My favorite backing: rug warp

Sheri’s question:

Hi Cindi, what’s the difference in rug warp and say primitive linen. That’s what I usually hook on but it’s so darned expensive. I use an 8, 8.5 and 9 cut. I am also experimenting with monks cloth. It’s not too bad and a lot cheaper than linen. And where do you get to rug warp? Dorr?
Thanks for the help.

Rug warp is the heaviest backing that I know of. It lays on the floor like a rug. My linen rugs are often a pain because they tend to wrinkle and I have to straighten them. In my opinion, a rug should not wrinkle.

Rug warp is made of 100% cotton just like monk’s cloth so it is easy on alergies, but much heavier and not nearly as prone to stretching. If you pack, avoid monk’s cloth.

I’ve heard some comments that rug warp is not straight. It may not be at first, but pull on it! It straightens out every time. I will work on writing up a lesson on transferring a pattern. If you use the threads to draw the outlines of your rug, and then tug until the box is square before transferring your motifs it works like a charm.

Rug warp will hold your loops tight. If you have problem with the loops pulling out as you work, consider rug warp. If you have pets, rug warp is the best backing of them all. I have two of Kim Nixon’s footstools sitting in front of my couch. The two cats consider them their own scratching posts. I know all animals are different, but I have no problem with them.

And last, but not least, rug warp is cheaper than linen but it costs more than monk’s cloth the last time I checked. You can buy it here on my website:

I planned a large rug, Antique Rose Basket, to hook at Sauder Village last year. Because I wanted to use 8.5 and 9’s I drew it on linen. I tried hooking a bit on Monday night and ended up running home Tuesday to get rug warp. I haven’t worked on it since because of the large rug, but I am glad I made the change. Be sure to use a hook with a thick shank such as a Hartman Hook. You can buy these hooks at Dorr Mill Store.

And for those that prefer linen: