STRAIGHT SHAFT LATCH NEEDLE

1 . A needle comprising:

a substantially straight shaft having a handle at one end and a hook at another end;

the hook forming a throat.

2 . The needle of claim 1 , further comprising a pin.

3 . The needle of claim 2 , wherein the pin comprises a pin shaft hingedly connected to the shaft by a pin hinge and further wherein the pin is configured to rotate to close the throat.

4 . The needle of claim 3 , further comprising a pin chamber recessed in the shaft; the pin chamber configured to receive the pin.

5 . The needle of claim 4 , wherein the pin is collinear with the shaft when disposed in the pin chamber.

6 . The needle of claim 4 , wherein the pin is rotatable in a plane defined by the hook and shaft.

7 . The needle of claim 1 , wherein the hook has a radius of curvature of about 0.05 inches (1.27 mm).

8 . A latch needle comprising:

a handle;

a shaft extending from the handle, the shaft being straight and terminating opposite the handle with a hook;

the hook curving from the shaft back towards the handle;

a throat formed by the hook;

a pin hingedly secured to the shaft adjacent the hook such that the pin, in one position, extends from the shaft to the hook.

9 . The needle of claim 8 , wherein the pin comprises a pin shaft hingedly connected to the shaft by a pin hinge and further wherein the pin is configured to rotate to close the throat.

10 . The needle of claim 9 , further comprising a pin chamber recessed in the shaft; the pin chamber configured to receive the pin.

11 . The needle of claim 10 , wherein the pin is collinear with the shaft when disposed in the pin chamber.

12 . The needle of claim 10 , wherein the pin is rotatable in a plane defined by the hook and shaft.

13 . The needle of claim 8 , wherein the hook has a radius of curvature of about 0.05 inches (1.27 mm).

14 . A method of crocheting comprising;

weaving open weave yarn with a straight shaft latch needle.