Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Crochet Hook Clay Handle Tutorial

by

 

This is not a new idea, but I’m giving more thought to making my own hook handles and thought others might want to make their own also.

Jamey Elkins has this excellent tutorial on her blog to guide us through the process.  I’ve worked with polymer clay before – and it’s a breeze to work with.  No special skills or equipment needed.  A single block of the polymer clay is pretty inexpensive.  For the marbled effect shown in the picture above, you’d need several colors.  But, a single color is easy and cheap, especially for a first attempt.

If you chose to use add the handle to an aluminum hook, you can bake the handle right onto the hook.  If you have a hook of another material, you will need to make the handle separately and glue the hook into it.

I’m thinking this might be a nice alternative way for me to create handles similar to those of my favorite Etimo Tulip hooks as those  hooks are not made in a sizes larger than an I or J.  So, I am thinking of taking some of my older Susan Bates hooks with the head I prefer and using Jamey’s tutorial to fashion my own handle for my K hook since that’s the one I want to use the most now, it seems.  The photos on Jamey’s blog are of much better quality so you can get a better idea of this nifty DIY project.

UPDATE***********************

Please take note of this helpful information sent to me by Judy Fergusen.  Judy wrote:

JD, A crochet group friend made hooks for us members using this polymer clay about 15 yrs ago & selling us the set [f-k] for $20.  They are great for me as I have lost some circulation in my hands and this helps me hang onto the hooks.
Having said that, on the tutorial, the clay covered up most of the hook BUT mine only cover ‘up-to’ the size listed on each hook– that still gives me plenty of grip and I can still identify the hook’s size…. just an FYI in case you try making them.  And if you drop a hook on tile, the ‘cover’ will break off — as it did when my dog was a puppy and thought it might be tasty.  hugs, judy fergusen

Comments

  1. That’ll work! I used to watch the Carol Duval show on DIY TV when Zane left for work. LOTS of polymer clay shown. Never made any projects. No room! Hugs!

  2. I made handles like this for my steel hooks many years ago because they were painful for me to hold on their own. For my first one I just grabbed a block of the polymer clay and rolled in into a big fat roll and stuck the end of the steel hook in it – never paying any attention to color or size. I worked a few stitches with it to make sure that the diameter was right and then I baked it. It didn’t occur to me at the time that this big, fat roll should probably not have been made in dark green. I can’t tell you how many people have told me that they thought I was crocheting with a zucchini!

  4. jD,
    If you cover up the size with the clay, how about if with a needle tip prior to baking the handle to the hook you scratch the letter size on the handle? Think that might work? After the holidays and if there is any time left for making me something – I definitely want to try this.
    Merry

  5. Meredith,
    That’s a great idea. I’d also consider using an indelible maker to note the size on the distal end of the hook handle where it won’t receive much handling. But, your idea is better!
    jd

Have you read?

How to Crochet the Suzette Stitch: An Easy Textured Crochet Stitch for Beginners

Learning a crochet stitch is much more satisfying when you have an actual project waiting at the end of it. The Suzette stitch is especially versatile because its dense, softly textured fabric works for everything from practical cotton washcloths to cosy scarves, hats and blankets.

Here are some Suzette stitch crochet patterns worth adding to your project list.

Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket

The free Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket pattern from Premier Yarns uses the stitch to create a softly textured crochet blanket with a subtle tweed-like appearance.

This would make a lovely handmade baby shower gift, particularly when worked in a washable baby yarn. The stitch creates more visual interest than plain single crochet without introducing large holes that may catch tiny fingers.

Easy Suzette Stitch Blanket

The Suzette Stitch Blanket pattern by Stitching Together is another approachable blanket project for crocheters who enjoy a relaxing stitch repeat.

This is the sort of project you can keep beside the sofa and work on a few rows at a time. Just keep an eye on those skipped stitches—television crochet is wonderful until an extra stitch quietly sneaks in three episodes earlier.

Casey Suzette Stitch Scarf

The free Casey Scarf crochet pattern uses the Suzette stitch through most of the design, producing a cosy scarf with a softly scalloped, zigzag-like texture.

It is a good first wearable project for beginners because scarves do not require complicated shaping. You can also adjust the length fairly easily or use a self-striping yarn and let the colour changes do the decorative work for you.

Quick Suzette Crochet Scarf

For another scarf option, try this free Suzette Stitch Scarf pattern from Hooked by Robin.

The designer includes written instructions and a video tutorial, making it helpful for visual learners who prefer watching the stitch placement before beginning. It is designed as a quick project and would make a practical last-minute handmade gift.

Suzette Colour Block Scarf

The free Suzette Colour Block Scarf pattern is a cheerful option for using several coordinating yarn colours.

Colour blocking also makes this a handy stash-busting crochet project. You can use leftover yarn from other makes, although it is worth choosing yarns of the same weight and similar fibre content so the sections behave themselves after washing.

Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie

The free Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie crochet pattern turns the textured stitch into a warm winter hat.

Chunky yarn helps the pattern work up quickly and makes the raised texture especially noticeable. This would be a useful project for craft stalls, charity donations or quick handmade Christmas gifts.

Hazel Textured Crochet Beanie

The free Hazel Beanie crochet pattern combines simple ribbing with the Suzette stitch.

The ribbed brim gives the hat a neat, finished appearance while the Suzette stitch adds texture to the main body. It looks more complicated than a basic crochet beanie but is still built from familiar beginner stitches.

Suzette Stitch Washcloth

For a small practice project, try the free Suzette Stitch Wash Cloth pattern from The Purple Poncho.

A washcloth is one of the best ways to practise a new crochet stitch because it is small, useful and not terribly demanding. Even if the first one is slightly wonky, it will still wash perfectly well.

Use a smooth cotton yarn so the cloth is absorbent and the stitch texture remains clearly visible.

Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth

The free Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth pattern adds another layer of texture to this familiar stitch combination.

Make several in coordinating colours and pair them with handmade soap for an easy spa-style gift. They are also useful little projects for testing unfamiliar cotton yarn before committing to a larger set.

Corner-to-Corner Suzette Stitch Washcloth

The free C2C Suzette Stitch Washcloth pattern gives the stitch a slightly different construction by working it from corner to corner.

This is a good next project after you have mastered ordinary flat rows. It lets you explore increasing and decreasing while still using the familiar Suzette stitch combination.

Suzette Stitch Afghan Square

The Suzette Stitch Afghan Square pattern turns the textured stitch into a smaller crochet block.

Afghan squares are useful for charity blankets, sampler blankets and portable crochet projects. You can make the squares individually, use up leftover yarn and join everything together once you have enough—although “enough” has been known to become a surprisingly flexible number in my craft room.

More Suzette Stitch Crochet Pattern Ideas

Once you are comfortable with the basic stitch, you can also use it to make:

  • Crochet mug cosies
  • Ear warmers and headbands
  • Fingerless gloves
  • Cushion covers
  • Tote bags
  • Baby rompers
  • Crochet cardigans
  • Lap blankets
  • Double-thick potholders

You can browse additional Suzette stitch crochet patterns on Etsy, including sweaters, baby blankets, beanies, mug cosies and accessories from independent crochet designers.

When choosing a pattern, check whether it uses US or UK crochet terminology. Also check whether it uses the traditional Suzette stitch—one single crochet and one double crochet worked into the same stitch—or a designer’s variation of it. That quick check can prevent a great deal of confused unraveling later.