One woman, one hook and a crochet obsession that's finding favour across the globe

Natalie Watts makes stunning bags and accessories from T-shirt yarn

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Deborah Hall

14:42, 26 Jul 2026

[Natalie Watts was taught to crochet by her Nan, Pamela Violet, and now runs Hookz as a continuation of that legacy]

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Natalie Watts was taught to crochet by her Nan, Pamela Violet, and now runs Hookz as a continuation of that legacy(Image: hookz.uk)

A craft skill learned at her Nans knee and now revisited in later life is bringing joy to creator Natalie Watts. Her return to crocheting has also brought a whole range of new, and sought-after, bougie bags to the fore that are finding their way across the globe.

Natalie, who lives in Barrow upon Humber and has a studio at The Ropewalk, in Barton upon Humber, finds she is loving the fact she has picked up her hook again after all these years - and people from "all over the world" are also loving her work. She solely hand-makes every one of the items she sells through her online shop, Hookz, and via any fairs and events where she takes a stall to show off her wares.

And in honour of her Nan, Pamela Violet, Natalie has collections that are named after her. Natalie said: It was my mums mum who taught me how to crochet as a little girl - Id be about seven or eight.

I used to watch her, cooking and crafting, and was always interested in her crocheting and knitting. Sadly, as the years went on, I didnt continue with it, and it wasnt until last year that I started crocheting again.

Natalie, who moved up from Kent, became a bit obsessed again with the craft and by June of 2025 had decided she might be able to make a go of a business based on it. Natalies forte is crocheting bags and accessories from sustainably-produced T-shirt yarn and, armed with a 12mm or 15mm crochet hook - so much larger than the hooks I was using when my Nan was teaching me - has already made a big impact on the market.

[Selection of Hookz bags made by Natalie Watts]

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Selection of Hookz bags made by Natalie Watts(Image: hookz.uk)

Ive had so many nice compliments about my bags, said Natalie, who can turn out a small bag in a couple of hours while larger tote styles can take a full day. The beach bags are the biggest ones I do, she said.

My mini-tote bags have been really good and really popular and the beach bags have been going well as well. I do lots of different styles - everyones tastes and colour preferences are different - and I can make something for someone in a specific colour or with a specific handle or whatever to suit an outfit or an occasion.

Natalie said: I do a phone lanyard that keeps your phone safe - its a cross-body style and ideal for when youre on holiday or in the city; you can wear it under your coat. It comes in all different colours - me and my mum tested it out on holiday last year.

I make a little AirPod case as well, to match. Ill probably be doing some different things for Christmas - possibly some wine bottle holders, as Im just trialling a few of these.

Im always expanding the range. Im always looking for inspiration when Im out, I see colours and I see what people are buying as well.

[Hookz sells T-shirt yarn as well as bags and accessories made from it]

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Hookz sells T-shirt yarn as well as bags and accessories made from it(Image: hookz.uk)

As far as Hookz is concerned, Natalie, also a caterer by trade, is the team. I do everything, she said, the crocheting, the website, setting up at fairs; it comes quite naturally to me, I find. The crafter has seen orders come in from all over the world and it always surprises and pleases her how popular her designs are.

Its lovely that people are so interested. Natalie also stocks the T-shirt yarn for other creatives to buy, now she has room in her dedicated studio at Barton (only open to visit by appointment) and is not working from home, as she was at the outset. The business has really snowballed and I feel my Nan is with me all the time, said Natalie.

She would have loved this. I have a little picture of her on my unit in the studio and feel I am continuing her legacy.

I love being at The Ropewalk, its a lovely community of like-minded people, all these really interesting little independent businesses. My neighbours are really helpful.

[Natalie Watts of Hookz]

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Natalie Watts of Hookz(Image: hookz.uk)

[Example of a Hookz bag that's perfect for holidays]

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Example of a Hookz bag that's perfect for holidays(Image: hookz.uk)

Natalie said: I really do feel passionate about my craft. I love it because you can get lost in it.

I never force anything; if an idea comes to the forefront of my mind Ill take it and let it flow. I can start a bag imagining it one way, and it turns out quite differently to what I was expecting.

You can find more information on the Hookz website and on social media.

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