Rug Hooking Supplies

If you are interested in rug hooking, then there are some tools that you are going to need. These rug hooking supplies are usually easy to find and buy.

The first thing that you are going to need is some linen. There are essentially 3 types of linen that you can choose from. These include:

  1. Primitive linen is also known as “dirty” linen. It is very soft to the touch. While its weave is similar to that of burlap it is more even and less abrasive.
  2. Hairless linen is what a lot of people consider to be the best backing material because it is smooth, soft, supple and perfect for all different types of cuts.
  3. Scottish linen is the most expensive type of linen because it is so strong. The holes in this fabric are evenly spaced and open wide enough for even really wide strips. In fact, it is not recommended for use with wool strips that are smaller than number 6.

You are also going to need some tools, which include:

  1. A Primitive Moshimer rug hook is used for hooking wide cut wool strips (#6 and up). This tool has a hard wooden handle and both the shank and its hook are made out of stainless steel, which makes them very comfortable and easy to work with.
  2. You will need a 1/4-inch rug hooking tool if you will be doing the punch needle method. This should have a wooden handle and a stainless steel needle.
  3. Cotton twill tape is necessary for the rug's binding. This is available in both black and tan.
  4. Measuring spoons are useful for whenever you are measuring dye. There are specialized ones that will allow you to measure 1/8, 1/16 and 1/32 of a teaspoon.
  5. It is also a good idea to have a pair of extra-heavy rubber gloves to protect your hands from the hot dye pots as well as while you are steaming the wool.

Finally, you will also need to have a hooking frame. These are available in a 12 x 14 inch frame or a 12 x 16 inch frame and will cost you between $160 and $175 depending upon the type of frame you choose to use. The frames are the type that you sit on so you will want to make sure that it is both comfortable and versatile before you purchase it. Most of the time these frames will also come with a fully adjustable working height and a tilting frame that will tilt to any position and rotate a full 360°. Whenever you are deciding upon the right frame for you, make sure that you remember that there needs to be a 4-inch space between the hooking area and the frame mount. Otherwise you are not going to have enough room on the underside for your work space. There should also be stainless steel gripper-strips so that you can easily position your pattern.

That should cover all the supplies needed to begin your rug hooking.