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Lesson 1  "Rug Hooking Supplies & Their Uses"
 

Welcome to the wonderful world of rug hooking. You may not feel like much of an artist just yet,
but over the next few days, we'll get you off on the right foot and soon you'll be creating things people
will oooh and aaaaah over! :-)
 
Rug hooking, just like any other hobby, has its own tools and terms.  For example, I prefer to call it fiber art...
rug hooking is so limiting for what you're going to learn to do!
 
You could easily overspend so in this first lesson  I'm going to tell you about the basic equipment and point out
the benefits of having the right tools.
 
 
  Let's Review Rug Hooking Supplies & Their Uses


 
Cloth Cutting Machines:
 
Bliss Model A - Table Model with suction cups - 5 lb
Benefits: Sits on any table plus easy to pack.
Bonus:  Try sitting this cutter on a small piece of rubberized rug
backing, won't scratch the table and won't move.
 
Fraser Model 500-1 - Clamp on machine - 5 lb.

Benefits: A strong heavy duty cutter. Bonus:  A special cutter
head is available for this model;  the 2" cut for braiding or
woven rugs.
 
To view  one of the above cutters, click link below:
 
The Bee LineTownsend Fabric Cutter

Benefits: Ease of use :  snap it open: insert a cutter cassette: start working
 
Standard Cassettes for BEE LINE TOWNSEND CUTTER:
 
Cassette #3    TS79061 3/32"  6 strips
 

Cassette #4    TS79062  1/8"  4  "

Cassette #5    TS79063  5/32" 4  "

Cassette #6    TS79064  3/16" 4  "

Cassette #7    TS79065  7/32" 4  "

Cassette #8    TS79066  1/4"  3   "

Cassette #8.5  TS79075  5/16" 2  "
 

Cassette #9    TS79067  3/8"  2   "

Cassette #9.5  TS79118  7/16" 2  "
 
Cassette #10   TS79068  1/2"  2 "
 
LONG CASSETTES  FOR BEE LINE TOWNSEND CUTTER:
 
Cassette #3L   TS79113   3/32"  6 strips

Cassette #4L   TS79094    1/8"   6  "

Cassette #5L   TS79095    5/32"  6  "

Cassette #6L   TS79092    3/16"  6  "

Cassette #7L    TS79091   7/32"  6  "

Cassette #8L    TS79090    1/4"   6  "

Cassette #8.5L  TS79096   5/16"  6  "

Cassette #9L     TS79088   3/8"   5  "

Cassette #9.5L  TS79117   7/16 " 4  "

Cassette #10L   TS79087   1/2"    4"  
 
 
To view:  http://www.linartdesigns.com/catalog/c117_p1.html
 
 
Scissors or Shears
 
 Yes the price is right and that's how Grandma did it.
Benefits:  Low cost and ease of travel
Bonus:  For wide cuts and primitives, scissors work great.  It is
also an inexpensive way to start your fiber art.  To view  :
 
 
Information on Cutter Heads
 
Fraser Cutter Heads for Model A and Model 500-1:
 
No. 2 cuts 6 strips 2/32" wide
No. 3 cuts 6 strips 3/32" wide
No. 4 cuts 4 strips 4/32" wide
No. 5 cuts 3 strips 5/32" wide
No. 6 cuts 3 strips 6/32" wide
No. 7 cuts 2 strips 7/32" wide
No. 8 cuts 2 strips 8/32" wide
 
Fraser Special Cutter Heads for Model 500-1

Equipped with rubber rings to help feed material
No. 8 sp. cuts 2 strips 8/32" wide
No. 9 sp. cuts 2 strips 3/8" wide
No.10 sp. cuts 2 strips 1/2" wide
No. 1 sp. cuts 1 strip 1/2" to 2" wide by adjusting cloth guide
No. 8.5 sp. cuts 2 strips 10/32" wide (new)
 

 

 
How do you know what  size cutter heads do you require? 
That will depend on the type of work your're doing: fine shading 3 & 4,
intermediate hooking, 5 & 6, and if you prefer primitive style,
7,8, and wide cut would range from 8 and up. 

For Braiding I use Fraser Special Cutter Head No1. sp cuts 1/2"
to 2".  However for Portraits, you would require #2,
and 3.  For a beginner and if unsure what direction you are going
to take, I would suggest a #5. You can seeyour loops, hooks up
fast, and it is the middle range.
 
Ok, now let's match your hook with the width of the strip.
 
