This is the Main category page for Rug Hooking Q&A and Tutorials. Look at the left sidebar and beneath this title, you’ll find lots more information about rug hooking techniques, tools, and more ways to learn. Just click on what interests you and you’ll go to that page. I’ll be adding more slideshow webinars as I get them finished.
I get more and more emails and calls from folks who have taken a workshop or class, and then when they get back home or some time has passed since they last hooked, they have forgotten some of the details of what they learned. So, I would be happy to help with that.
If there is interest in mini-tutorials or just Q&A here at the Blog on rug hooking, questions or problems with details or techniques, just leave a comment and let’s see what we can do together! If enough of you have similar problems, I can write up a tutorial to post here, otherwise, perhaps we can just learn from one another’s FAQ and the suggested solutions.
To find all the Rug Hooking Q&A, always click this link. You can post a question in the Comments below this page and I, or another reader, can answer you. We can learn and share from each other! If you happen to see a question you can answer, please do. I will check on questions too, and post my replies. Let’s make rug hooking fun for everyone!
How do you hook the color of snow? I am doing a large pictorial that has alot of white things in it and alot of snow, an igloo, and two huskys (that are part white)sitting on the snow. All I have is Dorr natural. Do I need to order Dorr pure white?
HI Gina
I would use a combination of several whites, off-whites, and grays to distinguish between the light elements. Play with some textured wools in light colors and you’ll find a happy combination. Nice to see you here — come back often!
oh, oh, thinking I’m putting this in the wrong place.
I’ve been looking for a type of hook that we used when I was in HIghschool back in the 70′s.
To date, I believe I’ve found what I was using. The only difference is that we used balls of yarn, and burlap sacks. I loved doing this, I think I’d like to get back into it. I just don’t know how.
All of our designs were done freehand, so that was fun.
Am I thinking what you’re doing is the same thing, or am I off in another direction. I do know, we DID NOT run the yarn through the needle, we had a hook type of needle that I thought had a hold in the needle part, where you stuck the yarn. I”‘ve been thinking I”m not rememebering that part correctly.
Everything that I’ve been able to find has led me to web sites such as this one. Yet, everyone talks about using strips of fabric, ok,
is it possible to use balls of yarn? of not, then why not?
I did run into the punch needle embroidery, (punch or Russian) I thought this was pretty neat also.
Sitting here at work, needing something that I don’t have to count, something that I can lay down quickly and then get back to it with little or no trouble.
I am a security guard, so sometimes I have to get up and GO! FAST!
now if you don’t hear from me for awhile, don’t feel left out, I”ve probably just lost the web site, since I’m on the computer at work, I can’t put anything in the favorites.
email address is wolfsong452@hotmail.com
Sharon
I think you want rug punch. You’ll find the Oxford rug punch tools on my web site here:
http://www.amherst-antiques-folkart.com/Supplies.html
You can use either strips of wool or yarn and the design is punched from the back of the project (like punch needle only larger.)
A rug hooking frame or large embroidery hoop can hold your design while you punch. The punch needles come with instructions. The larger the number of the needle, the smaller you can go with the weight of your yarn. If you want to use fairly chunky yarn – or more than one strand of yarn at a time – use a smaller punch size.
Amy Oxford has lots more info on her web site: http://www.amyoxford.com/punch_needles.html (scroll down the page past the order buttons.)
I hope you will come back and order your needles from me though!
Sally
well, the amy oxford web site, isn’t what we used. I have been looking around and thought that Amy’s types of needles would be a lot of fun, I had even thought the Russian type would be fun.
the first link that you gave me, definitely looks like what we used. Probably the inexpensive one, Hey, it was high school in the 70′s. I don’t remember using a frame, but that was probably due to not having the money to buy or make one. Imagine waking up feeling like you have the flu, ALL THE TIME.
One concern that I have is my hands, I have Osteoarthritis, along with Fibromyalgia. The first, does a number on the joints.
The 2nd does a number anywhere it wants to. Could be one place one day, the another place another time. It makes me highly sensitive to sound, lights, chemicals, even touch. A lot of time it effects my memory and my sleep.
so, that’s why I’m looking for something that I can pick up and lay down. Also, my security job, can make me have to drop whatever I”m doing.
so what does everyone think? mega stress on my hands, messing with my memory, or getting confused on what I”m doing.
Thanks all,
Sharon
Sharon
Maybe you are looking for latch hook? I am not sure, but I would think any type of hooking or punch needle would be difficult with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. All the action is in the hands, wrists, and shoulders. If you try it, just do a little at a time until you see how your body responds to the activity.
Totally cool, thank you for taking the time to help me, if everyone doesn’t mind, I’d love to be monitoring, even though I know nothing about any of this.
I know we didn’t do latch hook rugs, they don’t interest me at all.
Just trying to find something to keep my mind and fingers busy while at work. Something that if I lie it down, I won’t have to come back and oh, oh, now where was I?
can’t make jewlery, too much time looking away from my cameras.
I know of some others who have Fibromylgia who do crocheting, others do knitting, etc.
I agree with you, my fingers and wrists might not be able to handle it.
What does everything one think of the punch needle embroidery, or Russian punch. I like the idea of the ribbons, smaller threads, yet, I want something where I can make a RUG!