How to Do Locks With a Crochet Needle

Maintain your dreadlocks with a small crochet hook.

Dreadlocks are made by ratting, twisting and palm-rolling hair. No matter what technique you use to maintain your dreads after you make them, the first part of the process is always the same. Dreadheads know that the first year of having locks can try your patience as you wait for them to solidify naturally. Using a crochet hook after forming your dreads not only helps them lock faster, it also pulls any loops and stray hairs into the body of the dreadlock.

Things You'll Need

• Fine-tooth metal comb
• 0.6 mm crochet hook

Instructions

1. Backcomb any loose ends before starting to crochet your locks. Hold the dread taut at the end, pulling it away from your head. Rat the hair by pushing it repeatedly and rapidly toward the body of the lock with a fine-tooth metal comb.

2. Tighten the ratted hair by rolling it between the palms of your hands. Repeat the ratting and palm-rolling process two to three times for each lock.

3. Pick up a crochet hook. Hold the hook so the curved end points toward your thumb.

4. Twist the lock, holding it taut at the bottom. Twist it around several times, until the root is twisted and tight.

5. Stab the hook into the lock rapidly and repeatedly in short jabs, starting at the roots and working toward the ends. The hook will not go all the way through the dread each time. Keep stabbing until you feel the root tighten.

6. Palm-roll the dread once more before moving on to the next one.

References

• YouTube: Dreads with Soft Style Crochet Hook Method from Bangkok Video 1
• Dreadhead HQ: Crocheting Dreadl

Resources

• Knotty Boy: How to Make Dreadlocks