Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Hairpin Lace Tools

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A recent discussion on another site got me to thinking how crochet tools have changed over time.  Hooks, themselves, have changed very little.  You either have a ‘traditional’ hook or an in-line hook with handle variations.  But, other crochet tools have evolved more, taking advantage of advances in engineering and materials.

I’ve never actually even attempted, much less mastered, hairpin lace although I own three different hairpin lace tools.  I actually purchased this Hair Pin lace Tool made by Clover (notice the unopened package ;-0):

hairpin-lace-1-0509

Here are two others you can find at http://www.mielkesfarm.com/crocheting_tools.htm

hairpin-lace-2-0509

hairpin-lace-3

The first of these is a simple tool, pretty much unchanged over time.  The blue one is specifically for making flowers, but can also be used for more traditional hairpin projects.

There are several other hairpin lace loom designs I’ve seen.  One is a big U-shaped metal tube.  Despite the variation in designs of the looms, they all create the same lovely hairpin lace.  Here’s an example so you can see what it’s supposed to look like:

hairpin-lace-stole-0509

http://flirtationsknitwear.blogspot.com/2008/11/allure-of-hairpin-lace.html

If you don’t have a hairpin lace loom or access to a store to buy one, see if you can make your own using these instructions:

hairpin-lace-4-0509

http://www.ehow.com/how_4468904_make-hairpin-lace-loom.html

 

BROOMSTICKS AND HAIRPINS?

DORIS CHAN SCORES AGAIN!

Comments

  1. Ha Ha I also have a couple of these that I bought but have never used. The directions were too vague but the other day I was watching TV and since everything is going Digital I bought converter box and now I get a channel called CREATE and one of the shows is Knit and Crochet Today they explain so well so I’ll have to try it now. But I am happy to be able to tell Dear Hubby that I’m not the only one who buys tools that never get used. 🙂

  2. Of all the hairpin lace tools I bought and tried, and failed, the only one I was able to work, and actually enjoy working with is my Jenkins Hairpin Lace. A bit spendy, for some, but for some reason everything seems better, and one frame that I actually use and enjoy. I’ve heard others talk, and of all the ones who tried various Hairpin lace frames, they all failed, until they tried Jenkins. Also, Stitch Diva has a wonderful tutorial on Hairpin lace. I do not work for any of these compaines, I just know what I like.

    The Clover HP Lace frame is a bit awkard to use, the way they have the big end things. I tried Bates to no sucess.

    One can make flowers on a regular hairpin lace frame, you can use two prongs, or more. For the Jenkins frame, I bought an extra prong, not for flowers, but for center stitch.

  3. I just want to buy an adjustable lace loom and a book to learn how to do it. I’m getting a thousand places with no information. Just buy now. I need a telephone number to talk to someone. I would like to purchase these items. It’s too difficult to find.

    Lolly Kruczek

  4. Lolly,
    I think you can get some answers from a weaving shop rather than a yarn shop. Here is my favorite one:
    Weaving Department (ask for Nancy and tell her Joni from Crochet Club recommended you call her)
    180 Dunn Rd Ste 3 · Florissant
    (314) 921-7800
    and another one – I know no one personally there.
    Hillcreek Yarns 7001 S Hill Creek Rd, Columbia · (573) 874-2233
    jd

  5. Ok speak my mind. I know how to do the hairpin lace with two side bars but I was looking for a book of instructions for the Clover 3 pin loom. Would like patterns for 3 pin loom. If there is a book that I can purchase. I would like a book of instructions if at all possible. Could someone help me get the book for this 3 prong loom?

  6. Cassandra,
    I’m not familiar with a way to do hairpin lace with a 3 pin loom. Maybe some reader can help you. Otherwise, it might help to contact Clover to see if they can help. Good luck!
    jd

Have you read?

The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book: That Rooster Had Me Hooked

Apparently, this is the year chickens took over my crafting attention. First came the emotional support chickens, then the pocket chickens, and now a rooster has managed to talk me into looking at another crochet book.

Honestly, put a crocheted chicken in front of me at this point and I’m going to stop scrolling.

That is exactly what happened with The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book. The rooster sucked me in before I had even properly investigated what else was inside. After all the emotional support chicken crochet patterns we’ve been sharing, you would think I’d have had enough poultry. Apparently, there is still room in the imaginary yarn coop.

Now, a little honesty before we go any further: I haven’t read this book yet or tried its patterns. This is a look at why it has caught my attention ahead of publication. I have a very good feeling about this one, and I’m expecting it to be a lovely addition to the crochet bookshelf.

What’s Inside The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book?

The publisher describes a collection of 25 crochet patterns with variations for more than 45 amigurumi projects, created by ConcernedApe, Megan Lapp and Ryan Novak.

The announced projects include Junimos, Slimes, chickens, a Junimo Hut and familiar game items. There are simpler projects such as Eggs alongside more challenging makes, including the Mermaid Pendant.

The chicken variations are particularly tempting, with different beaks, combs and tail feathers, plus White, Blue, Brown, Golden and Void varieties. You can probably see why my attention keeps wandering back to the coop.

It is scheduled for release on 26 January 2027 through Random House Worlds, with 240 pages in the hardcover edition.

Why This Crochet Book Is on My Radar

What appeals to me is the combination of recognisable characters and slightly ridiculous little objects. Those are often the crochet projects that make me smile most. A useful blanket is wonderful, but sometimes you simply want a tiny yarn creature keeping you company beside the sewing machine.

If you’ve enjoyed our emotional support pocket chicken crochet feature, you’ll understand the attraction. Small, characterful projects have a way of becoming much more tempting than the sensible project already waiting in your basket.

For Stardew Valley fans, there is also the pleasure of making something connected to a favourite game. We’ve previously shared a Junimo crochet pattern, so this feels like a lovely next book to explore for readers who enjoy that crossover between gaming and yarn.

Would I Add It to My Crochet Wishlist?

Absolutely. I can’t yet comment on the clarity of the instructions, the finishing details or how the patterns work up. Those are things I would want to assess with the book and a hook in hand.

But based on the announced collection, I know this is going to be a good one for my kind of crochet browsing: plenty of personality, playful projects and chickens I’m already mentally choosing yarn for.

You can take a closer look at The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book on Amazon.

I came for the rooster. I suspect I’ll stay for the rest of the farm.