The Latch Hook

I'm a crafter and generally love to try all things crafts. So, for Christmas, my boyfriend bought me a lighthouse latch work kit. Neither he nor I had ever tried latch hooking. My parents had two hanging from our walls growing up so I was at least familiar with the product. He, however, had no clue.

So, the kit he bought me was advanced. In the world of latch hook, that does not mean much other than the grid is not labeled. Rather than using a color-coded grid, I had to look at a paper, and count squares, which added time. Though, since the colors are hard to distinguish, it's hard to say if having the actual grid marked or the paper marked is easier.

When I opened the kit, I found roll after roll of unorganized yarn pieces. Nothing was grouped by color. So, I researched it and discovered this is typical. I have no idea why, if they are already grouping colors, they do not group the colors together, but they don't. So, I spent a while separating the pieces of yarn into color groups. Then, I packaged them into Ziploc bags for easy storage away from the cats.

The cats...

While latch hooks are relatively easy, I had to research how to do it. So, in hoping I'm not alone, I thought I'd document my experience. That said, this is more of a summary of the process. For the best tutorials, there are YouTube channels devoted entirely to the latch hook. 

You can find a latch hook kit at most craft stores or online (Amazon has a ton). Since I love lighthouses, the boy got me a giant light house wall hanging latch hook. I discovered, after watching many tutorials, you can use this as pillows, rugs, and more!

The kit

So, how do you do it? 

For starters, you'll need to lay out your latch grid and your diagram. On your diagram, you'll find a color key. Mine was a giant piece of paper with color coded squares. 

You should also have packs of mixed yarn pieces. This are not organized so you'll need to organize them. I used plastic bags. And, since mine was rather large, this process took at least 30 minutes. 

The color key is also not the most easy to read. So, I put a matching dot on my plastic bag to correspond to the color (I forgot to take a picture of this). Here is the color key - many of the yarn colors are not as distinctly different as those on the color key. Be sure to check them in a well-lit room. 

With your colors organized and bags color-coded, you are ready to start latch hooking. I had to read online how to make the initial hook. The good news - after about two minutes, I was ready and never needed assistance again. 

My work space

The latch hook:

First, take a piece of yarn (the color that corresponds with your diagram or, if your latch is colored, your actual latch square). Fold it in half. Then, stick the latch hook took through it so it rests toward the handle. 

Then, while holding the tips of the yarn, push the latch hook tool under the string you wish to "hook." Be sure to push it far enough so that the hook and clasp are no longer under the hook. 

Next, hold both ends of the yarn and push them over the top of the clasp. Never let go of the yarn. 

Once both tips of the yarn are under the clasp, grab the handle of the hook and pull the hook towards you. 

You will have to tug a little. Pull it all the way through the hole. The easiest way to look at it - pull until the yarn is no longer on the hook. You'll see a nice little knot on the row now. 

Repeat this for all remaining colors. 

More observations:

After losing my place the first few rows, I decided to use a marker to mark my spot after each row. I also made sure to complete rows versus sections or columns. I had to count the squares on my diagram and then count them on my actual latch. 

And, after several weeks of work on this masterpiece, I finally finished. Of course, there was a lot of remaining grid...

So, I measured one square past the hooked rows and cut. I cut around the entire "rug."

And, finally, I could see my finished work. But, alas, I was not quite done. 

I had to hang it. I was tired so, I just stuck a thumb tack through the two open corners on the left and right corners. Perhaps I devise a solution later. Maybe I'll frame it. Though, if you want to frame it, I suggest cutting less of the grid. 

The aftermath: 

Every color had remains. As I finished each color, I dumped them into my original box. I'm debating if I want to save the yarn for another project or donate it...

And, the kit: In case you want to complete this latch hook, here is the kit I used. You will need to purchase a latch hook like this (under $5 at any hobby or crafts store in the knitting section).

The tools

The kit

I plan to make some more latch hooks in the future, but I deserve a break after this one. It's time to finish some of my other projects that have sat stagnant!