With crochet, we create beautiful pieces for our family, friends, ourselves and even for donation. But the beauty isn't just in the work we create, it's also in the tools we use. While aluminum or plastic hooks are most often used today, there are others made from carved wood or that have clay handles and are little works of art all by themselves. Antique Victorian Steel Hook with Mother of Pearl carved handle. When people first began to crochet, hooks were made from metal, wood, bone, ivory or whatever material people could find that could be carved or formed into a hook. Sometimes, the hook itself was made from one material and the handle made from another. Today, people are still making beautiful crochet hooks. If you go to Etsy and type "crochet hook" into the search, you'll see dozens of choices including wooden crochet hooks, aluminum or steel hooks with polymer clay handles, and even ones with molded figures on the end. You could spend hours gazing over all the hooks on the many pages of results. Believe me. I did and it's taken me two days to write this post because of it. Furls Fiberarts Wooden Crochet Hooks The type of project you're working on may help you determine if you use a hook made of something other than aluminum or plastic. If you're using fine, delicate yarn, you may want to use a fine, delicate hook, maybe a rosewood or an antique bone hook. If you're making something with multiple strands of yarn or a rug where you're using thicker material, then a large wooden hook may be what you select. Some of my favorite crochet hooks to gaze at are wooden ones. There is quite a selection on Etsy from ones that look like magic wands to ones that are shaped from twigs and retain their curves and imperfections. The fanciest wooden crochet hooks I could find are by Furls Fiberarts. While expensive, these hooks are simply exquisite. You can customize your hook by wood type and size. The finished hooks are definitely something to dream about. Octopus Crochet Hook from The Lemonade Shop on Etsy You can find your standard aluminum and plastic hooks from manufacturers like Boye, Susan Bates, Clover, and others. Some even make hooks from rosewood or bamboo. Clover, Knitter's Pride and Boye's line of Crochet Dude hooks are ergonomic to help ease the stress put on your hands while you stitch. Any of these will get the job done, but some of the hooks people are making by hand are what catches the eye. There are crafters making fun crochet hooks with figures on the end out of polymer clay. This is a fun gift idea for your fellow crocheters. Others are covering the handles with clay to make the hooks more ergonomic. The designs are so pretty that you can't help but take notice. Ed Jenkins Maple Crochet Hooks Two of our members have shown us their larger wooden crochet hooks. The Bagsmith carries maple hooks crafted by John Higgins of Ohio. He makes both regular crochet hooks as well as Tunisian hooks 16" and 22" long each in sizes N, O, P, S and U. Ed Jenkins of Oregon also makes maple crochet hooks, Tunisian hooks, and Tunisian Flex Hooks in sizes L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U and V. Then there are those hooks made out of glass. The Knitting Glass Guy crafts some beautiful hooks as does Michael & Sheila Ernst. They are gorgeous, just gorgeous. The Knitting Glass Guy Crochet Hooks So if you have some of these beautiful hooks, how can you store them or show them off? RParishWoodworks on Etsy created a 28 hook stand for displaying these little works of art. It's one way to keep these tools out so you can look at them. He also sells handcrafted crochet hooks. Finnish crocheter Pirjo Sinervo has a free pattern posted where you can crochet a little cover for a small flower pot or even a mason jar would work. Anything you make to display your hooks is a great tribute to the tools. I could go on for hours. Handmade Wood Crochet Hook Display Stand from RParishWoodworks on Etsy While many of these hooks are pricey, you don't need to purchase them to appreciate their beauty. You may want to pick out a couple of your favorites and hint to the gift givers in your life if they're looking for ideas for your birthday or the holidays. Or, you could stash the change you get when you purchase yarn and save it for that one special hook you'd like to have in your collection. No matter what kind of hook you crochet with, take a little time and enjoy the beauty of the tools themselves, both the practical and the ornate. These simple, elegant tools bring a little magic into the hands of the crocheter holding it. Pattern for the Storepotti by Pirjo Sinervo (Pattern in Finnish, but has many pictures that you may be able to use as a guide or chart in making it.)

Greetings everyone! I've just posted six new crochet hooks yesterday and five more today on eBay! Check them out! I wanted to tell you a little about what goes into my Signature Ornate Crochet Hooks -- a very special segment of the fiber arts tools I create. Each is different, often inspired by my own life, what is happening around me, the seasons, etc. Even before turning begins, I specifically choose each piece of wood to become one of my special hooks. As I turn, I carefully measure to make sure that the area of design is out of range of hand holding. (There's nothing worse than using an uncomfortable tool!) All of my hooks are designed to be extremely comfortable and delightful to work with. After finishing the crochet hook on the lathe, then carefully carving and hand-polishing the hook, I take in the character of the wood -- what does it want to be? I then drill a carefully-sized hole where I would like the gemstone to sit, then walk inside to the studio... Once comfortable, with bright lamps turned on, I look at the hook again, and start doing the hand-carving. I accomplish the wonderful texture in the carving by using a pyrography tool. (No, it's not a dirty word! pyro- = fire, -graphy = drawing/writing.) I literally burn the design into the wood. This has the advantage of burning off the finish (allows the paint to stick), and also creating a wonderful dappled texture, like beaten gold, or copper. I do all of my pyrography work freehand, without a template. Natural woods are much more conducive to pyrography than the Dyed Hardwoods I sometimes use. (And smell MUCH better!) After burning, I then take up my paintbrush and go to it! I like to use metallic acrylic paints because they shine, have a little bit of sparkle, and add extra visual texture to the already-stippled "canvas." I add between 3 and 10 layers of paint, different colors, in order to give the hook a more jewel-like appearance. After all the paint has dried, I then set the gemstone into a Sterling Silver or 14k Gold setting. Remember the hole I drilled earlier? The setting fits EXACTLY into this hole, and besides having this tight jam fit, I also secure it with epoxy. This allows the stone to have a proper countersink with which to sparkle beautifully! (I wish I could capture the sparkle better in my photos!) After the hook is completed, I then sign it with my artist's mark, a double-K/snowflake symbol. When posting them on eBay, or Etsy, I also try to include a story about the piece, what inspired it, or a story that the hook itself inspired. These hooks represent a huge amount of time and effort to create a piece that is truly special, and something I hope their owners will cherish through generations to come.

