Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker [BOOK REVIEW]

On the very first day of 2020, my friend Heidi, the crafter behind the Hands Occupied craft blog, taught me how to latch hook so that I could make a sample for the pattern book she was working on.

Heidi's Latch Hook book & my latch hooking supplies

As a sample maker, I was given everything I needed to make the project - mesh, precut yarn, and the latch hook. And I didn't have to worry about any of the finishing work, either. It was a pretty sweet set-up!

My sample for the book - the faux shearling throw

So when Heidi sent me a copy of her Latch Hook book as a thank-you for making the sample, I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could make a project from start to finish.

I chose the Hey Welcome Mat and decided to sub in one of my favorite Brown Sheep Yarns, Lamb's Pride Worsted. I struggled with cutting the yarn lengths at first until I discovered a simple hack using a chenille cutter; after that, it was smooth sailing, and now I have this fun rug that I will probably display on the wall, because I can't bear to step on something I spent 4 months making!

Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker is the perfect introduction to this fun yarn craft. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, and you don't need a lot of expensive supplies to get started. It's a refreshing take on a craft that many folks might overlook as overly kitchy or outdated, and there are several inspiring projects with nary a terrifying clown face in sight (thank goodness!).

There are lots of colorful home decor projects in addition to the sample and project I made, including a variety of wall hangings and the sprinkle stool cover. The cool thing about a latch hook piece is that you can use it in a variety of ways - for instance, the Rainbow Back Patch is shown sewn onto the back of a jean jacket, the Layered Heart Tote is made by attaching the finished latch hook piece to a tote bag, and I have a sneaking suspicion that some of the smaller projects could just as easily be converted into pillows or cushions.

There's plenty of inspiration for modern makers who want to explore a new yarn craft. Physical copies are available in big box craft retailers (I think), or you can download a digital copy of Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker for $9.99 and get hooking.

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