How to Latch Hook

How to Use your Latch Hook Tool

Loop a piece of yarn around the hook, behind the latch Push the hook down through one square and up the one immediately above until the latch is through. Then pull the hook back slightly, just far enough until the latch begins to close. Bring the two ends of yarn across, into the eye of the hook. Pull the hook back slowly the latch will close and grab the yarn. Release the two ends of yarn and pull hook out. Keeping the two ends even, tighten the knot by giving it a slight pull

WORKING FROM A PATTERN
Arrange the page numbers of the pattern in order of the Layout Map, starting with the page that will form the bottom left hand corner. E.g. if there are say 6 pages in your pattern then you arrange them this way: page 4, 5, 6, 1, 2,3.
Always leave at least 1" of blank canvas all the way around the design. This needs to be turned under when you have finished hooking and either binding sewn on, or you can use Iron-On binding.

If your rug is made from acrylic yarn, then I suggest coating the back with a backing compound. This will make it non-skid, and also add bulk to your rug. It also holds it together when being machine washed. This is not necessary with pure wool, as wool is quite heavy and not prone to slipping on floors

I do not recommend washing pure wool rugs. Pure wool naturally repels dirt anyhow and can be vacuumed in the normal manner. If you need to have it cleaned take it to a professional cleaner.

Working from a graph pattern is not as daunting as you may think. You will see the graph is marked off into sections, each section comprising of one hundred squares. In each of one small square is a letter or symbol.

All patterns come with a key i.e. a letter or symbol showing its designated color. ( just like paint by numbers)

Each small square represents a stitch. The canvas when looked at closely has parallel horizontal threads and twisted vertical thread. The knots are made over the horizontal threads. Start at the lower left hand corner of the canvas, remembering to leave an inch to the left and bottom of the design this canvas you turn under and bind when the rug is completed.

Carry on hooking following the graph and symbols for the colour required. Hook all the way across then start the next row. You might want to hook a section at a time that is entirely up to you how you work you rug. For a more finished appearance rugs and wall hangings should be bound, You can either sew or iron on a binding

To finish without binding, cut canvas at least 3 holes beyond the outside edge of the design, fold to back of rug, match mesh and baste in place.
To finish with binding cut canvas at least 3 holes beyond the outside edge of the design, then cut the corners diagonally about away from the pile. The with right side facing you, sew one edge of the binding as close as possible to the knotted edge. Turn so the back is facing your then fold back and se the other edge of the binging to the back of the rug. Miter corners and stitch down

Finishing a wall hanging:
Start at upper corner, sew on binding around both sides and bottom of the rug Then with right side facing you, sew one edge of the binding as close as possible the knotted edge of the top of the rug, turn over so the back is facing you, then sew down making sure you will have enough room to insert a rod.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial.

For more craft tutorials and projects pleas visit Magic Lady Crafts Weblog

Latch Hook Tools Buy Now £1.99

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Forever Friends Latch Hook Rug

Forever Friends Latch Hook Rug Kit from Anchor. This lovely kit is the perfect additon to any child's room, or indeed any collectors of the 'Forever Friends' range. Suitable as a rug or wall hanging.

Kit contains full easy to follow instructions, 4.5 Mesh colour printed easy count rug canvas, latch hook tool and Acrylic Yarn. 19½" x 27½" (50cm x 70cm)

R.R.P £35.99 Our Price £29.99 Buy Now

Jemima Puddleduck Latch Hook Rug

Rug kit includes 4.5 holes per inch colour printed canvas, pre cut acrylic yarn, edge binding, needle, thread, latch hook, chart and full instructions.
Size 70 x 50cm (27 x 19in)

Rug kit includes 4.5 holes per inch colour printed canvas, pre cut acrylic yarn, edge binding, needle, thread, latch hook, chart and full instructions.
Size 70 x 50cm (27 x 19in)

R.R.P £35.99 Our Price £29.99 Buy Now

Newtons Law Latch Hook Rug

Newton's Law Latch Hook Rug Kit from Anchor. This bright & colourful kit is the perfect addition to any child's room, being suitable either as a rug or wall hanging. (We know a few grown-ups who think he's rather lovely too!!)

Kit contains full easy to follow instructions, 4.5 Mesh colour printed easy count rug canvas, latch hook tool and Acrylic Yarn. 19½" x 27½" (50cm x 70cm)

R.R.P £35.99 Our Price £29.99 Buy Now

Humphreys Corner Latch Hook Rug

Humphrey's Corner Latch Hook Rug Kit from Anchor. This delightful kit is the perfect addition to any child's room, being suitable as either a rug or a wall hanging.

Kit contains full easy to follow instructions, 4.5 Mesh colour printed easy count rug canvas, latch hook tool and Acrylic Yarn. 19½" x 27½" (50cm x 70cm)

R.R.P £35.99 Our Price £29.99 Buy Now

Beatrix Potter 'Peter Rabbit' Latch Hook Rug Kit from Anchor. This beautiful kit is the perfect additon to any child's room, suitable as a rug or wall hanging, it would make a wonderful gift for a special occasion.

Kit contains full easy to follow instructions, 4.5 Mesh colour printed easy count rug canvas, latch hook tool and Acrylic Yarn. 19½" x 27½" (50cm x 70cm)

R.R.P £35.99 Our Price £29.99 Buy Now