gar... broken hook...

Ever used a plastic crochet hook?

A few weeks ago I picked up a set of the Susan Bates plastic crochet hooks, and even though they seemed a bit flimsy, I liked how they felt in my hand and how the yarn slid across the hooks. Today I was just tinkering around with an amigurumi and the head of my size H hook just snapped clean off! I guess I should have seen that one coming...

I think I'll reserve the rest of my plastic hooks for looser stitch projects...

yet another comfy crochet hook...

Here is another comfy hook... I went with a different design for this one with a much larger diameter, and I have decided it is even more comfortable this way. I also sanded this handle grip, while wet, with 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper. This really smoothed the surface and gave it a slight sheen.

front...

back...

whoa... zoom... I molded indents for fingerplacement...

hook in hand... nice fit!

comfy hooks...

Now that's more like it!

Making tight stitches can really wear on my hooking hand... so to make my smaller crochet hooks more comfortable, I have started to mold polymer clay into a handle grip. This method is ideal because I can increase the diameter of the handle to the size and shape that feels most comfortable and make it more eye catching... transforming any old hook into a hook made just for me... ergonomic... just the right look and fit.

If you want to give this a try here is what to do...

• preheat oven to 275 °F (135 °C)
• work the polymer clay (I use Sculpey III) until it is soft
• mold the clay around the handle of your crochet hook into a shape that fits your hand the best
• place hook on an oven-safe glass dish and bake 15 minutes for every 0.25" (~6mm) of clay
• remove from oven and allow to cool
• enjoy the comfiness and crochet to your heart's content

ouch!

one word... ouch! I spent most of last night finishing a purse and starting an amigurumi toy for my dog, Joey. Both projects consist of very tight stitches, and boy do my fingers hurt. I think I will have to mod my small hooks tonight to make them more comfortable...