As my crochet hook collection grew over the years, I began grouping my hooks first by material the hook is made from (not the handle) and then by style. Most of the more ornate and delicate … More→

Antique bone crochet hook/hook- ox-bone - hand-turned - Victorian/Edwardian. A lovely example of an antique hand-turned ox-bone crochet hook with good patina that would grace any collection or workbox, dating I would estimate to the late Victorian/Edwardian era. Approx. 5" by 5/16th's" or 12.5 cm by 0.6 cm, the hook size is approx. 1.5/16th's" or 2.5 mm, please study all the pictures for further condition and size guidance. ***Please note the shipping quoted is for Standard post, if a Tracked service is required please purchase an upgrade at checkout.*** You may like to return to my store to browse further using the following link https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TownshendsEmporium?ref=seller-platform-mcnav Or follow me to be the first to see new arrivals to my shop at....... www.etsy.com/shop/TownshendsEmporium Pinterest: TownshendsEmporium Instagram: townshendsemporium

Early British steel crochet hooks were manufactured from steel wire using the same methods and in the same workshops as sewing needles.

Check out all the cool old stuff I snagged in Arizona: These are all from my Great Grandmother's tool collection. Vintage knitting needles...

Rare antique crochet hook set/tatting hook set & bone bobbin - Victorian/Edwardian. A beautiful antique leather case with velvet and silk interior fitted out to contain cut steel crochet/tatting tool and set of six hooks varying in size, that are interchangeable within the one handle and a bovine bone bobbin/shuttle. Dating I would estimate to the Victorian/Edwardian era and remarkably well-preserved for its considerable age. The green leather case has a charming engraved steel catch that swivels to open the case. A fabulous display piece, workbox item or gift for a collection of antique needlework notions, please study all the pictures for further size and condition guidance. ***N.B.*** The FREE postage quoted for this item carries International Tracking (& Signature where available) and compensation to the value, please note this item may incur locally applied customs charges. Inland UK the postage quoted is for FREE Special Delivery, guaranteed by 1pm next day, compensation to the value. You may like to return to my store to browse further using the following link https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TownshendsEmporium?ref=seller-platform-mcnav Or follow me to be the first to see new arrivals to my shop at....... www.etsy.com/shop/TownshendsEmporium Pinterest: TownshendsEmporium Instagram: townshendsemporium

I apologize in advance to those who were expecting a short post in consideration of the holiday season. Once I delved into the history of ...

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So the Susan Bates hook lovers do not feel left out this blog is dedicated to Susan Bates vintage hooks. And if you are lucky, you might run...

I’ve seen Furls Crochet around for a while, but when I saw their new Furls Streamline hooks a few months ago, I knew I had to get my hands on one! I bought my first hook and quickly realized I needed to buy more… But before we get into why I love them so much, I want...

CHOICE of Antique Carved Bone Crochet Hooks (CHOF7) INDIVIDUALLY PRICED A selection of antique 19th century crochet hooks, carved out of bone (bovine, etc). All are different sizes, styles, and designs, including a metal hook with a carved bone handle, a couple of extra-long hooks, plus a double-ended hook (#5 look closely -- different hooks on each end). They range from 4.75" to 7" in length. All have some age/wear, and some striations in the bone, as is typical with this material of this age. All are in good working order. Please make your selection from the first photo (the hooks are kept in the same order for all the closeup photos): 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 For other fine antique and vintage treasures, visit Saltwater Notions at https://www.etsy.com/shop/saltwaternotions

Antique bone crochet hook/hook- ox-bone - hand-turned - Victorian/Edwardian. A lovely example of an antique hand-turned ox-bone crochet hook with good patina that would grace any collection or workbox, dating I would estimate to the late Victorian/Edwardian era. Approx. 5" by 2/16th's" or 12.5 cm by 0.3 cm, the hook size is approx. 1/16th's" or 2 mm, please study all the pictures for further condition and size guidance. ***Please note the shipping quoted is for Standard post, if a Tracked service is required please purchase an upgrade at checkout.*** You may like to return to my store to browse further using the following link https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TownshendsEmporium?ref=seller-platform-mcnav Or follow me to be the first to see new arrivals to my shop at....... www.etsy.com/shop/TownshendsEmporium Pinterest: TownshendsEmporium Instagram: townshendsemporium