How to Start Rug Hooking

[@SquashHouseQuiltsandStitches]

This was terrific, Christine! My husband, at 78, has been trying for years to find some sort of craft that interests him. We tried crochet and cross stitch, but his mild dyslexia just gets in the way. How easy could this be! No counting, just following the lines. And as a quilter, I have any number of frames that will suit him! We'll be watching this together later today. Thanks so much! Hugs, Candace😊

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

It is such a great hobby for retirees. Keeps the mind active. Some of the most gorgeous rugs and quilts I’ve seen have been maid by men.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Made. My phone likes to just rewrite my comments.

[@davestelling]

Evening, Christine... My Nana was very accomplished with these hooked wool rugs. She made some beautiful, intricate rugs. She made one that lived next to my bed as a youngster growing up, it was a train with my name "David" on the side of one of the boxcars. She was also a quilter, and her work was meticulous & amazing. I have a black & white photograph of her working on one of her rugs from about the mid-1930s. She even allowed me to sit with her and try my hand at a few "Hooks," oh - these are such memories! I'm probably too old now to think of trying this myself, but your work is beautiful and I've enjoyed watching this. Thank you for sharing!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

I’m glad you shared these memories with me.

[@sheilalovesgreg3489]

Thank you Christine for explaining rug hooking. I made one small probably 10 in.² several years ago and never attempted it again. But now that I’m older, I just might. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Give it a shot. It really is fun.

[@jbasil3678]

Oh my goodness, I want to spend a day in that craft room with you! I’m considering learning how to hook a rug. Your video has encouraged me to start! Thank you

[@cathykrueger4899]

Me too. Loved this video. I really needed the frames explained. Thank you.

[@donnabennett5106]

Thankyou Christine rug hooking looks like a lot of fun,love your antique rugs,Thankyou for sharing 👍🇳🇿

[@tinasalentino7156]

Thanks Christine! Great video, so informative! Can I live in your studio? Lolol. Love watching all you do, thanks again!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Do you cook and clean? If so that might be workable. LOL

[@sarahpatedaniell619]

Thank you for all the tips of rug hooking. I have always held that hobby at arms distance....But I do have an oxford punch and several skeins of wool yarn and one day....we will see! Thank you again for all your lovely pieces and the time you give us...

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

I understand what you mean. I have to be leery of new hobbies. LOL

[@pamelaevans5290]

I’ve made a few hooked rugs with wool strips. Love the hobby. Love your big rug.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Awesome. I love to hear there are people out there doing it.

[@lisawhittle5649]

Thank you for all the great tips. I am about to start my very first rug.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Good luck!

[@joannalevan6351]

Thank you for a really helpful and clear instruction on how to start rug hooking. Answered a lot for me without reading a book!!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joannalevan6351]

@@mountaincraftsstudio it was indeed 😁🌹

[@leslies6008]

Thank you Christine! It was so nice to see you. You are always a great source of practical information!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Thanks for watching.

[@qudiva]

I signed up for a rug hooking class at john c Campbell and wanted an over view of what I got myself into. This looks like a perfect cross over forme who loves hand quilting and cross stitch. Now I can't wait

[@we.are.curiouscrafters]

Thank you Christine for this inspiring video! I'm now so curious to give rug hooking a try and you gave me all the information I need to take the first little steps. Happy Crafting! -Carolyn

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

I think you would like it. I’m planning to get my grandkids to draw a picture that I can transfer to make a rug for their rooms. It will be an anything goes project. So fun!

[@heartfulhandworks24]

I'm going to take out my first kit and give it a shot. I would be like a kid in a candy store in your studio. You have all the gadgets and tools needed to be successful at most of the crafts I enjoy. I'll have to watch some rug hooking tutorials before I get started. Thanks Christine.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Good for you! I think you will like it. It’s like being a kid and coloring with a big box of crayons.

[@kellyhill9276]

Just love all your videos! Your stool is going to be beautiful ( everything you do is beautiful) I have done a few rugs but what I really need to learn more of is the finishing the binding! Hope you are having a productive day and by the way you look amazing!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Thank you! I need to work on bindings as well! Maybe I’ll do one of those hilarious learning how to do something videos.

[@kellyhill9276]

Your tutorials are great and full of knowledge, at least you know way more then myself and maybe and let me stress maybe ,I will fully finish something!

