• 0 items$0.00
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Hands Occupied

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

  • BLOG
    • Knitting
    • Crochet
    • Latch Hook
    • Macramé
    • Punch Needle
  • ABOUT
  • Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • YouTube

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!

Previous Post: « Weaving in the ends on our first RALCAL
Next Post: Picks of the Week »

Reader Interactions

DID YOU LIKE THIS POST?
Visit similar articles...

  • Wrap up your WIPs Giveaway!Wrap up your WIPs Giveaway!
  • The Discover Paper 2012 Holiday Guide is Out!The Discover Paper 2012 Holiday Guide is Out!
  • Other People’s Houses Shawl pattern / RALKAL Kickoff!!Other People’s Houses Shawl pattern / RALKAL Kickoff!!
  • Inspiration ThursdayInspiration Thursday

DON’T MISS ANOTHER UPDATE

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

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.

UPDATES BY EMAIL

Monthly highlights sent to your inbox.

Find Me Elsewhere, If You’re There

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
Latch Hook by Heidi GustadDiscover Unique Items

Footer

INSTAGRAM

handsoccupied

Craft book author & pattern designer ❤️💛💙
knitting, crochet, latch hook & macramé
.
Please email for pattern support. 🧶

Heidi Gustad 🧶✂️
How to do a one-step provisional knitting cast on How to do a one-step provisional knitting cast on / a.k.a. crochet provisional cast on, scrap yarn cast on
.
I read recently that tiktok and Instagram are being used as search engines more and more. 🤔 I thought since I’m going to all the work of making tutorials on YouTube, I should experiment with making a quick version of them for other platforms. There are obvious teaching limitations to vertical video, short-form content like this, but I think I covered the gist of this cast on in a minute. The YouTube version also covers how to unzip this cast on because there was time for it 👍🏻 L1nk is in my profile. 
.
I’m very much looking for feedback as I continue to make instructional knitting & craft videos. Sometimes good tutorials are hard to find, and (ideally polite) feedback helps me improve. 
.

#handsoccupied #provisionalcaston #knitting #knititngtutorial #knittersofinstagram #crochethook #knittingtutorial
For the first time in a long time, there’s a new For the first time in a long time, there’s a new tutorial from Hands Occupied! 🎉 The video is live on YouTube & the blog. 
.
The post covers what provisional cast ons are & how they differ, and the video covers how to work a one-step provisional cast on using scrap yarn and a crochet hook. (This is a great one to save for future reference.)
.
I learned several names for this method while researching this video & post. Crochet provisional cast on, one-step cast on, scrap yarn cast on - if you know even more names for this technique, please share! 
.
#handsoccupied #provisionalcaston #knitting #scrapyarn #crochethook
Working on a sample for some upcoming videos. It’s an overcast day with intermittent sunshine & I have a scruffy little sidecar. 🐶 Can’t complain! 
.
What’s on your needles this week? 
.
Yarn: @debbieblissknits Cashmerino Aran 
.
#handsoccupied #knitting #knittinglife
Peg boards and craft room organization go together Peg boards and craft room organization go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, as you can see, do latch hook tools and screwdriver organizers! 🪛 
.
I think this trick translates to any tool with a thick handle, so leather working tools, punch needles, print making tools, etc. should work! What other tools am I, a needlecrafter, blanking on right now? 
.
#craftorganization #handsoccupied #latchhook #latchhooking
Pegboard storage is my favorite for craft supplies Pegboard storage is my favorite for craft supplies, so getting a few hung in my new studio has been a priority. Here’s my first attempt. 🔨 
.
Details: This pegboard panel is for organizing my knitting needles, latch hook tools, sewing thread, etc. It doesn’t need to hold much weight, so I didn’t anchor this into a stud - just used basic drywall anchors. I’ve also got a set of two 2’x4’ panels for another spot in my studio, and those will need a stud/more than 3 drywall anchors. Wish me luck! 
.
[description: video features a woman hanging a panel of pegboard using a square dowel and drill]
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2023 / Foodie Pro Theme On Genesis Framework / Branding by Ink + Mortar
All Site & Shop Policies / Privacy Policy / Cookie Policy