014 – Fold Forward Finish, my favorite rug finish

February 13, 2018 7 comments | Updated December 8, 2021

Written by Cindi Gay

Rug Hooking with Cindi Gay podcast

Episode 014 Fold Forward Rug Finish

This is the finish that I teach to beginner rug hookers. Easy technique and simple supplies make it ideal for beginners and experienced rug hookers alike. This is a sturdy finish that holds up well to foot traffic and still looks good on a wall hanging.

Written Fold Forward Finish instructions

Supplies you will need:

Needle I use to whip the edge of a hooked rug
I prefer the largest doll needle.
  • Sewing Machine

General Steps:

  1. Steam and let it dry.
  2. Measure 1 1/4″ from the hooking, draw a straight line on all 4 sides.
Step 1: measure how much to cut off your hooked rug
  1. Straight stitch between the line and the loops on round or oval rugs.
  2. Cut on the line.
  3. Zig zag with a sewing machine or use an overcast stitch.
  4. Mark the corner miter.
Mark the miter on a hooked rug finish
  1. Stitch inside the line with a zig zag and straight stitch with a back tack.
Corner prep of a rug finish
  1. Fold in once and baste.
First fold of the hooked rug finish
  1. Fold in twice and baste. First fold down the corner.
    First fold of the hooked rug finish
    Then fold the sides again and baste.
    Second fold of the hooked rug finish
  2. Begin whipping about 1″ from a corner. Manage the cut yarn in a Strip Sorter.
  3. 25:27 CORNER TRICK
    Setting up the corner
    Setting up the corner on a whipped rug finish
    Small stitches at the corner
    Small stitches- the corner trick for a whipped rug
  4. Steam agin if needed
  5. Add a label – next week’s podcast

Written Instructions

Be sure to read the written instructions for another point of view.
Written Fold Forward Finish instructions

What finish do you prefer?

Let me know in the comments…

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015 - Add a Label to your Hooked Rugs

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