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Latch Hook

MATERIALS NEEDED:

  • Loom Pattern
  • 5 mesh canvas (smaller canvas doesn't leave gaps)
  • Pre-cut yarn or cut your own using acrylic 4-ply yarn (available at Wal-Mart)
  • Small Latch Hook
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Binding

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Begin by sealing the edges of your canvas.  Cut straight edges of your canvas, then run a layer of glue along the top side as well as the underneath side.  Using glue eliminates binding at this point.

  • Start from the bottom left corner of your graph.  Each small square represents a stitch. Always leave at least 10 rows of blank canvas all the way around the design. This needs to be turned under and bound when you have finished hooking.

  • Commence hooking (see below) following the graph for the color required.  Hook all the way across, then start the next row.  Continue until pattern is completed.
  • For a more finished appearance, latchhook projects should be bound. You can use either a sew-on binding or an iron-on.

HOOKING:

  • Loop a piece of yarn around the hook, behind the latch.

  • Push the hook down through one square and up the one immediately above until the latch is through. Then pull the hook back slightly, just far enough until the latch begins to close.

  • Bring the two ends of yarn across, into the eye of the hook.

  • Pull the hook back slowly; the latch will close and grab the yarn.  Release the two ends of yarn and pull hook out.

  • Keeping the two ends even, tighten the knot by giving it a slight pull.

TIPS:

Latchhook projects cannot be washed in a washing machine, as it they will unravel.  Hand clean only!  If your latchhook project is made from acrylic yarn, you can coat the back with Saf-T-Bak compound.  This will make it non-skid, and also add bulk to your rug.  It also holds it together when being machine washed. This is not necessary with pure wool, as wool is quite heavy and not prone to slipping on floors.

You may prefer to cut your own yarn, as pre-cut yarn can be expensive.  A rotary cutter can be used to produce pieces in the length you need.