test June 2016 update: I cannot get the calculator embedded into the website. Click this link to visit it in another page. If it ever stops working again, please let me know. In case you are curious, here's how to do the calculations yourself: Width + Width + Length + Length = Perimeter …
How to finish a hooked rug
Finishing a hooked rug – zig zag or not?
My rug hooking workshop schedule has been very full the last few years. I enjoy teaching so it was a joy, but it did not allow much time for musing. This summer I've had time to slow down and think. One topic that has been whirling around in my head has been rughooking finishing. To zig zag or not …
A simple way to hang your rug hooking on the wall
I'm describing this method as a way to fix a mistake. This method only works on small pieces such as the wrong sized stair riser I hooked recently. I whipped it with my usual finishing technique instead of folding the edges back and whipping. Since I had already sewn on the Velcro strips (a …
Whipping Tips for Finishing your Hooked Rug
If whipping is frustrating for you it may be because the wool gets tangled as you work. Hold the wool yarn as you would if you were crocheting using your left hand. (Reverse these instructions if you are left handed.) Insert the needle in the correct position and pull the yarn through while …
Finish with rug tape made simple
If you are looking for a simple finish, try this one. Doris Eaton demonstrates the Eaton Edge. The way to evaluate a finish is to ask where is the knife fold edge? Simply turning back the edge with sewn on rug tape is not a long wearing finish because what causes our backing to fail is the …
Fold Forward Rug Finish: Whipping the Edge
For many, finishing a hooked rug is the least favorite part of hooking a rug. I'm not crazy about the prior preparation steps, but I do enjoy this part, the whipping. Take your time. Keep the rug handy so you can pick it up at odd moments and you will be done before you know it. If the corners …
Don’t Miss the Last Step – Label Your Rugs
Update June 2012: For the labels for my hooked rugs, I have switched to packaged Printable Fabric since I use so little. This fabric is already cut into 8 1/2" x 11" sheets and ready for printing. You can find it in the fabric department at Hooby Lobby or Jo Ann Fabrics, but most quilt stores will …
Rug Hooked Footstool Feet – where to get them
Once you begin hooking on your pattern, order the feet for the footstool so you will have them when your hooking is complete. You can find many sources on the internet. A few are listed below. These feet are 4" in diameter and 6" tall which will give you a final footstool height of approximately …
The easiest way to finish a hooked pillow
This method is also the easiest way to finish a hooked piece for other construction such as a tote bag or the wool edges can be turned back around the edge of the rug for a "Show" finish. See other examples at the end of this post. Finishing a pillow can be extremely difficult if you try to …
Fold Forward Finish: The Whipping Yarn
After the edge of the rug is prepared, folded and secured in place with some simple basting it is time to whip the edge of your hooked rug. I like a whipped finish because it gives the hooked rug a stiffer edge and some added protection from the vacuum. Yes, I vacuum my hooked rugs. I use rug …
Fold Forward Finish: Baste the Edge in Place
After steaming and preparing the edge of your rughooking by zig zagging, I fold the edge toward the loops and then baste it in place. I know this takes longer than using pins, but pins hurt. I was in a car accident in 1996 and that changed my outlook on life. I would rather do something pleasant, …
Fold Forward Finish- Zig Zagging the Edge
The fold forward method is my default finish for all my hooked rugs. It is a whipped edge that is sturdy and does not require additional supplies such as cording or rug tape. This is Step 1 - how to prepare the backing edge. …
