Latch Hooking

Latch hook craft kits were very popular when I was younger.  If you are old enough, you too may have memories of these latch hooking kits being in a craft room!

Latch hooking became popular in the 1970s as a craft for children, but latch hooking isn’t just for kids anymore! 

Now these kits have given way to a more complex textile art form. Lovely latch hook pillows, latch hook rugs, and even creative wall hangings can be made for unique and textured home decor.

Learn the basics of latch hooking a project from the very beginning in order to try this craft as a an adult. 

The basics of latch hooking

Latch hooking is named for the tool used in this craft. It is a hook with a toggle, attached to a handle. 

To begin, a piece of precut yarn is wrapped at the middle around the latch hook and pushed into a cell on the backing, which is a wide woven fabric made of stiff cotton.  This backing is much like a grid with holes.

The two ends of the yarn are then wrapped around the hook and pulled back through to the top of the canvas. As the hook is pulled, the yarn will be secured in a knot known as a lark's head knot.

This is continued with other pieces of yarn until the grid is completely filled in.  The canvas can come preprinted with a design, or a design can be uniquely made by the artist.

The finished latch hooking project is a beautiful pattern or design made with the short pieces of yarn, making a low pile.

It is possible to create impressive designs with various colors, thicknesses, lengths and textures using different types of yarn such as wools, string yarns, mohair, Sari ribbon and more.

What is the difference between latch hooking and rug hooking?

Most often, rug hooking is completed on a frame and latch hooking, done on coarse, open-weave fabric, can be worked on any surface without a frame. Rug hooking is done on a base fabric of burlap or hessian.

Another difference between the two arts is the tool used for each craft.  Both tools have a hook, but the latch hook has a toggle and is longer than the rug hook. 

“Latch hooking” and “rug hooking” are terms that make this art a bit confusing, mostly because it is possible to make a latch hook rug!

Rugs can be made using various other techniques as well.  Take a look at the rug making page for more details.

On this page can be found many latch hooking projects that are both creative and very fun to make.  

For beginners, there are links to learn the basics of latch hooking.

Projects on this page include

• Latch hook pillows
• Rainbow latch hook rug
• Whimsical decor such as the bomb pop 
• Gingham latch hook rug
• Shaggy latch hook pillow covers
• And so many more!

There are several tutorials showing how to finish a latch hook piece as well. 

With the links on this page, you can find comprehensive instructions for latch hooking, videos, books, simple ways to finish a latch hooking work, and so many fun projects to create!

There are even links to products used in latch hooking!

This craft of latch hooking is relaxing, simple, fun and kid friendly. 

Scroll down to see all there is to do here related to latch hooking!!