How to Crochet Onto a Barrette

If the plastic part of your purchased barrette snapped, the part that holds the hair may still work. Rather than throw it out, you can re-cover it in crochet, with a bit of a favorite color of yarn. You can use a similar technique tocrochet onto many solid, slender objects, as long as you can reach all the way around.

1. 

    Select a barrette.
   Select a barrette to use for this project. This one was broken, but it could have been covered right over the original plastic. The main thing you'll need is a section you can reach all the way around.
2. 

    Remove excess pieces.
   Remove excess pieces. Snap off the plastic piece and pop out the metal spring, leaving the top surface of the barrette clear. You can leave it on if it's not broken and crochet over it to make a new style.
3. 

    A slip knot on your hook.
   Form a slip knot and place it on a hook that is the appropriate size for your yarn.
4. 

    Yarn above, hook below.
   Begin crocheting onto the top section on the barrette. Hold the yarn behind and above the barrette. Pass the hook under the barrette.
   • This is a basic single crochet, but it's worked onto the barrette instead of into a row of stitches.
5. 

    Yarn over and draw the yarn around...
   

    ...so you have a loop above the barrette.
   Yarn over and draw the yarn back under the barrette. Draw the loop up to the top and leave it on your hook.
6. 

    Yarn over again.
   Yarn over again. You should now have a total of three loops on your hook.
7. 

    Draw through two loops.
   Draw the loop on the end of your hook through the other two loops to complete one single crochet.
8. 

    Repeat.
   Repeat this stitch to form a full, tightly spaced row of stitches all along the top of the barrette.
9. 

    Chain two, turn.
   Chain two and turn the work.
10. 

     Sc 2 in each sc.
    

     The second row takes shape.
    Work back along the top of the previous row. Single crochet two into each single crochet.
11. 

     Additional rows.
    Work additional rows in the same way. Chain 2 (turning chain) and work two single crochets in each single crochet. Work as many rows as desired. Each row will make the finished barrette a little larger and a lot more ruffled.
12. 

     Replace the spring.
    Pop the spring back into place, if you removed it.
13. 

     Tie in the ends.
    Tie in the ends. If you have holes at the ends of the barrette to stitch into, take the opportunity to tack down the ends of the ruffle.

• Choose a barrette that works well in your hair, or the hair of the person who will wear this creation.
• Watch the edges, especially if you are crocheting onto a metal surfaces. Metal edges can be sharp, which can damage either your hand or your yarn.
• You can buy the barrettes plain if you live close to a ribbon store or a craft shop that carries them. Ask your closest craft shop if they have them.

• A moderate amount of yarn
• Crochet hook of an appropriate size for the yarn
• A barrette with a clear surface to cover
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle