Latch HookKimberly Luetge

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Table of Contents

ContentsIntro............................................................................................................................ 5Supplies needed for a Latch Hook..............................................................................7

Yarn......................................................................................................................... 8Canvas.................................................................................................................... 9Latch Hook Tool.....................................................................................................11Instructions...........................................................................................................12Rug Binding...........................................................................................................13

Instructions on How to get started on a Latch Hook Project.....................................14How to Start a Latch Hook........................................................................................19

The First string......................................................................................................19The Rest of the Latch Hook...................................................................................24Trouble shooting...................................................................................................27

Once the Latch Hook is completed...........................................................................30How to bind your Latch hook.................................................................................32

How to Make a Pillow................................................................................................38Works cited...............................................................................................................42

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IntroLatch hook is a traditional craft that allows one to create and build a rug. In the B.C. eras, only the rich and famous used to own exquisite rugs made by special artisans for a pricy amount. Starting in the 1920s, a simpler way to create tasteful rugs was created using a small hook with a latch on it; this allowed for the common crafter to start their own collection of rugs. The height of the popularity of Latch hook was reached during the 1980s- and has been slowly declining ever since due to the time and patience needed to make a Latch hook rug. There is a small but dedicated niche of crafters, however I believe more people should learn about this simple craft.

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Supplies needed for a Latch Hook

The following supplies are needed to create generally any Latch Hook: Yarn- Most Latch Hook kits use Acrylic yarn A canvas it is suggested for beginners to use one that is easy to count Latch hook tool Instructions- can be your own or created by someone Rug binding

The next few pages will be explaining each of the following supplies in some detail. If you wish to skip these sections because you have a kit, or are knowledgeable about the following subjects, you may skip to the Section Labeled How to Get Started.

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Yarn

There are several types of yarn, with the leading yarns either made with Acrylic or Wool.Acrylic yarn is a synthetic made yarn- due to it being made out of Petroleum products. The advantages of using Acrylic yarn is that it is a lot of cheaper than wool, and it stands up relatively well over time- due to the price difference in wool and Acrylic yarn, you are able to get Pre-cut yarn for a Latch Hook Kit without costing too much financially. However, the disadvantages of Acrylic yarn are that it easily burns (as with all yarn, be careful how you wash and dry it). (Knittinghelp.com)Wool yarn is made from animal products, and therefore holds up better over time. The other advantages of wool yarn is that it is flame resistant and naturally insolates, allowing you to feel warmer during the winter. It also takes less dye than Acrylic yarn and does not fade much over time. However, the disadvantages of wool yarn is that it costs a lot more to process, therefore making you pay an higher price for the end product. A number of individuals are also allergic to animal products, so this yarn may not be an option for some people. (Knittinghelp.com)The reason Acrylic yarn is used Pre-Cut Latch Hook Projects is due to the relative durability of the yarn and the smaller cost on the company and consumers.

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Canvas

There are several kinds of canvas that one might see in a Latch Hook kit.The first type of canvas that one will find is a standard canvas with a design printed on the canvas, as shown below. The design that is printed on the canvas helps a lot of beginners to the Latch Hook Craft because it shows where to start the project. However, do not trust the picture on the canvas entirely, sometimes the machine that prints the design messes up, or the colors on the canvas do not match the project (Such as a company might print gray on the canvas that is suppose to indicate where a white piece of yarn would go. This might be confusing to even an experienced crafter.) The guide printed on the canvas should be used as a guide only- the instructions should always be used first. When shopping for a kit that has a pre-color printed Canvas, look for a description that says “color-coded canvas”. An Example of a company that use the Color-coded canvas is Caron Wonderart.

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The second type of Canvas that you might encounter in a Latch Hook Kit would be what is called an “Graph n’ Latch” Canvas. This Grid pattern highlights every 10 Spaces with a Blue Grid pattern, making it easy to count. The disadvantage of this method is that you might not know where to start your project. It would be recommended that you sketch out the pattern of the Latch Hook you are doing, using the instructions as a guide of where to mark each color. The disadvantages of this Canvas is that it does not tell you where to start the Latch Hook- therefore you might take the risk of starting in the wrong place and not have the ability to bind it later on. When buying a kit, if it does not say in the description that it has a Color-coded canvas- assume it uses the Graph n’ Latch canvas. Graph n’ Latch canvas with blue lines is typical of MCG textiles.

