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Steaming a hooked rug

Finishing a hooked rug: Step 1 Steaming

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Have you admired the smooth even work in completed rugs at the rug shows? Steaming is not an optional step. It makes a huge difference in the finished product. Try steaming yours and it will look as smooth and professional as the rugs on display.

I usually steam twice. Once when the hooking is complete and before the whipping is started and again when the whipping is complete. At an absolute minimum you will need to steam at least once.

An ironing board works for most rugs but the pressing table sold at fabric stores is ideal. It’s large surface will allow you to press the rug without moving it and is a perfect place for it to rest overnight. It folds down and is small enough to be stored out of the way until you need it again. I know rug hookers who keep a piece of plywood around just for steaming rugs. Cover the surface with a blanket or towels and begin steaming. What do I use? Just an ironing board. I don’t have the storage space for anything else.

Place your rug face down on the ironing surface and lay a wet pressing cloth, a white towel or piece of natural colored wool, over the surface. I know some people who are adamant about using wool, but for me it is a bit like the emperor’s clothes. I don’t see a difference while “they” claim the difference is remarkable.

With the iron set on wool, lay the iron on the rug and let it sit for 5 to 10 seconds. Don’t apply pressure, let the iron do the work. Lift the iron and move it over so that it slightly overlaps the previously pressed area. Continue in this manner until the rug is complete. Never slide the iron across the surface, always lift to move it.  If you are steaming a large rug or a particularly lumpy one, spritz the rug with a spray bottle filled with water.  It speeds up the steaming process.

If the pressing cloth becomes dry, rewet it as needed. I find it useful to keep two pressing cloths handy so that a wet one is always nearby. Below I used a washcloth because I was steaming a small piece but I usually use the white bar towels that I use in the kitchen.

Steaming a hooked rug

If needed (and it always is needed for me), turn the rug over and repeat the process. When you stop seeing improvement, you know you are done pressing. Your rug should be smooth and flat with no ripples.

When the steaming is complete, move the rug to a surface where it can sit for 24 hours or at least overnight.

IMPORTANT: Check for square by measuring on the diagonals. The measurements should match. If not, tug gently in the direction of the shortest measurement and remeasure. Repeat until the measurements match.

Let the rug dry undisturbed in this position for 24 hours or at least overnight.  Ideally you would let it set undisturbed for several days until it is completely dry.

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Comments

  1. Your instructions are wonderful. Wish I could copy and paste onto a word processing document instead of saving the web page. Thanks for all the help Cindi.

  2. Cindi,
    Do you steam the entire piece of foundation with the finished rug in the middle or do you go ahead and cut the edges down before doing this? Also, after you finish whipping, do you need to touch up the rug again?

    I have several rugs and not one of them has been steamed and bound. Pretty pathetic?

    Trisha

  3. Lynn – I recommend coming back to the web page instead of saving. I often make changes or updates so that is the best way to get the latest info.

    Trisha – I steam before cutting off and again after whipping.

  4. Cindi,
    I took a large rug that I finished to the dry cleaners and had them steam press for me since I was too lazy to do it with my little iron. What took them just a few minutes would have taken me an hour or so.
    Marilyn

  5. Marilyn,
    I am glad it worked out for you, but I have heard horror stories from others. I guess I don’t mind a little bit of time with the iron at the end. My room-sized rug will become a party. When (notice I did not say if)… when that rug is complete, I will be having a steaming party. I’m inviting anyone that will come to bring an iron and an extension cord. It will have to happen outside. It will be like an old fashioned quilting bee, except with irons.

  6. Hi Cindy,
    I so appreciate all your clear instructions!
    For the first time, I have used some 3 dimensional hooking in a piece. Do you have any suggestions for how to steam without destroying these portions of a rug? Just work carefully around them?
    Thanks much,
    Wendy

    • Depends on the piece. Sometimes it is easier to hook all the flat stuff first, steam it and then add the 3-D. Most of us, however, are not that well planned or patient. Steaming around the 3-D is often the best you can do.

      It all depends on your hooking. Do you need to steam the daylights out of your work to get it to lay flat, or is a light steam good enough?

  7. I’ve never heard anyone mention whether it matters if the towels you use for steaming should be immersed in hot or cold water. I’ve tried both and don’t know if one gives you more steam than the other. What do you think?

  8. I have used what ever came out of the tap. I was careful not to squeeze it too dry.

    • Marsha, I agree with Elle. I use whatever is handy. Rug hooking should be easy. It is easier to handle cooler water. The iron will make it hot soon enough. I squeeze it just enough so that it does not drip all over the floor.

  9. Cindy,
    I’ve hooked a rug that’s 3/4 wool yarn and the rest wool. Can I steam the same way with yarn? Thanks
    Rhonda

    • Fiber is fiber. It does not matter if it is yarn or wool fabric. If the yarn has other fibers you may need to test to be sure it does not melt before applying heat.