Author and fiber artist Gloria Crouse shows the basics of hooking rugs and pillows and explains how to choose the right fabrics and styles to complement a home's decor.
Almost any type of fiber can be used for hooking. For rugs, wool fabrics work best. Create pieces using yarn scraps or fabric remnants. When using fabric remnants, a special tool is available to cut them into uniform strips quickly and neatly, but scissors or a rotary cutter work well, too.
For ease and speed in hooking, use a hand needle which works like an egg beater. It is adjustable from 1/8 inch to almost one inch. There are also electric needles on the market that can hook at a variety of speeds.
Use a frame to hold the backing fabric. Fasten the fabric tightly to the frame. The more tightly it is mounted, the easier it is to hook. Backing fabric can be linen, cotton or monk's cloth.
Transfer the design onto the fabric, and work from the back. The loops will be on the front side. They can be left as they are or clipped with scissors when the piece is finished. For a fun way to change hooked rugs with the seasons, try attaching some squares with Velcro.
Resources Hooking Rugs: New Materials, New Techniques
by Gloria Crouse (ISBN: 0942391411)
The Taunton Press, Inc.
Website:
www.taunton.comHandy Speed Needles, Electric Needles
Rumpelstiltskin's
9932 NW Abbey Road
Portland, OR 97229
USA
Phone: 503-203-5908
Fax: 503-203-5908
Email:
japowell@attglobal.net
URL:
www.rughookersnetwork.com/rumpelstiltskins/index.html
Guests Gloria Crouse
Fiber Artist / Author, Gloria Crouse
4325 John Luhr Road NE
Olympia, WA 98516
Phone: 360-491-1980
Email:
glocrouse@aol.com
URL:
www.rughookersnetwork.com/crouse
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