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Latch Hook Tool

A very simple tool, it has a latch at one end, and a handle at another. You can generally get this tool from most craft stores, even if they do not sell Latch Hook Kits. This manual will show you how to use this tool later on. A picture of a Latch hook is below.

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Instructions

The Instructions are a simple way to show where to put a piece of colored yarn. Instructions should come with every Latch Hook Kit you buy. Otherwise, there is almost no way to figure out how to make a Latch Hook, unless you make the Instructions yourself. A typical instruction is like one that is pictured below. The picture is put on a grid pattern, and a different color of yarn is assigned to each symbol. By following the key that is printed next to the picture, you can easily create a Latch Hook.

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Rug Binding

The purpose of rug binding is so you can complete your finished Latch hook project. Without rug binding, the canvas edges might rip and tear, which could cause all of your hard work to disappear. There are two kinds of rug binding- Iron on, and Sew on.The advantages of Iron on rug binding are that it is easier to apply to the product. However, the disadvantage of this method is that it does not last as long as Sew on rug binding.For Sew on rug binding, you will need carpet thread. Once you get into the binding process, you can sew this binding onto the canvas. If you use carpet thread, this method is ideal because this rug binding will last a lot longer than Iron on rug binding. However, this method is a lot more time consuming and requires a lot of patience.

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Instructions on How to get started on a Latch Hook Project

In this manual, I will be showing how to create a large Latch Hook rug using the design shown below. This Latch Hook is a 20 in by 27 rug.

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First, when you open up the kit, you will find several things, such as:

Instructions Bundles of yarn A Canvas A Color coding chart

Along with these items, you should also have:

A Latch Hook tool A highlighter Plastic bags

Step 1: Sort the yarnWhen you get the yarn in the Latch Hook kit, it is typically bundled like so:

On the instructions, next to the key, there is two columns that say how many yarns of a color are in each bundle, and how many there should of the color in total.

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Generally if you were to divide the total number of strings by the number of strings per pack, you should get a number that indicates how many packs should been in the kit. Usually at the top of the instructions, it should say how many packs you should have as well. As a warning: The number on the instructions tells you how many strings are needed to create the Latch Hook- usually there is a bit more string left over. It is advised that you save the extra string, just in case one of your strings in the Latch Hook falls apart- therefore you would have a replacement string.

Once you have figured out if the kit has the correct number of packets, you may start sorting it. First, take one packet, and undo the plastic binding that keeps it together. Then, using the color chart, sort the yarns into their respective colors. It is advised to sort the yarn in a well-lit room, due to the nature of some colors.

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When a packet is completely sorted, you may place it in a plastic bag- preferably a zip-lock bag so you can close the plastic bag. The number of plastic bags you need depends on how many colors you have to sort- the key will tell you how many colors there are. Repeat this for all the packets. What you should get is many plastic bags with yarn in them. It is recommended that you label what color each plastic bag has in it.

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How to Start a Latch HookThe First string

To Start a Latch hook, you first need a:

String Latch Hook tool Canvas Instructions Highlighter

To begin, first lay out the canvas so that you can see the image in front of you. Then, look at the instructions and see what the first symbol says. It should say “Starting Point”.

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Taking the Latch Hook Tool and string, wrap the string just above the metal part of the tool. Take care to the two string ends together with a finger

Using the reference picture on the canvas, start where the first colored rung is. First turn the hook part of the tool so that the hook is facing to the side. Then pass the hook part beyond the first rung of the canvas by passing it through the bottom, then the top- taking care to keep the latch on the same side as the hook.

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Gently drag the string up so that it is right next to the latch. While gently pulling the tool towards you-being careful to not pull up on the tool- take the two sides of the string and place both sides on the right side of the latch. This motion will put the string ends through the actual hook of the tool. Refer to the picture below.

After the string is looped into the hook, continue to pull the tool towards you. Once you pull enough, the tool will come out, and the string will stay on the rung you just used. The following diagram is from a side view.

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Take the two strings that are sticking out, and gently pull both upward so the string forms a tight knot on the canvas.

The finished rung should look as follows:

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After completing this string, you should take the instructions and mark the symbol you just hooked with the highlighter- the highlighter is a good way to keep track of the progress you have done.