[@PriviesandPrimsNeedlecrafts]

This was a great, detailed explanation. I've done rug hooking, rug punch, locker hooking, and punch needle embroidery. My favorite by far, is punch needle embroidery.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

I like how fast punch needle embroidery is.

[@lindamincher8902]

Thanks for this video! I used the yarn rug hooking kits back in the 80s and have been interested in wool rug hooking. As always, you have given me some ideas!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

I did a lot of latch hook kits back in the day.

[@texstylust]

A fantastic segment Christine! Of course we want more!!!!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Thanks!

[@marysuedowell9847]

Your studio is simply magnificent!!!!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Thank you.

[@dianemckoon7808]

That was great info. I always wanted to learn rug hooking/punch needle. Would like to see more. Thanks

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Okay, I’ll do it.

[@bettypitts-hu7rz]

I so enjoyed your video. I have not tried rug hooking, but plan to start soon.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

You can do it!

[@Sandraadee1]

Thank you so much for a thorough beginner's video!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Merrcraw15]

Enjoyed watching and learning. On a recent trip to New England, my daughter and I stopped in Pittsford, NY to visit Hobby House Needleworks, Woolworks and Quiltworks - oh the wool rug inspiration! She is now interested, so your video is very timely. Thanks for sharing!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

I would love to go there someday. It sounds fantastic.

[@Merrcraw15]

@@mountaincraftsstudio well worth the trip😊

[@madamevavra]

Just was compiling my color choices for a rug and looking for my cutter and up popped your video. I need to find a stand since the last project was done on a quilting hoop and I had the trouble of floppy tension that you mentioned. In the meantime I’m dyeing some pieces of wool for my pattern, repurposing some burlap with a pattern I don’t like and finding my rug tape and hook. Like someone else mentioned, my issue is always the finishing of edges and the tricky business of hanging sleeves that support the weight, putting onto ottomans, etc. Would love a video on those things as you complete your projects. Love that pattern you chose!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Good for you!! I will film the bindings, etc. for sure. Have fun!

[@conniesimonich2327]

Great video. Thanks. Would love to see more techniques on all your crafts

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Thanks.

[@vickiinkansas1399]

I took a beginner rug hooking class YEARS ago. I never finished it. I run across the pieces and parts every once in awhile as it’s packed with my bigger pieces of wool scraps. Maybe someday.

[@fransak2723]

I purchased a very large amount of wool at auction for a song. Quite a bit of strips already cut too. I finally sorted through it all, many hand dyed wools. I also found a little bundle that appears to be horse hair (I’m guessing) Have you ever seen that used in rug hooking and for what purpose? I love collecting the antique rugs too. I have several Amish ones, some made with polyester fabric.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Wow! I have not seen anything like that in person. Makes me wonder if they were using it specifically for hair in a design? I’ve seen all sorts of yarns and ribbons and such.

[@fransak2723]

@@mountaincraftsstudio I have uncovered a pre-printed monk cloth for a small rug, it has a small amount of hooking done on it. There is a little rodent damage in a small spot and a larger spot of what I assume is rodent urine. Can I/ should I wash it before I work on it? Can I make a small cross hatch repair? The alternative is to just cut up the monk cloth that is in good repair and use it for smaller projects. And info would be most appreciated.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

@@fransak2723 I would suggest to test to cloth to see if you feel it is still sturdy. If it is you can repair it by hooking through a patch made from a scrap of monks cloth. Just press the patch to the bottom as you are hooking. Your strips will hold it in place.

[@fransak2723]

@@mountaincraftsstudio thank you for your response, what are your thoughts on washing it?

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

@@fransak2723 Oh, yeah. Are you wanting to use the design on it? If you are I would test a small spot to make sure it won’t wash out. If not, then hand wash and line dry. Have fun with your goodies!

[@debng3210]

Great introduction to rug hooking and punching. Thanks!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Thanks for watching.

[@1856BrickHouse]

I'm a long time rug hooker, but I don't do as many as I would like because I juggle that with stitching, punching and quilting. I would love to find a strip cutter, even second hand because now I cut wool with the old rotary cutter/mat technique. It works but so tedious. There are no shops anywhere near me so everything I buy is mail order.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Same here. There are no shops at all. There is one gal that has an open house twice a year, but that’s it. I’d love to see more people get interested in it.

