- Ch 2 at beginning of Rnd 1 does not count as a stitch - I crochet tight so you may need to adjust the size of your hook
Stitches:
- beginning cluster: ch 2, yo, insert hook in space, yo, pull thru, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, insert hook in same space, yo, pull thru, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, pull thru last 3 loops.
- cluster: yo, insert hook in space, yo, pullthru, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, insert hook in same space, yo, pull thru, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, insert hook in same space, yo, pullthru, yo, pull thru 2 loops, yo, pull thru last 4 loops.
Directions:
Rnd 1: Ch 3, 12 dc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with a sl st to 1st dc. (12 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, ch 2, *sc in next dc, ch 2. Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to 1st sc.
Rnd 3: Sl st into ch 2 space, (ch 4, dc) in same space, ch 1. *(dc, ch 1, dc) in next ch 2 space, ch 1. Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of beginning ch 4.
Rnd 4: Sl st into ch 2 space, (beginning cluster, ch 3, cluster) in same space. *(ch 2, sc in next ch 1 space) 2 times. Ch 2, (cluster, ch 3, cluster) in next ch 1 space. Repeat from * 2 more times. (ch 2, sc in next ch 1 space) 2 times. Ch 2, join with a sl st to beginning cluster.
Rnd 5: Sl st into ch 3 space, (beginning cluster, ch 3, cluster) in same space. *(ch 2, dc in next ch 2 space) 3 times. Ch 2, (cluster, ch 3, cluster) in next ch 3 space. Repeat from * 2 more times. (ch 2, dc in next ch 2 space) 3 times. Ch 2, join with a sl st to beginning cluster.
Rnd 6: Sl st into ch 3 space, (beginning cluster, ch 3, cluster) in same space. *ch 2, (2 dc in next space, dc in next dc) 3 times. 2 dc in next space, ch 2, (cluster, ch 3, cluster) in next ch 3 space. Repeat from * 2 more times. (ch 2, 2 dc in next space, dc in next dc) 3 times. 2 dc in next space, ch 2. Join with a sl st to beginning cluster.
Rnd 7: Ch 1, sc in same st. Sc in each dc around with 2 dc in ch 2 spaces and 3 sc in ch 3 spaces. Join with a sl st to 1st sc. End off.
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:
Step 1: knead the polymer clay to make it more pliable. (by the way, I use Sculpey and Fimo polymer clays)
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. -- 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: bake in a toaster oven at 275* for 15 minutes per 1/4" thickness.
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 a couple of tips:
1. use only metal crochet hooks. I tried a plastic hook once and it drooped down.
2. lay the polymer clay hook on a soft bed of quilt batting.
- 4-ply worsted weight acrylic: = background color = ruffle color - I hook
Size: approximately 6"
Notes:
- ch 2 at beginning of Rnds 1 - 3 do not count as a stitch. - I crochet tight so you may want to adjust the size of your hook.
Directions:
Rnd 1: With background color ch 3, 12 dc in 3rd ch from hook. Join with a sl st to back loop of 1st dc. (12 dc)
==work next 3 rounds in back loops==
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each dc around. Join as before.
Rnd 3: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st, dc in next dc. *2 dc in next dc, dc in next dc. Repeat from * around. Join as before.
Rnd 4: (Ch 3, 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in same st, ch 1, {skip next 2 dc, 3 hdc in next dc, ch 1} 2 times. Skip next 2 dc. *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in next dc, ch 1, {skip next 2 dc, 3 hdc in next dc, ch 1} 2 times. Skip next 2 dc. Repeat from * 2 more times. Join with a sl st to top of ch 3.
Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in each dc and ch 1 space around with (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each corner space. Join as before.
Rnd 6: Ch 1, sc in each dc around with (sc, ch 2, sc) in each corner space. Join with a sl st to 1st sc. End off.
==for ruffles:
Rnds 1 - 3: Join ruffle color with a sc to any front loop, ch 2. *sc in next front loop, ch 2. Repeat from * around. Join with a sl st to 1st sc. End off.
==if you want a plain large squircle, just work all rounds in both loops and leave off the ruffles.