Hook Descriptions by Frasers:

Ball Handle Hooks No.2 hook for primitives No. 3 hook for use
with strips cut on #4,5, or 6 cutter head
 
Straight Handle Hooks
No. 4 hook for use on medium strips 1/8" wide
No. 6 hook for use on medium nor fine strips 3/32" to 1/8"
wide
No. 8 hook for use on fine strips cut 2/32" or 3/32" wide
No.10 hook for use on fine strips cut 2/32" or 3/32" wide
 
Pencil Type Hook Handle - handle 3 1/4" long
No. 5 for medium for fine strips
No. 7 for fine strips
No. 9 for fine or very fine strips
New Long Pencil Type Handle - 4 3/4" long Available
in sizes 2,3,4,6,8, & 10
To view hooks:
http://www.linartdesigns.com/catalog/c66_p1.html
 
 
Everybody has their own preferences in  hooks.  Some like
them long like a pencil, some like them short, the majority of
the primitive hookers prefer the ball handle hook.  I like a bent
hook but prefer a pencil hook when hooking with yarn.
There's no right or wrong answer, as long as you feel
comfortable.
 
I
 

 

 

Lesson 2

 
 Transferring A Pattern
 
The grid is a wonderful way to transfer  and enlarge your design. 
If you  don't feel confident in your drawing skills, cheer up!
This method is for you.  You can even do portraits successfully
this way.  Try it as an exercise as we will be using the "grid method" in future fiber art pictorial lessons.
 
Let's try transferring a pattern to backing #1
 
1.  Determine the size rug you want to hook, example: 
     36" x 24".
 
2. Make a grid over your pattern using large squares for
    simple design, or small squares for a more detailed design.
 
3.  To keep your pattern in proportion, divide the number  of 
     squares across the top of your grid on the pattern by the
     width of your rug.

Example: pattern grid across the top has 6 squares, your width is 36" divide by  6 = 6" means you have 6 - 6" squares across the top.
 
Down the sides of your grid on the pattern you have 4 squares,
your rug length is 24" so you divide 24" by 4 = 6" squares which means you have 4 - 6" squares down the sides.
 
 
 
 
  Edit Text

 

Transfer_2_copy.jpg
Pattern or Design Grid for 36" x 24" mat or pictorial Edit Picture

 

4.  Draw and transfer your pattern in the correct proportion.
 
 
 
Now let's try transferring a pattern to backing #2
 
On a burlap backing to keep the pattern straight, take a pencil
and run it down the sides and top to form the outside rectangle edge of the rug. This will automatically split the fibers in a straight line.  I like to leave a 4" edge seam allowance around the design so it will easily go on the frame.

On other backings, I measure the rug size on the backing and I pull a thread all the way around the rug to give me straight lines to
form the rug size.
 
1.  Enlarge your pattern by a copy machine or your computer to the size rug you want to hook.
 
2. Trace the pattern with a "Sharpie" marker onto red-dot tracing fabric by holding the pattern to the light in a window or over a lighted box.  You can also use a ball point pen to put the design on the trac-a-dot and then use a sharpie to put it on the backing.  You
might find it easier to know where you've traced over the pattern.  Using 2 different colors would also work as well.
 
3.  Now take your red-dot tracing fabric with the design on it,
and center the design on the rug. With your transfer pen, transfer the design to your rug backing.
 
 
NOTE:  For a Fiber Art Pictorial Landscape Design, I loosely sketch the design on paper the same size as the pictorial to be, noting the focal points and the vanishing points.  This helps with color planning and execution of the design.
 

 
If there are any parts of Lesson 2 you do not understand,
please email Linda: artsy@xplornet.com
 
We have a complete selection of backings in our catalog.
You can see Burlap, click here:  http://www.linartdesigns.com/catalog/c22_p3.html
You can view Linen, click here:  http://www.linartdesigns.com/catalog/c88_p1.html
You can view Monks Cloth, click here:
http://www.linartdesigns.com/catalog/c40_p1.html
 
 
 
LESSON 3: "Scrunched Dyeing for Sky with Clouds" 

 
 
Isn't it wonderful to wake up and know you are going to create
some beautiful sky colors.
 
Tip:  Unless your doing a sunset, don't make a rich dark
sky, it will dominate your work.  If you have water in your
picture,  it normally is two values stronger than your sky color.
 
When listening to folks talking about dyeing their wool
fabrics or wool yarns, it sounds complicated and a lot of
hard work.  Consequently a lot of people don't try to
dye. Today, I will introduce you to a simple direct way
to start dyeing. 
 
Now, can I say, let's make a sky to "dye" for!; -)
 
1.  Cut 2 strips of wool, white or off white, 2" longer than your pan.
      Example: Pan is 8" x 13" then wool strips are 8" x 15".
 
