Rug Hook: There are many brands and sizes of hooks, economy priced through higher priced. You can start with a less expensive hook, but always choose a hook that corresponds with the width of the wool strip you wish to use and one that fits your hand comfortably. Ball handle, pencil-style, and even ergonomic hooks are available. Rug hooks are gauged fine, medium, primitive and coarse to guide you in choosing one that will work with the strip width you intend to use.
Foundation: Several rug hooking foundations (often called backing) are available from inexpensive burlaps to higher-priced linens. Burlap is fine as a learning material, but as you begin to hook rugs that you really want to last for generations, use a better quality foundation, such as linen. Linen is stronger and less susceptible to rot from damp or dry conditions. Monks cloth is a cotton fabric that is a mid-priced foundation. Choose a different foundation for each of your first few projects and you’ll find the one that you prefer.
Frame or Hoop: Rug hooking frames vary widely in price, size and capability. Some are stationary and others swivel and tilt. Frames can sit in your lap, stand on the floor, or be stabilized by your own weight (sit-on frames.) Frames have gripper strips on all sides, which hold your pattern very tightly while you hook. Alternately, you can use a large, heavy-duty quilting hoop, which must be stabilized against a table edge during hooking. Frame choice is very personal; frame must fit your stature, arm length, and comfort. Try a frame before you purchase or know that you can return it if it doesn’t work for you.
I am looking for different sized cutting blades for my Rigby cutter. Do you which web site I Could find some??? Are the blades universal and fit different machines??
ThankYou
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Heather
I know that Halcyonyarn.com carries all the Rigby cutter sizes, and as far as I know all the cutter heads will fit all the models of Rigby. I used to have a model H and now I have a model D – my cutter heads fit both. (Models B and C are for rag rugs.)They have gone up in price over the last 10 years (like everything else) but they do last a long, long time. And you can have them re-sharpened if they need it. Be sure you have a cleaning finger that matches the size of each butter head you install. Hope this helps.
Sally
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Thank you so much for your reply.
It definitely helped me out!!
I just happened to go on there and saw they had them. Although the size cutter i want does not have the fingers to match…go figure.
I will keep checking!!
Thanks again!
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What size is that? They should all have cleaning fingers to match! Maybe look again, or call them about it. I was surprised to see cutter head #8.5 (mine is an #8 and cuts three strips – and has a cutter finger the same size.) A #8 sizethat cutrs strips 1/4-inch wide is way more common than an #8.5 – I would call and ask for what you need. I bet they have it!! — Wait – I just went there and looked – I see a cleaning finger for every size cutter head they offer . . . maybe you missed it going from one page to another?
Sally
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Ok Thanks!!!..
I will go back there and check!!!!!
I was hoping for one that is bigger than the one I have.
The Rigby H that I am using came with a “RC5” and cuts 3 strips but they are very thin and some of the wool that I’m using comes apart easy being that finely cut. I went today and bought some different wool scraps from a local wool store, so maybe that will help a little.
I’m waiting to hear back from my mother to find out what size she thinks this RC5 cuts. I thought she had said 1/4 but maybe it’s 1/8.
Thanks again so much!!!!
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Heather
The number on the cutter head refers to the cut size (all of which are in 32nds of an inch.) So the #5 that you have will cut strips 5/32-inch wide. A #8 would be 8/32 or 1/4 inch. So a #8 cutter head is going to give you 3 strips, each 1/4-inch wide. Any cutter head that says 6 or higher will cut a strip wider than the #5 head that you have now. The RC on the cutter head refers to Rigby Co.
Sally
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Sally: Could you use a Rigby cutter on fabric other than wool. What would I want to use for synthetic fabric? Thanks.
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YOU COULD, BUT THAT GENERALLY WILL CAUSE THE BLADES TO DULL FASTER. Oops – sorry about the caps. If you keep cutter blades just for cutting say, cotton material, and separate ones for your wool, you might do that.
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I have a used Fraser cutter without instructions. Do you know a source for instructions? I am experimenting, but it would be helpful to have some guidance. Also, the used cutter I got came with a nut and washer. Do you know where the washer goes on the handle? Right next to the nut, on the end? Or on the other side of the head? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Ann
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I don’t have a Fraser – maybe someone else reading here could give you some tips? Anyone? Thanks!!
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I’d like to buy a #3 and #5 Rigby cutter head plus cleaning fingers
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Jane,
I don’t sell Rigby cutters or acessories, but you will find what you need at http://www.halcyonyarn.com
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I won and old rigby cutter on line and I order some blades for it,,,,They came with fingers,,,,I have no idea how to use them or where to put them,,,,HELP,,,,Carol
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Hi Carol – click the link above and you will see a pic of a Rigby with the cleaning finger attached to the platform. It slides onto the end (away from you) and clips in. Slide it all the way on, making sure that the groves in the end of the finger mesh with the cutting blades – they should both have the same number. A number 8 cutting head needs to use a number 8 cleaning finger. Hope you can see it.
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Ok that image link isn’t working for me — if you can’t see it here, click here. I added it to my web site for you.
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