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Thanks for you information on rug making…the wide twill tape will be excellent in use for reattaching the fringe to my rugs…thanks❤❤

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Thanks for watching!

[@rosaliaparrish8751]

Great information. I have never done it so it was a good learning video. thank you!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Thanks for watching.

[@annm8680]

Thanks for the information. I probably have the necessary tools for rug hooking because of what I inherited from my mother and grandmother. I know I had a beautiful pattern drawn on burlap from my grandmother but I’m not sure if I have it or gave it away when we sold our house in 2021. Every time I look for something I view it as a treasure hunt. I always find something great because I inherited the remnants of my mother, grandmother and great aunt’s households. We are still going through boxes. I bought monk cloth at Hobby Lobby in Feb. It was a yard for $10. I am doing a sampler, Ann McFarlan by the Wishing Thorn on it. Am I crazy? I think it looks pretty good. It’s a little loose but not impossible. I had no idea what it was but it looks somewhat like Aida. I counted. It is 17.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

It does look like Aida. I’m sure it will be just fine. Good luck with the sorting. That sounds like a full-time job.

[@annm8680]

@@mountaincraftsstudio Well. We don’t have all the households but remnants and we moved from a five bedroom house. On top of that, all I want to do is stitch. 🙁

[@elizabethstreeter2145]

Great tutorial Christine I have an old plastic fabric cutter that cuts about 5 strips at a time awkward to get the hang but easy once you know what you are doing and one yes only one project partially done seems it wasent for me at that stage. Currently I am inkle loom crazy with two warped up most of the time,time to warp them both up again today as finished and used both bands yesterday,still have to warp up the big loom, but have spinning and knitting I want done before the weather gets too much colder here. ❤Elizabeth

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

I love making bands on an inkle loom. There are never ending combinations to try.

[@carolswindler8692]

Thank you Christine! Very informative!

[@theresachucle5362]

Thank you for sharing your love for rug hooking have a wonderful weekend 😊🧵🪡🤗🤩

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Thanks for watching!

[@hucl_berrystitcher]

So enjoyed this. I would love to see how you finish off a strip. Do you run it under others? Do you knot it, probably not, but I'm curious. I have a round foot stool I want to hook a sheep and cover it with.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Actually you just pull it up and trim it off. Both the start and the end. It gets blended in and you never really notice them. Easy peasy!

[@TheBridgeBookclub]

Great video, been thinking in doing this for some time… yours is beautiful ❤😊 thank you for sharing

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Thanks for watching!

[@AriesAquarian]

You’re so cute. Lollll crack me up with your side view eyebrow raise in the very beginning. Lolll

[@vickiem3962]

Thank you for the rug hooking basics. Could you post which supplier you use the most? This could be a good evening project as it would be easier on the eyes.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

It is so much better than trying to stitch in dim light. I’ll think about the sources and get back to you.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

I think I would have to say I use Dorr Mill the most. It would be a good place to start. The Old Tattered flag has a nice selection of primitive stuff and they release videos with clever ideas.

[@diannawalker4844]

Hi Christine! Great video! I would love to learn how to transfer a rug hooking pattern onto monks cloth or linen. I love using monks cloth, it is easy on the skin. Thanks again! -Dianna 😊

[@AriesAquarian]

Where do I find monks cloth that is quality versus Amazon crap?

[@CD-5380]

Love the video. Thanks so much.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Thanks for watching.

[@allisonferber5474]

This was great. Definitely want to try it.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Great!

[@patriciataylor1355]

Just found your video. Want to get into rug hooking. Video very informative. Where are you located? Thanks

[@SammyStrawberry27]

what happens if you put a rug hooked rug in the washing machine? would the loops come undone?

[@kathrynbarker7967]

I have a ton of hooking supplies, then I acquired an allergy to the wool. Do you ever hook with anything other than wool?

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

I don’t but there are people who do. I think wool is used often because of its ability to felt and stick together, but it’s not absolutely necessary. I think there are plenty of acrylic yarns now days that you could try and should work well if you densely pack it together.

[@anythingblue3845]

Thanks so much. This was wonderful.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Thanks for watching.