2.  Soak in warm water with liquid dish detergent for at least
      an hour.
 
3. Cushing Dye Formula:
     - 1/64 teaspoon of robin's egg blue,
      - 1/128 teaspoon silver gray,
      - 1/128 teaspoon sky blue
     Measure carefully in 1 cup boiling water.
 
4.  Place the 2 strips of wool in the pan,andscrunch the wool  
     together leaving peaks and valleys so some of the white or
     off white wool stands above the rest of the fabric. 
 
Dribble the formula over the wool leaving spots on the peaks free from dye to create your clouds.
 
5.  Take 1/2 cup very warm water mixed with 1/4 cup white
      vinegar and go around the dish edge, lifting the wool as you
      go.
 
6.  Cover tightly with foil with a few air holes poked in
      the top, and bake for an hour at 225 degrees,F.
 
7.  Remove from oven and let cool, then rinse thoroughly and dry.
 
For a moving sky, do not hook straight across, make an irregular
pattern and hook above and below your dips and valleys.  Make them
any size you like. 
 
In a pictorial, remember as  you go towards the horizon there is
less action and your irregular pattern should be much smaller to create
distance.
 
To view LinArt Designs list of color charts for ProChem and Cushing dyes, click below:
To order the dyes of your choice, click on the color chart.
 
To view our list of Books on Dyeing, click below:
 
http://www.linartdesigns.com/id93.html
 
Now you are will on your way to thinking like a fiber
artist.  Don't you feel more creative already!?
 
If you're having trouble with your sky dyeing,
or have any questions, contact Linda at
artsy@xplornet.com I would be happy to assist you.
 
 
  
 

Sky_Lines_copy.jpg
"Irregular Lines to Create Movement"

Lesson 4: "Fiber Art Pictorial & Materials"
 
 Are you ready to create?  It's time to let your self go and
create whatever takes your fancy.  Fiber art is very flexible,
and we all have our favorite colors, some of us are subtle,
some loud, some flashy etc.
 
What is important in fiber art is to express yourself.
Don't try to be like anybody else because you're not like
anybody else.  Even if you don't create your own pattern,
you can still create your own style.  Let's see what I mean. 
Here we go:
  
Fiber Art Pictorial & Materials
 
To some folks rug hooking is a traditional craft, to others it is
an artistic form.
 
As soon as you start to dye your own material, draw your design,
or personally choose your own color scheme, traditional rug hooking
is no longer just a craft.  You become an artist because your creation
is unique and an expression of your own creativity, unlike a craft.
 
When you're hooking mats for the floor, it is the general rule
of thumb to hook with the toughest materials available. Today
you use 80 - 100% wool fabric or 100% wool yarn in different
widths or ply's. In this way our mats will endure additional
wear and tear.
 
If you are doing a pictorial as a wall hanging, durability is
not the question and you have a new freedom in "fiber art
pictorials".
 
We are most fortunate that a large range of fibers, hand
spinning and dyeing are now available to us. Raw fleece,
alpaca yarns, hand dyed mohair rovings, plus hand carded
bats with crystal mylar (sparkles in silver and gold) to name
a few.  The hand dyed fiber yarns are simply beautiful and the
texture that these  yarns creates can easily help you turn your
creativity into a masterpiece.
 
Let's don't forget "embellishments" in our pictorials.  Rug
hooking instructor Rita Jenkins, completed a wall hanging
welcoming our  ATHA (the Association of Traditional Hooking Artists)
guests in Halifax, Nova Scotia in August 2005.  The mermaids
(believed to be the first hookers, as her story goes) were well embellished. 
 
She put curly hair of all colors on their heads to represent
different nationalities, beautiful satins and gold embroidered
fabric for their bodies including shiny fish leather.  In their
hair were little pearls. Tiny seed beads led their way through
the water. Plus she hooked with velvets and wools.
 
This very beautiful creative artistic wall hanging now has a
home in Maryland, USA.  You can view the "Welcome to
Nova Scotia" pictorial and complete description by clicking below:
http://www.linartdesigns.com/id91.html
 
The object of this lesson was to show you the freedom you have
to create anything you can imagine.  I hope this helps you a little
further along the path in your creative development.  It's time to
think outside the box and enjoy!

