The Basics of Rug Hooking
Learn the fundamentals of rug hooking in this beginner-friendly course. You’ll build a strong foundation by mastering essential techniques and learning the most important skills you need to get started with confidence.
I need your help…
What is missing from this course? Please let me know. I may have covered it somewhere else in the courses, but I want to make this course as complete as possible. You can enter a comment in the last lesson in this course, Questions about The Basics.
What is in this Course?
The Basics are the bare minimum you need to know to get started in rug hooking. The course includes:
- Which supplies I really need and which I don’t
- The simple method of pulling up loops
- How to calculate how much wool you need
- A simple beginner project
- After completing this course, check out the Finishing Course.
Lessons Posted in the Last 45 Days:
- Nothing new has been posted in the last 45 days.
- No new lessons
Basic Equipment
Basic Equipment
What equipment do I need to rug hook? That’s it. The list is not long and many of the items yo...
*Hooks
*Hooks
The old stories tell of our grandmothers using a bent nail to rug hook. Luckily, we have more resour...
Make a PVC Frame
Make a PVC Frame
All About Backings
All About Backings
Quick Recap Burlap – don’t use it because it rots too quickly (generally at about 15 yea...
*Scissors
*Scissors
[incomplete]
Recommended Kit Sources
Recommended Kit Sources
Buying a kit online can be risky. The first kit I bought was unusable. The pattern was drawn on burl...
*What You Don’t Need
*What You Don’t Need
[incomplete]
Choosing a background
Choosing a background
How to fix a background
Fix a Background that is NOT Working
Fix a Background that is NOT Working
This is also a great way to stretch a background that you may run out of. It is amazing how much woo...
The Beginner Square Project
The Beginner Square Project
This is the project that I encourage all beginners to start with for many reasons: All straight line...
How to cut strips
How to cut strips
You can cut your rug hooking wool into strips with a simple pair of scissors. All you need to do is ...
Pulling Loops
Pulling Loops
Push the hook into the backing. Put the hook in where it makes sense — do NOT count threads! S...
Do I hook on the line?
Do I hook on the line?
There are times when you hook directly on the line, but most of the time you want to hook slightly i...
Hooking in all directions
Hooking in all directions
Do you turn your frame? Did you know you do not have to? I am currently hooking a room-sized rug. Th...
Cutting the tails
Cutting the tails
ADD VIDEO It seems simple, just cut them. With a little bit of care, you can help your tails to blen...
Are you Packing?
Are you Packing?
Packing is when you crowd too many loops into the backing. It stresses the backing, makes your hooke...
How to Calculate YOUR Factor
How to Calculate YOUR Factor
Your factor is how many layers of wool do you need to hook an area. The average is 4 layers. If you ...
How much wool do I need for a motif?
How much wool do I need for a motif?
The Simple Way Fold your wool in to four layers. Lay it over the motif. Does it cover it? If so, you...
How much wool do I need for a background...
How much wool do I need for a background?
The Simple Way Fold your wool in to four layers. Lay it over the background. Does it cover it? If so...
How much whipping yarn will I need?
How much whipping yarn will I need?
Use this calculator to see how much yarn you will need Enter your numbers, then press calculate. The...
Prep & Transfer Pattern
Prep & Transfer Pattern
Commercial purchased patterns Draw your own pattern
Draw a Rectanglar Shape
Draw a Rectanglar Shape
I really struggled to get this piece of rug warp straight. My first instinct was to edit the problem...
Corners & Tips
Corners & Tips
https://vimeo.com/453271143/0a7257cbe9
Misc Random Tips
Misc Random Tips
Start in the center and work your way out. Hook what is on top first. If a leaf is over the petal, h...
Animal Fur
Animal Fur
https://youtu.be/dfBpSBtmHOQ
Circles
Circles
This lesson will be broadcast on 12/4/20
Messy Loops are OK
Messy Loops are OK
Are your loops messy? Or not messy enough? Your loops are like your handwriting. It will NOT look li...
Washing Wool
Washing Wool
Wash wool the same way you wash your blue jeans. No mercy, but don’t start with hot water. The...
How to rip wool into 1/16 yard
How to rip wool into 1/16 yard
Having a standard piece of wool helps with knowing how much wool you have, estimating how much you n...
Where to Next?
Where to Next?
My recommendation on where to go next. Include link to ??? Course
