005 – Beginner rug hooking equipment

Episode 005

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Rug Hooking Frames

• Hoop
• a simple embroidery hoop
• weighed down with a bean bag filled with coins
• picture frame wrapped in cloth, use t-pins to hold backing in place
• might want to join a meeting, go to an exhibit or workshop to see what everyone is using
• ask around
• I currently recommend the Needleworks frame
  

  call 1-860-283-8534 or info@theneedleworksshop.com. Please tell them that Cindi Gay sent you

• Hand made frames are usually “good enough”, and “good enough” is all you need to get started

Hook

• Cheap hooks are available, usually under $10, but not optimal, Hobby Lobby
• Expect to pay $40 – 75 for a good hook
• Watch out for pretty
• Shank size – size does matter
• make your own
  • crochet hook
  • cut to length
  • polymer clay

Rug Hooking Backing (aka Foundation Cloth)

• No substitutes here
• Order on my website (recommended backings)
  • rug warp
  • linen
  • price difference
• other backings
  • monk’s cloth
  • burlap

Scissors for Rug Hooking

• small blade scissors, the type they sell for back to school
• not dress maker scissors
• later you will want offset scissors

Rug Hooking Wool

• recycled, but the quality is not the same
• get a full color plan – all the wool you need and only the wool you need
• buy at workshops, exhibits, etc.
• very few stand alone rug hooking shops
• most wool is bought online – trust your source
• Visit my online rug hooking store

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List of Podcast Episodes

• 001 – The Rug Hooking Podcast is Here!
• 002 – Packing for rug camp, tips on what to bring with you
• 003 – How to choose the right finish for your hooked rug
• 004 – Washing wool for rug hooking
• 005 – Beginner rug hooking equipment
• 006 – Cutting Rug Hooking Wool with and without a Cutter
• 007 – How to Rug Hook – pulling up the loops
• 008 – Rug Hooking Cut Sizes Explained
• 009 – Where to start rug hooking
• 010 – Learn to Hook Better by Learning to See
• 011 – The Secret to primitive hooking is not just in the wool
• 012 – But I’m not an Artist. . . .
• 013 – Creativity: Rug Hook Naked
• 014 – Fold Forward Finish, my favorite rug finish
• 015 – Add a Label to your Hooked Rugs
• 016 – Steaming your Hooked Rug
• 017 – Stop Photo Copying your Rug
• 018 -What’s Available on my Website