I made my first crochet hook handle in 2002 - I needed more substance to hold in my hand - I was having a problem with having to stop crocheting and stretch out my fingers every once in a while. I thought of tape but I didn't think that that would feel comfortable or look very nice. My next thought was polymer clay. I had a small stash of it leftover from trying to make beads, so I tried it and it worked great.
This is how I create my crochet hook handles:
What you will need:
What you will need:
Step 1: Knead the polymer clay to make it more pliable. (by the way, I use Sculpey and Fimo polymer clays) - then roll into a rope. Twist the ropes together and then knead a little more.
Step 2: Wrap the polymer clay around your crochet hook handle and shape it to your preference. I roll the handle on my dining room table to help smooth it out.
To flatten the end - I gently drop it to the table:
-- if you plan on adding a glass bead to the top, do that now. Use a head pin (found in the jewelry section in the craft store) to help secure the bead. You will have to cut the head pin about 1/8" from the bead.
Step 3: Lay hook onto a bed of quilt batting - cover with an aluminum foil tent.
Step 4: Bake in a toaster oven or regular oven at 275* for 15 minutes per 1/4" thickness. Once baking is complete - leave the oven door open and the exhaust fan on to air it out.
Step 5: Dry sand the handle with 320 grit sandpaper. If you'd like, give it a good wet sanding with the 320 grit sandpaper also.
Step 6: Buff with an old t-shirt.
Step 4: Bake in a toaster oven or regular oven at 275* for 15 minutes per 1/4" thickness. Once baking is complete - leave the oven door open and the exhaust fan on to air it out.
Step 5: Dry sand the handle with 320 grit sandpaper. If you'd like, give it a good wet sanding with the 320 grit sandpaper also.
Step 6: Buff with an old t-shirt.
Once you get the gist of creating these handles, you can let your imagination go. My favorite style is swirling 2 or 3 colors together with a glass bead on top. I think they're pretty and they really help out my crocheting hand. :)
***Edited to add:
Use only metal crochet hooks. I tried a plastic hook once and it drooped down.
For spotted handles:
Make a handle according to the instructions except use only 1 color. To get the spots - just roll out a small ball of clay - flatten it between your thumb and finger and apply to the un-baked handle. Then roll the handle on your table gently until the handle is smooth. Bake it, and then sand it according to the instructions.
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A little snake made with Fimo white glitter mixed with 1 drop of food coloring.
