How to Make Clay-Handled Crochet Hooks
Early crochet hooks were often fashioned from pieces of wood, bone or metal. It wasn’t until 1917 when Boyd Needle Company introduced the first steel crochet hooks, similar to those available today. By adding a clay handle to these popular metal hooks, stitching tighter stitches is easier, and the thicker clay handle makes crocheting less stressful to crafters' hands. Clay-handled crochet hooks can be made in a variety of colors to suit the crafter’s style.
Things You'll Need
- Paper towel
- Wax, pastry or card stock
- Tape
- Polymer clay
- Crochet hook
- Craft blade or knife
- Letter rubber stamps or thick pin
- Cookie sheet
Instructions
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1
Prepare the work surface by wiping it down with a damp paper towel. The work area must be free of dust, hair or other particles to prevent these from becoming mixed in with the clay.
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2
Tape a sheet of wax-, pastry- or card stock paper to the surface to make a work area. This helps to keep the clay clean and easy to clean up.
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3
Condition the clay by kneading it in your hands. Start with about 1/4 of the package and work it until your have 1/2 the package softened. Knead until soft and pliable to prevent cracking or crumbling.
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4
Roll the clay into a long tube about 4 inches in length and double the hook’s diameter.
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5
Flatten the tube slightly. Press the crochet hook into the center of the clay lengthwise and fold the clay over the hook. Be sure to leave the top 1 3/4 inches of the hook exposed.
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6
Roll the clay gently over the work surface until it is smooth and even around the hook handle.
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7
Cut away excess clay at the top and bottom. Smooth the end edges with your fingers.
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8
Mark the hook size at the bottom of the handle with a rubber stamp. Alternatively, use the thick pin to poke the number or letter size into the handle’s end.
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9
Place pastry paper on the cookie sheet and lay the crochet hook on the paper. Bake for 30 minutes at 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the clay package for alternative temperature directions.
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Tips & Warnings
Twist two clay colors together for a swirled effect. Push the hook into the tube of clay, starting at the tip, instead of folding the clay over.
Instead of marking the hook size, cut the clay to just below the size marked on the hook.
Use a pasta machine to condition and blend multiple colors of clay.
References
- Photo Credit Steve Mason/Valueline/Getty Images
