How To Add Comfortable Handles to Crochet Hooks

[CrochetDad]

I ran across a video tutorial on how to add polymer clay handles to crochet hooks on Carol Ventura's Tapestry Crochet Web site. The handles help with the tight stitches required with tapestry crochet, but also eases the cramping and slipping I was experiencing with a plain hook. I even bought a set of bamboo-handled aluminum hooks, which work great, but they didn't come in the smaller sizes that I use for thread or tapestry crochet.

 

I thought you'd like to see how I've improved (in my opinion) Carol's technique. Carol inserts the bare hooks into a roll of clay. I've added some texture to the handles before inserting into the clay to allow for a more secure fit.

 

To document the process I used, I started with two hooks: an aluminum size K and steel size 1:

 

I used some glue meant to bond to metal (Liquid Nails is the brand I used, I'm sure there are others) and a short piece of #10 crochet thread. I didn't measure the thread, but you can see from the picture below, I didn't use much:

 

Lightly coat the handle up to the flat thumb rest with the glue and wrap the thread down and back the handle, leaving quite a bit of space between the wraps. You can go further, covering up the thumb rest, but you'll have to mark the hook size on the handle. Here are the hooks drying after coating with glue and wrapping with the thread (it only takes a few minutes to set up):

When the glue is wet, don't lay the hook down because it will stick to whatever you lay it on. If you use your fingers to spread the glue, be sure to wash off the glue immediately, because it really sticks quickly.

 

I added the polymer clay in the colors Gold and Burnt Umber to give the handles a wood-like look. You can choose your favorite colors. I've seen the handles with a lot more clay than I used, you can make the handles much fatter than these. Mine were made for my comfort. Be sure to squeeze the clay securely around the handle so the clay doesn't have any gaps. Here mine are ready for the oven:

 

Bake in the oven according to the instructions provided with the clay, and you've got some nice comfortably-handled hooks. I would have added another picture of the hooks after they came out of the oven, but they look the same as they did when they went in. They're nice and hard.

 

The pictures above have links to the larger versions, if you need more detail.

 

The clay I used comes in 2 ounce (56 gram) packets. Use your imagination to combine and mix colors to your taste.

 

I'm loving mine!

[loremor]

awesome! I already have all the supplies! I'm going to try it as soon as I get home.

[Carla J]

That's a really good idea on how to keep the "handle" to the hook. I have seen the clay wrapped around the hook, trimmed and baked. Then after cooling the clay would slide off the hook and need to be glued back on. This has a posibility of loosing the stick in the glue. I like this idea better as the clay is bonded the string as an added backup. Cool!

 

I think your wood look is great too!

[bjc1050]

This should be a "sticky". I'm trying to make handes with some Crayola air-dry clay. Don't know how successful it will be, but may at least try using the metal glue with the next couple of hooks that I work on. It seems to be taking a long time for the clay to dry completely....may be just because it's been so humid.

 

Thanks for the tutorial.

 

Beverly

[bjc1050]

BTW, I had also been thinking of making the more comfortable handles using the spray-on rubber-type paint that is used for adding griping surfaces to tools and gloves.

 

Beverly

[MaryPat]

BTW, I had also been thinking of making the more comfortable handles using the spray-on rubber-type paint that is used for adding griping surfaces to tools and gloves.

 

Beverly

 

 

I used the dip-it type of stuff -- must be the same thing as you're thinking of using.

 

http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip

[everkutz]

This should be a "sticky". I'm trying to make handes with some Crayola air-dry clay. Don't know how successful it will be, but may at least try using the metal glue with the next couple of hooks that I work on. It seems to be taking a long time for the clay to dry completely....may be just because it's been so humid.

 

Thanks for the tutorial.

 

Beverly

 

I've use the Crayola Model Magic air-drying clay on my hooks and LOVE it! It is very light-weight, which is great. I've also used Sculpty but it made the hook too heavy for my liking.

 

I love the look of these handles! They DO look like wood!

[CrochetDad]

I've use the Crayola Model Magic air-drying clay on my hooks and LOVE it! It is very light-weight, which is great. I've also used Sculpty but it made the hook too heavy for my liking.

 

I love the look of these handles! They DO look like wood!

 

Thanks! It's fun to mix the colors up and make the "grain".

 

The brand of polymer clay I used was Premo. Joann's had both Scupty and Premo. I forget the exact reason I chose Premo, but so far, I'm very happy with the results. I think the Premo was a few cents more than the Scupty, but there was something else on the label that made up my mind. I'll have to go back and check the Sculpty label again.

[CrochetJC]

I also used the Crayola air dry for my hooks to make them longer. I have large hands and the end of the hook just comes to the wrong place in my hand. One thing to be careful of with the air dry clay is to not grip it too tight. It will break off but can be put back on with Krazy glue. When I first put the clay on, I squeezed in the finger grips. I have done this to 6 hooks now and really like the added length. I also coated them with clear fingernail polish.

[bjc1050]

I used the dip-it type of stuff -- must be the same thing as you're thinking of using.

 

http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip

 

I just looked at the brochure for the Plasti-Dip. Looks like it would be more time consuming than Crochetdad's instructions, but I may still try it sometime. I really only need a couple of size hooks in 2 different colors (light hooks for dark yarn or dark hooks for light yarn). I have most other small size hooks that I am likely to use that already have comfort handles. I don't use anything smaller than size 10 thread.

 

Beverly

[pineapplequeen]

Very nice!!

[whispercalm]

What a terrifc idea! I will have to try this!

[alchemyfyr]

Do you think crazy glue would work? Can that be baked? If I just use clay would it slip off easily and be a problem? With the glue....is it removable later on?

 

I can't wait to try it!

[Schmetterling]

I did this with the Sculpey a few weeks ago and had a great time. I used a 40% off coupon and got a little multi-pack (I think there were 10 packages in it) for 9.00. DH and I both worked on a bunch of hooks actually after our kids went to bed. While playing with the polymer clay we were laughing and giggling like kids at a party LOL! We didn't use any string or adhesive (meant to, just forgot) and all of the hooks are holding up great. They are in my car/appointment bag and have all been used since adding the clay. Very comfy and they are fun to look at!

[bjc1050]

I've made comfort handles for some of my most frequently used sizes of aluminum hooks and used the Crayola air-dry modeling compound recently and it has worked out much better than I expected. I didn't use any string or glue, but the handles seem to be holding up. I did paint a few layers of clear Sally Hanson Hard As Nails polish on them and used my hair dryer to dry them quickly. They aren't beautiful like the ones in the photo on page one, but are still quite functional. I'm pleased with the results.

 

Beverly