Ergonomic Crochet Hook Handle Review: Chunky Boys
There are all sorts of ergonomic crochet hooks and handles out there. It can be challenging to find the perfect one that suits your needs, especially without a crazy price tag. Recently, I found and option you might love as much as me. Let’s dive into this ergonomic crochet hook handle review: Chunky Boys.
Ergonomic Crochet Hook Handle Review: Chunky Boys
I was scrolling through TikTok one evening (a bad habit I’ve recently developed) and I came across a creator showing off her hook handles. Curious, I watched a few of her videos and I was surprised by her design.
The name seemed very appropriate. Her handles were indeed chunky boys!
My very first impression was confusion and curiosity because how the heck is it comfortable to hold such a thick handle?
I kept scrolling. But the almighty TikTok algorithm must’ve noticed my interest because guess who kept popping up on my FYP. Long story short, I ended up purchasing a Chunky Boy.
Disclaimer: I’m not affiliated with Beth Russell, owner of Chunky Boy Crochet, and this review is just my honest opinion about her product.
Quick Specs
- Seller: Beth Russell of ChunkyBoyCrochet
- Product: Removable ergonomic handle
- Price: $15
- Material: High-quality, food-grade silicone
- Sizes: Small, Medium, Large
- Colors Available: Depends on stock (common colors include white, mint, blue, and purple)
- Interesting Product Facts:
- Beth’s Chunky Boys are specifically designed for hand health. The handle size is based on Beth’s extensive research and recommendations from professional occupational therapists.
- Chunky Boys are good for ANY hand tool, such as: pens, paint brushes, even silverware!
First Impression
Beth sends each order in an adorable drawstring bag with a holographic thank you card and a care instructions card.
The handle itself feels sturdy, but not uncomfortably stiff. Plus, the mint swirl color is shiny and beautiful. Overall, the simple design and striking color were a huge positive for me.
Using My New Chunky Boy
According to Beth’s videos and her Etsy listing, each Chunky Boy can be slid onto any hook (for the size) and adjusted up or down depending on your personal grip.
I gotta say, I struggled a bit getting my 3.00mm hook into the handle at first, but I think this was my own fault. Her care card mentions using a tiny bit of oil if you need to remove your hook, so it stands to reason that it would’ve been easier to insert it had I used a bit of oil. (Wow that paragraph came out filled with way more innuendo than I intended, haha!)
That being said, that hook isn’t going anywhere! I can adjust where it sits on the hook to suit my grip, but it definitely doesn’t move around while I’m working.
Sample Project
Like I said before, one of my initial sticking points was the sheer width. How the heck could it be comfortable to use something with such a wide handle?
To test it out, I grabbed some scrap Lionbrand Mandala yarn and whipped up this little cutie:
The project above is the Floral Friend pattern from Jamy of @Jamy.Lyn.Art. I had the pleasure of testing this adorable pattern which is now available on her Etsy and Ravelry shops!
After just a few minutes crocheting, I noticed my grip was much more relaxed than usual. It only took about an hour to finish the Floral Friend and my joints felt just fine! (Usually my hand starts cramping after about 30 minutes because I have tight tension.)
It really surprised me how easily my hand adjusted to the size and shape. That awkwardness I expected just wasn’t there.
Final Thoughts
Pros
- Very affordable
- At just $15, these handles are at a very accessible price point considering most (good) ergonomic hooks run between $20-$50 (even higher if you get handmade hooks from Etsy).
- Helps hand pain
- As someone well on their way to developing carpel tunnel, this handle has already made a difference. The ever-present ache in my hands and wrists has eased since using my Chunky Boy.
- Works for different grips
- Whether you use the knife grip or a pencil grip, these handles are adjustable to suit every grip type.
- Grips my favorite hook great
- I’m the crocheter that uses the same 3 hooks despite owning like 30, so I my Chunky Boy will be permanently affixed to my much-loved 3.00mm. I like that the handle doesn’t slide around at all.
- LOVE the colors
- Mint is my favorite color and this hook handle is just gorgeous! But her other colors are just as amazing. I adore the shine and swirl pattern.
- Supports a small business
- As a small business myself, I LOVE supporting other small businesses when I can. These handles are made by hand and you can tell Beth put a LOT of passion and research into her design. The Chunky Boys are completely unique.
Cons
- Grips a little too well
- This isn’t a con for me because I only use a few hooks, but if you want use these handles on multiple hooks, it might be a bit tough to slide on and off. That being said, I haven’t tried using oil partly because I’m afraid I’ll hulk-smash my 3.00mm (and it’s my only one).
- Silicone attracts fuzz
- I hesitate to even call this a con because it’s simply the nature of silicone. I noticed yarn fuzz and dog hair (my hook fell on the couch, don’t judge me, lol) sticking to the handle. BUT, Beth mentions in her care instructions to use a bit of rubbing alcohol to gently clean the handle when this happens. (And it works like a charm!)
- So I’m going to keep my Chunky Boy hook inside the cute bag Beth sent it in to keep it as clean as possible.
Would I Recommend Chunky Boys?
That’s a resounding YES!
Overall, I LOVE this product and if I’m being honest, I’ll probably end up purchasing more in the future so I can have a set!
Plus, all joking aside, hand pain has been a persistent problem for me in the last few years. It feels amazing to work with a hook handle specifically designed with crocheters and other crafters in mind. I really think Beth and her Chunky Boys are a hidden gem in the crochet community.
If you liked this article, please share it with your crafty friends! And if you want a Chunky Boy for yourself, click here to head to Beth’s Etsy shop.
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you should try putting a thin layer of corn starch on the outside of silicone stuff you don’t want fuzz to stick to
Ooh I hadn’t thought to try that, what a cool idea! Thank you for sharing!
I wonder if I can make something similar out of leather effect clay, because it doesn’t bake as hard as normal polymer clay and has a bit of “give” to it. I’m definitely going to try a fatty like that, and of course give credit where it’s due if it comes out great! Thanks for this wonderful and inspiring article!
You’re welcome! I’ve never used leather clay but it sounds like an interesting alternative. Let me know how it works out!
I really wish she made them to fit clover hooks. They’re the only brand I use but even though they’re ergonomic they’re still not enough for me. I need something bigger 🙁
Yeah, it would be really cool if they fit clover hooks. I know there’s other handmade hook sellers that make thicker handles to fit clover hooks, but they’re typically pricier. I’m currently waiting on an order from one seller and I can’t wait to do a review. Hopefully you’ll be able to find hooks that work best for your needs!
If you are committed to using the ChunkyBoy, you can cut the silicone handles off of Clover Amours. I removed the silicone grips from my whole set of Clovers in favor of using them with the ChunkyBoy.
Thank you for the thorough review! I’m thinking of trying one to help with my wrist pain. I was wondering what size you ordered and if you preferred it or would try a different size?
Thanks!
Hi Landes!
I’m so glad I could help! I ordered the small, but the size actually refers to the size hook that you’re fitting inside the handle. The actual size of the handle is the same for all her chunky boys. I hope this helps and you love using the chunky boys as much as I do!