Project Tutorials

Crochet Hook

I use the skew to part through to the exact length and to point the end. This is an over hand type supporting grip for the shaft with it cradled between my thumb and fingers of my left hand. If your fingers get hot ease up on the pressure, use just enough grip to hold the shaft steady.

Shape the end of the shaft and then sand.

I use the gouge to shape the top to a point and part from the lathe gently letting the hook fall into my hand. If you grip the hook too tight, the endgrain could twist in two and leave a hole in the end instead of a pointed end.

We have a decorative little spindle now that could be used as a hair pin or other object but we want a crochet hook so we need to cut a hook I the end.

I start by making a diagonal cut into the spindle that is perpendicular to the grain direction. If I cut with the grain, it would be easier to break the hook off.

I make two saw cuts to form a slight V opening to guide the files for final shaping.

I start to file with a round tapered needle file along the side of the saw cut.

Then I use a small flat file to widen the opening of the hook. Be careful with the file when doing this so you do not snap the top of the hook off.

I use the flat file to round the top of the hook.

After all file shaping is done use pieces of folded sand paper to pull through the hook and sand the sides. Make sure there are no areas left rough to snag the yarn.

I use a three part homemade finish or lacquer on the crochet hooks. The homemade finish is equal parts of boiled linseed oil, denatured alcohol, and clear shellac. Rub the shaft of the hook with finish until you no longer get any stain from the wood.