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The Rest of the Latch Hook

This step you will use for the rest of the Latch Hook Rug. Generally, you may either hook the next space over- going by rows; or you may hook on the rung above the first string- hooking by columns. In this example, it will show you how to hook by columns.First, flatten the string you just hooked so that the two ends of the hooked string are facing towards you. This will allow for you to hook the next string easier.Next- referring to the instructions- pick out the string color that you need, and wrap it around the base of the tool, taking care to keep it right above the base. Hold down both ends with a finger. Take the tool and hook it under the rung that you wish to hook. Weave it under the canvas and then above the canvas, taking care to make sure the latch is on the same side as the hook.

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Pull the tool slowly towards you, while also wrapping the two ends of the string around the right side of the latch, and pulling it through the actual hook area. Be very careful to not catch the ends of the first string in the hook as well. If that does happen, refer to the section called Troubleshooting.

Continue pulling until the string stays on the canvas and the tool is free.

Mark the symbol you just did on the instructions with your highlighter. Continue to hook until there is no more symbols in that direction, then move on to the next row or column. For a bigger latch hook, it is recommended that after every few rows or

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columns, check your work against the instructions. Continue until the rug is done. An example of a completed Latch hook is on the next page.

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Trouble shooting

While completing a Latch hook, you might misread the instructions are pick out the wrong color of string to latch on to the canvas. This is a easy fix using the directions below.First, locate the string that is misplaced on the canvas. Generally, you can just look at the picture to figure out what string looks off. You can do this by turning the canvas over so that the reverse picture is facing you, as shown below.

You can now look at the instructions and get an idea of where the string is. Once you find the string, there are a few steps that you have to do to unhook the string from the canvas.

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First, locate the string and push the other strings surrounding the needing to be replaced string out of the way, as shown.

Once the other strings are out of the way, look for a small ridge on the string that you want to get rid of. It should look like a loop of sorts. The black circle on the photo shows where this ridge should be. Gently tug this ridge up and over the two ends of the string. Once the loop is over the two ends of the string, the string is free from the canvas. Then proceed to add in the right string.

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Once the Latch Hook is completed

Once Your Latch Hook is completed, it might be nice to showcase your work. To do this, this part of the manual will show you how to make a complete rug or pillow out of your Latch hook.

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How to bind your Latch hook

To bind your Latch Hook, you will need the following supplies:

Completed Latch hook Carpet String Rug binding- you may use either kind as referred to in the supplies

section; however this example uses Iron on Rug binding. Ruler Iron

First, lay the completed Latch hook in front of you.

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Then, measure the canvas so that all sides of the canvas are half an inch away from the last row or column of strings. (Crafts) Take the canvas and sew it to the underside of the Latch Hook.

Cut the rug binding so that it measures one inch bigger than the canvas on all sides. Take sure that the corners line up.

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Then take the rug binding and put it on top of the canvas on the underside. For extra strength, you can use a sewing machine to sew the binding to the canvas.Then, using the low setting on the Iron, Iron the Rug Binding so that it fuses with the canvas. Make sure to go over it a few times with the Iron to make sure all parts of the Rug Binding is secure. Let cool for a few minutes as the underside of the rug will be hot. You have now bound your rug.

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You may now put your bound rug in any place you choose.

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How to Make a Pillow

What you will need:

A completed 12 by 12 inch Latch hook Backing that is twice the length of the Latch Hook- any color you would

like Sewing machine- with Carpet string Stuffing- any kind you want

First, complete the steps of “How to Bind your Latch hook” as outlined in the previous section.Turn the Latch hook over so that the binding is facing you. Take the backing and pin it to side of the Latch hook with the binding on it. After the backing is pinned to the Latch hook, proceed to sew three sides together, leaving one side open.

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Take the still open side, and flip the Latch hook insides out. The correct picture should be facing towards you. At this point, you may stuff the pillow with at much stuffing as you would like.

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After you have stuffed the pillow to your liking, sew the last end closed. The finishing project should be a small pillow that you can use to decorate any room.

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Works cited

"How to Finish a Latch Hook Rug." Crafts. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2014."WOOL FIBER VS ACRYLIC FIBER - KnittingHelp.com Forum." KnittingHelpcom Forum RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2014.