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Hands Occupied

Colorful knitting, crochet, latch hook and macrame from craft book author & designer Heidi Gustad.

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Things to Latch Hook

May 3, 2018 4 Comments

Latch hook is back! Check out 9 inspiring ideas for a contemporary take on this shaggy, well-loved craft.

image & artist links at sources below

If you follow along on Instagram or Twitter, you’ll have noticed my recent obsession with a yarn craft of a totally different stripe than knit or crochet. My name is Heidi, and I’m obsessed with latch hooking. You heard me! Latch hook, as in those little charted rug/pillow kits every kid was making in the ’70s and ’80s when homecrafting was a bit more… shaggy than has been seen in recent years. However, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: latch hooking, really rug making in general, is back!

Personally, I think it’s born from an extension of the current popularity of pom poms, tassels and macrame in crafting and home decor. In a couple weeks, I’ll do a blog post-based deep dive into latch hooking history and also share a tutorial with you on how to tackle this fun and simple craft from a more contemporary perspective. For today, I just want to share 9 things to latch hook to inspire you to consider trying this would-be throwback of a craft. :)

First, let’s contextualize this post with a look at what you’re probably thinking of when you envision a latch hook project:

vintage clown latch hook kit found on eBay

vintage clown latch hook kit found on eBay

Now, check out what some amazing artists are doing with latch hook.

Yeah Wall Rug by Mae Engeleer

Yeah Wall Rug by Mae Engeleer

 gorgeous wall hangings by Etsy seller Jujujust (Also check out her incredible Instagram.)

gorgeous wall hangings by Etsy seller Jujujust (Also check out her incredible Instagram.)

latch hook wall mask by Alise Anderson (full pattern available in KOEL magazine issue 3)

Latch Hook Wall Mask by Alise Anderson (full pattern available in KOEL magazine issue 3)

Latch Hook Wall Hanging by Ouchflower / Philippa Taylor

Latch Hook Wall Hanging by Ouchflower / Philippa Taylor

An incredible latch hook WIP by Beci Orpin

An incredible latch hook WIP by Beci Orpin (Learn more about this piece at Yen Mag.)

DIY Latch Hook Wall Hanging via Honestly WTF

DIY Latch Hook Wall Hanging via Honestly WTF

DIY Latch Hook Rug via A Beautiful Mess

DIY Latch Hook Rug via A Beautiful Mess

DIY Wall Hanging & Tutorial by The Gathered Home

DIY Wall Hanging & Tutorial by The Gathered Home

Hoop Wall Weaving by The House that Lars Built

Hoop Wall Weaving by The House that Lars Built

Latch hook is back! Check out 9 inspiring ideas for a contemporary take on this shaggy, well-loved craft.

Want to try latch hook for yourself? Here are some great posts for beginners:

  • Latch Hook Basics Tutorial
  • Basic Latch Hook Finishing Tutorial
  • Tiered Colorblock Wall Hanging – free latch hook pattern

 

PS: If you’re an artist featured, do let me know if I’ve mis-credited anything or linked to the wrong place! 

This post contains affiliate links. 

Filed Under: Inspiration, Latch Hook, Yarn Crafts Tagged With: contemporary latch hook, latch hook inspiration, latch hook patterns, modern latch hook, things to latch hook

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad is a craft book author & content creator in love with primary colors & vintage vibes. She specializes in knitting, crochet, latch hook and macramé, and her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now!

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Comments

  1. Jeannene

    April 27, 2019 at 9:10 am

    How can I follow you? Not seeing an author name.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      May 2, 2019 at 11:13 am

      I write this blog all by myself, so I don’t always include an author name. I’m Heidi, and you can find all of my social links in the navigation menu and sidebar. Or search @handsoccupied on most social networks. Nice to meet you! :)

      Reply
  2. Claire

    August 17, 2019 at 3:02 am

    That clown latch hook is too funny! I know exactly what you mean when envisaging “traditional”? latch hook. Have just purchased my first blank rug canvas and will have a go when I get time, inspired by these much prettier :) pieces. Thank You!

    Reply
    • Heidi

      August 19, 2019 at 4:05 pm

      You’re so welcome! It’s really fun (not to mention easy) to get creative with latch hook, I love it. :)

      Reply

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), a craft book author & pattern designer specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. Really anything with yarn! ❤️  My work combines vintage and modern design elements, featuring bold colors and graphic motifs.

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If you look closely, you’ll see I’m casually k If you look closely, you’ll see I’m casually knitting from one sweater into another here, no big deal. (What can I say, I lost a game of yarn chicken. 😂) I almost didn’t post this because I was worried someone might have some nonsense to say about my ability to knit. Then I remembered I can’t care about that. Silly me, I almost forgot myself! 
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Speaking of which, dang it’s good to have my mental health back consistently after the past couple of years. The anxious parts of my personality are just chilling, rather than constantly screaming that my work isn’t good enough to share. The confident parts of me that matter have me creating (and starting to share my creations & process with strangers and friends) again! 
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I’m feeling better, & all my [big, bad bug] proj I’m feeling better, & all my [big, bad bug] project needs is a couple of short sleeves! I’ll be finishing this sweater *just* before it gets too warm to wear, but isn’t that always how it goes? 🫠🧶 
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