 Happy hooking,
Linda
 
To see more examples of fiber art to help you let your
imagination run wild, I invite you to visit my gallery at:
http://www.linartdesigns.com/id94.html  And as usual, you can
contact me for on-line assistance at: artsy@xplornet.com
 

 

 
 
 

   
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LESSON 5 - A Little Bit on Wools
 
Are you ready to create?  It's time to let your self go and
create whatever takes your fancy.  Fiber art is very flexible,
and we all have our favorite colors, some of us are subtle, some loud, some flashy etc.
 
What is important in fiber art is to express yourself.
Don't try to be like anybody else because you're not like
anybody else.  Even if you don't create your own pattern,
you can still create your own style.  Let's see what I mean.  Here we go:
  
Fiber Art Pictorial & Materials
 
To some folks rug hooking is a traditional craft, to others it is
an artistic form.
 
As soon as you start to dye your own material, draw your design,
or personally choose your own color scheme, traditional rug hooking
is no longer just a craft.  You become an artist because your creation
is unique and an expression of your own creativity, unlike a craft.
 
When you're hooking mats for the floor, it is the general rule
of thumb to hook with the toughest materials available. Today
you use 80 - 100% wool fabric or 100% wool yarn in different
widths or ply's. In this way our mats will endure additional
wear and tear.
 
If you are doing a pictorial as a wall hanging, durability is
not the question and you have a new freedom in "fiber art
pictorials".
 
We are most fortunate that a large range of fibers, hand
spinning and dyeing are now available to us. Raw fleece,
alpaca yarns, hand dyed mohair rovings, plus hand carded bats
with crystal mylar (sparkles in silver and gold) to name a few. 
The hand dyed fiber yarns are simply beautiful and the texture
that these  yarns creates can easily help you turn your creativity
into a masterpiece.
 
Let's don't forget "embellishments" in our pictorials.  Rug
hooking instructor Rita Jenkins, completed a wall hanging
welcoming our  ATHA (the Association of Traditional Hooking Artists)
guests in Halifax, Nova Scotia in August 2005.  The mermaids
(believed to be the first hookers, as her story goes) were well embellished. 
 
She put curly hair of all colors on their heads to represent
different nationalities, beautiful satins and gold embroidered
fabric for their bodies including shiny fish leather.  In their
hair were little pearls. Tiny seed beads led their way through
the water. Plus she hooked with velvets and wools.
 
This very beautiful creative artistic wall hanging now has a
home in Maryland, USA.  You can view the "Welcome to Nova Scotia"
pictorial and complete description by clicking below:
http://www.linartdesigns.com/id91.html
 
The object of this lesson was to show you the freedom
you have to create anything you can imagine.  I hope this
helps you a little further along the path in your creative development. 
It's time to think outside the box and enjoy!

 Happy hooking,
Linda
 
To see more examples of fiber art to help you let your
imagination run wild, I invite you to visit my gallery at:
http://www.linartdesigns.com/id94.html  And as usual, you can
contact me for on-line assistance at: artsy@xplornet.com
 

 

 
 
 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
LESSON 6:  "Affordable Rug Hooking"
 
 
You don't have to go to a lot of expense to "pull a loop."
All you really need is the desire to create!   It's that simple.
 
By the time we've finished our lessons, you'll have the
knowledge and confidence to travel the artistic trail to
success. And of course, we'll always be there beside you when
you need a hand.
 
Now, let's take another look at the many materials available to
us. When searching for materials for your hooking, follow these
tips and tricks and you'll be amazed to discover just how
inexpensive and beautiful your work can be.
 
"Affordable Rug Hooking"
 
* Let's review the "ways and means" of rug hooking.
 
* Yarn is easy and beautiful to hook. 1-ply is suitable for the
finest detail, such as eyes.
 
* 2-ply is similar to #3 or #4 cut by a cutter. Perfect for
detail and texture.
 
* 3-ply makes beautiful rounded loops and hooks up very quickly.
 
* 4-ply and up is like a craft yarn, actually the ideal way for
a child to start to hook. They can see the results immediately
and their little hands can handle the larger ply more readily.
 
The key to successful hooking with yarn is to hold the yarn up
close to the underside of the backing so that you don't split
your yarn.
 
Also watch the nib on your hook. I like a pencil hook with a
little nib on the end, however on a 3-ply I prefer a slightly
larger nib. Whatever you feel comfortable with is just fine.
 
A tighter weave in the backing is a must.
 
Also you can easily dye your yarns. A new book on "Hooking with Yarn"
by Judy Taylor is now on the market. It is full of "tips and techniques".
Chapter Seven explains dyeing yarn for shading, flowers, leaves, and scrolls. 
 
You can co-ordinate your whip stitched border with a color that
you choose in your mat or pictorial.  It  looks smart and is easy.
 
