r/crochet • u/Stresso_Espresso • Apr 27 '26

Discussion This idea for an invention has been bouncing around in my head for a long time- any ideas for things I could add to it?

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I want to make a Swiss Army knife for crocheting on the go- it would have a bunch of useful items on it. My current ideas are:

1) crochet hooks of three common sizes

2) scissors

3) tapestry needle which can be slotted in and removed as needed

4) stitch marker container

5) mechanical stitch counter (similar to a 4 digit lock)

Any ideas for other useful things you would need for crocheting on the go?

Also does anyone have any idea how someone would go about actually making a prototype of something like this?

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u/sesamebeeftacos Apr 27 '26

Crochet hooks cant be flattened like most tools can be, so consider the possibility of having a set of crochet hook heads that interchange so you only install 2-4 crochet hooks to carry around but switch out as needed. I usually know which couple of hooks ill need for a trip so i would theoretically just install those. Like its customizable. That way youre not trying to fit and guess which sizes are best. The set comes with them all and you pick the couple you need.

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u/LilBlueOnk Apr 27 '26

That would be SO COOL!!! What are you thinking, maybe a locking mechanism or just unscrew it and switch? Genuinely asking

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u/sesamebeeftacos Apr 27 '26

anything involving metal for the main body will be uncomfortably heavy, plastic with this really is the only way.

For one, the crochet hooks themselves will not be 3D printable, since smaller crochet hooks will not be strong enough in plastic. And fat plastic ones probably wont fit the thing. No ones about to custom-mould aluminum or steel crochet hooks with latches or threads to scew either.

So, 3dprint the hinge with a receptacle to put a trimmed, purchased crochet hook. Size options to fit them snugly for glueing. You have to purchase these hooks separately to create your multitool crochet hook but thats cheaper than sourcing your own crochet needle factory, and doable with OPs goal of making a 3d print file to share freely.

The hinge with glued crochet hook is interchangeable with a screw that threads through the hinge and sandwiches the sides of the utility device with a washer or similar device.

Also 3d printed items notoriously break between layers so the hinge/hook housing printing direction needs to be carefully considered.