Hints & Tips for latch hook kits

Latch hook tips:

We all know how infuriating it can be when starting a project and instantly falling foul because we haven't taken the time to prepare the kit and ourselves!

As much as you want to pull the wrapper off and getting started within a minute, I have complied below some pointers that should help you complete your kit with as little trouble as possible.

1. If not already done, (varies from kit to kit), it is a very good idea to pre-sort the colours in broad daylight. Some shades are very subtle and can look the same, leading you to think you have not got all the necessary colours.
2. Familiarise yourself with each shade and symbol.
3. If you are unsure if a colour is, for instance, a blue or mid blue, check the contents list. Each colour will have an amount per tube, and a total amount, listed and this will make it obvious which colour is which. IE one colour has total of 200 and the other colour has a total of 28 showing you which is which.
4. Once colours are all sorted, start from the bottom left hand square and work methodically from left to right, one line at a time.
5. My method involves laying out 20 strands at a time, latching them into place, cross them off the chart with a pencil line and then lay out another 20 colours.
6. Make sure each knot is secure by giving it a little tug, try and keep the tension similar for each knot.

There are many ways of "finishing" your project, and it is entirely dependant on what you want to do with your rug. Some of the smaller ones (12"x12") can be finished by adding a small cushion backer and insert and making it into a cushion, whilst the larger latch hook kits can look lovely finished with rug binding to give the edges a smooth appearance. Some of the larger, more intricate designs, lend themseleves beautifully as wall hangings. Just add some hanging loops and use a metal or pine curtain pole to hang them from. This method is ideal for a unused plain alcove especially if illuminated.

If you have forgotten how to latch hook, dont worry, click on this link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0zVFvRF9O4 where you will be able to see a very clear video of Mary Maxim demostrating the technique. You will need to go to approx 2 mins into the clip, but it is worth watching all the way through as there are some other very useful hints and tips.

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On this site: http://www.teammead.co.uk/rugmaking/ you can find some inspiration and handy tips. As you can see, rug making is steeped in history and creations can be passed down through generations leaving a lovely legacy. Please feel free to e mail us any pictures of your own designs of latch hook rug kits, and we will add them to a showcase we are in the process of creating.