Don't be shy about treating your fiber art as a mixed media. Add
some wool strips, nylons, or what ever it takes to create the atmosphere
you want. Another idea is to collect used wool sweaters. Wash in
hot water to felt them up, be sure and set the color. Cut with
scissors across the width in the desired size strips. This adds
color and texture to your creations. It also makes an attractive
"Hit and Miss" mat.
 
Yarn is a fascinating affordable fiber to create your mats or
pictorials.
 
Recyclables are like a magic wand to a rug hooker. The
adventure of tracking down just the right material is is great fun.
Then imagine the rag mat done in wide cut strips like your grandma
used to do.
 
The rag rug of that time was made from any sturdy material they
could find at the time and their designs were quite primitive.
 
Recycled plaids can be over dyed to color co-ordinate with the
color scheme of the rug. I saw a mat the other day where a light
tan plaid was over dyed the same color as a rose. It made a
simply beautiful background and enhanced the color scheme.
 
Keep an eye out for wool blankets. Some are perfect for hooking. 
If they are a bit on the thick side, cut the strips smaller and you
will be surprised how well the wool will hook up.
 
A pleated skirt will yield lots of wool.
 
Suit jackets come in different weights and can be difficult to
tear apart. However, they can add unbelievable texture to your
mat or pictorial.
 
Even if you pick up something that does not cut well, save it
for a backing on a coaster, pillow, or wall hanging.
 
If you like stars or effects of sunlight on water, snow etc.,
keep an eye open for glitzy material that has some spandex in
it. These materials will stretch a bit (similar to nylons) and
give your creation some sparkle.
 
Keep your mind and eyes wide open and be adventurous when
you decide what you want in your mats and pictorials.
 
Enjoy the hunt!
 
 
 
If you have difficulty hooking with yarn, email Linda at:
artsy@xplornet.com
 
 Happy Hooking,
 
Linda
 
 
 LESSON 7: "Impressionism in Pictorials"
 
 You are in for a real treat. Today we have a lesson that's pure
fun, whether you're experienced or a novice in fiber art. Sit
back, relax, be happy and enjoy our adventure in impressionism.
 
"Impressionism in Pictorials"
 
How can we apply "impressionism" to our fiber art?
 
First let's do a review of the meaning of "impressionism".
 
There are literally hundreds of books printed about the
Impressionist artists, their styles and beliefs. To simplify the
subject, think of impressionism as simply capturing an
impression. The artists wanted to capture the mood more
than the subject. To execute this impression in a fiber artist matter,
let's put our plan into action:
 
1. Choose your focal point. (What part of subject do you find
the most striking?)
 
2. Complete your design around the focal point. Take note of
your eye level and vanishing points.
 
3. Take special notice of the light source and its effect on
the total design. Light is a main factor in impressionism.
 
4. Seek out the warm and cool colors in the foreground, middle
ground and background. Take notes, sketch the values in your
loose drawings, and if possible take a good photograph of the
subject.
 
5. Select which methods of dyeing would best match the colors
you see. When dyeing for impressions, you can dip dye softly,
scrunch dye, marbleize your wool, hand paint on your wool,
casserole dye, stain glass dye for light effect or carefully
use  swatches. The aim here is to have soft edges, low
contrast in value but more intense values surrounding
your focal point (center of interest).
 
6. The next big decision is what size strip of wool to select. A
5 cut or smaller to ensure flecks of light would be highly
recommended. For the primitive style rug hooking, one can
hook in a #8 for the area's that are the nearest to you and
gradually decrease the size to #7 then #6 as you hook towards
the vanishing points.
 
7. I recommended that you complete your focal point area first.
It's here you'll find the brightest colors and contrast. Next
the area immediately surrounding the focal point with a more
gentle contract. You want the viewer's eye to be drawn to this
area of your pictorial.
 
8. Think as you hook, always considering the direction of the
light source and easing towards your vanishing points with the
paler values. Try to have the sides of your pictorial in a
slightly darker, irregular value to keep the viewer's eyes
inside the pictorial.
 
9. Enjoy your "impressionism pictorial". Meet the challenge but
don't be too hard on yourself. Keep it loose and be happy.
 
I would be very interested in viewing your completed artistic
pictorials. When you're finished, send in a picture of your
pictorial, or even better, a picture of you with your pictorial
to artsy@xplornet.com. I'd love to add you to my page of
"Happy Hookers!" Check out some of your fellow fiber artists
with their work here: http://www.linartdesigns.com/id91.html
 
It has been a pleasure creating these lessons for you. 
 
 Happy Hooking,
 
Linda
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

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