[@nanamiller5443]

love the video very interesting!!!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Thank you!

[@AriesAquarian]

How do you draw the design for yourself on the muslin? I have a design in mind and I need pointers on transferring it to the muslin.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

I have a light box that I use. I just tape the pattern to it. Or if it is a larger pattern I tape it to a window. Then just use a marker to trace it. If the design is on something light cannot pass through, then trace it onto tracing paper first and use that as your pattern.

[@sherryrudder6035]

Thanks. Great information.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Thanks for watching.

[@moniquefouquet3810]

Bonjour ,c’est très beau mais où peut-on acheter les fournitures , et surtout le crochet que je ne trouve pas en France ! Merci

[@richterstitcher7936]

Hi Christine! What a timely video for me. I know I probably shouldn’t go down this road but after watching your video and seeing the supplies needed etc. especially as a beginner I at least have to try some thing :-) I am a Crosstitcher, sewer, crocheter, knitter, Diamond painter, a new quilter and it seems I have to try a little of everything. I recently have been meeting with friends on a weekly basis, and most of them are rug hookers, so of course, it peeked my interest when I seen their work. Lol I might have to modify one of the frames I use for Crosstitch and give this a try. I definitely don’t want to start with something large but wondered if you could recommend a coaster or trivet pattern that would be simple for a first time project? Also can flannel fabrics from old clothes be used? I have a stash of that kind of material. Last question can you use burlap to trace a pattern on? Or are the holes too large? I have a roll of that just laying around from all my decorating in the past.. I think basically all I would need is a hook, and some of that tape you mentioned to modify a working stand. Appreciate any suggestions.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Sounds to me like you only need a hook. You can absolutely trace a pattern on burlap. I have a roll of that, too. I would cut a pice larger than whatever frame you use and then draw a circle. You can use a cup or saucer to trace around. Then just start hooking with scraps of fabric. Start with the outer circle and then make more and more rows until you get to the center. Then just put a few more loops to finish. You wouldn’t really need the tape for a coaster. You could just cut a pice of felt and stitch it to the back. I made one just like this but it is currently at the cabin.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Also, flannel could work but you would probably need to hold it double for a good amount of thickness.

[@richterstitcher7936]

@@mountaincraftsstudio oh I meant the tape for the bars if I go larger in size for holding the fabric. This is great! yes I think I can trace an easy pattern on to the burlap. Maybe an easy Flower sketch. I also thought about a monogram set if it goes well. I’ll start gathering supplies together next week and see what happens! Thx so much

[@GramcrackerX2]

Christine, I was going to order the footstool pattern on monks cloth and discovered they give you no info about it nor do they sell the footstools. Where did you buy the footstool frame and how do I know the measurement of this cover? Please help me to get on the right track. Thanks in advance.

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

If memory serves me correctly, you can buy a kit for the stool from Cindi Gay Rug Hooking. Or she also has a tutorial on how to make one. One of her videos describes what you need. Her website is Cindigayrughooking.com

[@elisareagan3136]

More please!

[@kathierichards3531]

I have been tempted throughout the years and remember a group in Cambria who dyed their own wool to get the variant of color. Humm..............

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Yes, the wool dying is yet another rabbit hole.

[@AriesAquarian]

Where do you buy your monks cloth?

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Try www.woolery.com

[@patward3320]

Is this an expensive craft to get started in?

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

It can be done very inexpensively at first if you choose actual rags and make-do tools. It does get more expensive when you start buying wool strips and pre-drawn patterns.

[@michelleengland4562]

Can I use a crochet hook?

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

It’s not really going to grab the cloth well. There is a little spike that sinks in on an actual rug hook.

[@michelleengland4562]

@ thanks so much for the reply!

[@zabawa000]

У Вас очень красивые глаза. К сожалению, субтитры на русском языке не включаются. Поэтому могу только любоваться Вашими работами. Спасибо.

[@AriesAquarian]

Omggggg. That workshop!!!!!! Holy $hit!!!! Damn.

[@jusalitlesassy]

WHERES THE STRING????

[@sarabrunsvold2461]

This video makes me want to get back into hooking rugs!!

[@mountaincraftsstudio]

Do it!!

[@SandraHamer-xv1uc]

Your face is not on the screen only lower part.