would be to sit the dark and watch a person crochet or knit with one of these–sort of like watching fireflies!
The Twisted Yarn says
Ha ha. Well I could video the experience for you if that would help…
annie says
A great post — my giggle for the day! I think the hook would work really well on an airplane — but only if family surrounds your seat. Strangers might get upset at the flashing light. Oh, and Gallivanta, there are lighted pens. I had one but never actually used it because writing in the dark is not one of my regular activities. Perhaps I should cultivate that one…..
The Twisted Yarn says
Yes, agreed re the aeroplane, definitely.
bonnyknits says
Glad you tried this! I’ve seen these advertised and wondered how well they’d work. Now I want one for when I play with black yarn!
The Twisted Yarn says
They’re OK, but not absolutely amazing. It’s a fun concept, though.
Carole says
Love the review. I’m almost tempted, but in low light levels, I’d rather get the Kindle out and have a good read instead 🙂
The Twisted Yarn says
*Gasps* Kindle?! Nooooo….
(Sorry. Forgive me. Can’t overcome need for ink on paper for my literary enjoyment. I realize I’m in the minority these days.)
Carole says
Oh yes, I do love the feel of a proper book in my hands, and the smell of course, but the Kindle is so convenient. About a third of my reading is digital but the rest is from the library or my To Be Read pile.
nicolaknits says
Thanks for the review. I’ve seen these before but you always wonder whether they work well or are just gimmicky. Happy crocheting!
The Twisted Yarn says
Thank you. 🙂
E.C. says
That looks to be an awesome crochet hook. Thanks for the great review. The flickering you mentioned is ‘need to know’ info, it could be a trigger for a migraine. I’m a migraine sufferer and avoid any triggers I can. Thank so much for all the helpful info.
I enjoyed hearing about your non familiarity with Stars Wars. It’s really rare to meet someone who’s never seen it. You truly are a marvel.
The Twisted Yarn says
Yes, I was wondering to mention, ‘if anyone has seizures or migraines triggered by flashing lights…’, but figured that people would know if that applied to them. I suspect that this hook wouldn’t be a good idea for you, unless you just used it to supplement lowish light.
And yes, I really am that weird and ignorant re. Star Wars.
jenpedwards says
So glad to have a review of this! I’ve often wondered if it would really work/help. I may have to try the illuminated needles…I think I would like them. We travel back and forth from our daughters college to see her in choral concerts and I’m always wishing I could knit after dark. Or crochet…wonderful to know it works!
The Twisted Yarn says
Please please let me know if you try the needles – I’d be fascinated to hear whether they’re a good idea. (I’m assuming your daughter’s choral efforts are rather lovely, though?)
Jacquline Cappuccino says
Yes! I used to have a couple of these and lost them when we moved. They were great for pizza and movie night.
The Twisted Yarn says
Yup! I think those are pretty much the perfect occasions for them.
hijennybrown says
Love the post – I received the same hook as a gift, and I’ve used it a couple times for crocheting in bed (sleep is for quitters). I’ve never broken a hook before, so I was surprised when I cracked the plastic “lightsaber” part. I have no idea how that happend – bummer!
The Twisted Yarn says
Nooo! That’s so wrong! Was it a very narrow one? I’ve read a few online reivews *nerd* suggesting that the smallest ones are prone to cracking.
And yeah, sleep? Why would anyone do that? *pretends to be well-hard*
hijennybrown says
It’s a G hook, so not too small, right? Oh well. My friend’s son likes using it as a flashlight/weapon now, so at least it’s being put to good use.
Hila says
An interesting concept. I like crocheting in bed as I wind down for the night…added to my wish list.
The Twisted Yarn says
Recommended. Seriously. But the flickering is a tad annoying. Totally agree about the nocturnal winding-down crochet.
Magpiemakingdo says
This looks like it would be perfect for a long car trip that lasts into the evening (as long as you’re not the driver!)
The Twisted Yarn says
Yup. Tried that and it worked well. (And no, I wasn’t the driver.)
yellowfluff says
Amazing. I never knew such product is available in the market until I saw your post. Looks like something I might want to get for myself. Thanks for sharing 🙂
The Twisted Yarn says
You’re welcome. I had to post because I hadn’t heard of it either, and it seemed such a good idea. Thank you for your comment.
crochetthread says
That’s awesome. I have this stupid coal miner looking headband with multi lights… including the “red light district” haha. Cheers.
The Twisted Yarn says
Actually that might be a better idea – would avoid the flickering, no?
crochetthread says
I think this is the one I have:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FREE-SHIPPING-Hard-Hat-Head-Lamp-with-Swivel-Lens-Brand-New-with-Batteries-45807-/131254176234?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e8f5bc9ea
mindfulmagpie says
I would love the lighted knitting needles bc I can’t see a blasted thing. Actually both ideas are most clever, esp in that in a pinch they could be used as combination flashlight/weapons, leading thereby to some interesting newspaper headlines. Burglar Accosted By Armed Elderly Woman – Pierced In The Nether Parts By Lit Crochet Hook — bystanders say the light assisted emergency personnel to lift the wounded thief into the ambulance. Details on P.17.
picotbytorhild says
Wow! That is a most-have.
Love your blog, beautiful knitting!
Moke says
OMG – that is a crocheters’ must have! Moke xx
crotchetythings says
I’m so pleased to have read this. I have seen them and debated their quality but I think an overhead lamp is probably more stable. Luckily I don’t have to worry about anyone else in the room… Just the pooch, and she doesn’t care if the light is on or off… As for the “sleep” concept.. It has been replaced by the “just one more row” concept!!
The Twisted Yarn says
Oh yes indeed: ‘just one more row’…. ‘and then maybe another…. or two’…. 🙂