Is latch hook easy? Yes! Latch hooking is an easy rug making technique that involves using a special tool, called a latch hook , to knot short strands of yarn through a rug canvas. This craft technique is also suitable for kids (approx 7 years +). You can learn how to in our tutorial how to latch hook for beginners.

FAQs Archive - Page 3 of 7 - Studio Koekoek | sustainable craft kits and supplies

Q: How to hand embroider on T-shirts?

How to hand embroider on T-shirts? When you're embroidering on fabrics with stretch it is advisable to use a stabilizer on the backside of your fabric. The stabilizer will help to ensure that your embroidery will keep it's shape, even when washing it. So when you hand embroider on T-shirts we advise to use cotton stable on the inside. Cotton stable is soft to the skin. How to use cotton stable to hand embroider on T-shirts? Cut a piece of cotton stable that's a few cm bigger than your desired embroidery. Fixate it to the backside of your fabric with a running stitch. Now stitch your embroider through the fabric and cotton stable layer. Once your finish embroidering you can remove the running stitch and any excsess cotton stable.

Q: How do you remove pattern markings from your embroidery?

How do you remove pattern markings from your embroidery? When you're done stitching, your embroidery may need to be rinsed or soaked to remove pattern markings. This also helps remove wrinkles. Read our blog for tips on how to wash your embroidery project

Q: How long does it take to latch hook a rug?

How long does it take to latch hook a rug? The time it takes to latch hook a rug depends on the size of your final piece and the experience & speed of the person making it. On average, we create a cushion of 40 x 40 cm in the spare hours of a weekend. Experienced rug makers create about 350-700 knots per minute. A rug of 100 x 150 cm (~40 x 60 inch) with interlock rug canvas contains approx 23500 knots. Meaning it would take an experienced maker approx 33-67 hours. A cushion of 40 x 40 cm (~16 x 16 inch) with interlock rug canvas contains approx 2507 knots. Meaning it would take an experienced maker approx 4-7 hours. But rather then looking at efficiecy, take it slow! Enjoy a sip of your favourite drink as you go and take a break from your daily hectic life ;-).

Q: Can you wash latch hook rugs and cushions?

Can you wash latch hook rugs and cushions? We recommend to only hand wash or dry clean latch hook rugs and cushions. This reduces the risk of damaging your piece of art that took hours to make. Use luke warm water and a mild soap. Dry by pressing your rug in between two beach towels and gently press. Then lay flat to dry further. Do not tumble dry.

Q: Can I use fabric strips to latch hook?

Can I use fabric strips to latch hook? Yes! It's a great way to recycle old t-shirts, and other clothes. Lay your fabric flat on the table and cut strips of approx 2 cm (4/5 inch). Then use a 125 mm (5 inch) rug gauge to cut equal lenghts. Now you can use the fabric strips to make knots. You can learn here how to make a knot

Q: How much yarn do I need for latch hooking a cushion?

How much yarn do I need for latch hooking a cushion? The amount of yarn needed for a latch hooking project depends on the lenght of the yarn used for each knot and the number of knots in a project. Most latch hooking projects for cushions are made with 7,5 cm (3 inch) long lenghts of yarn for each knot. If you like to make a cushion of 40 x 40 cm this means your will make 2500 knots. 2500 knots times 7,5 cm totals to a minimum 188 meter. Using our Gordita wool you would need 3 balls of 50 gram . Fringes and longer lenghts require more yarn.

Q: How can I clean a vintage embroidery piece?

How can I clean a vintage embroidery piece? You may inherit a beautiful embroidered piece or score one in a vintage market. To clean your piece we recommend the following steps: If the piece has great monetary or sentimental value, consider consulting with a professional textile conservator. Your local art museum should be able to recommend one. Use your vacuum cleaner to remove excess dust. Cover the end of your vacuum hose with a piece of nylon stocking or light mesh. Use your vacuum cleaner at low power (if you can regulate). Start on the front of the piece, vacuum while keeping the hose end a little bit above your fabric. Do not touch the embroidery stitches. Repeat the process on the backside of your project. If the piece is still dirty, you can try hand washing it. Follow the tips in our blog

Q: Can I wash an embroidery piece with beads?

Can I wash an embroidery piece with beads? Yes. If you checked that your floss and fabric are color fast you can go ahead to gently hand wash your piece as described on our blog. Beads are fragile pieces so you should not wringle your fabric or iron it. You can flat dry your piece. Before washing your piece, Ensure all beads are securly attached to your fabric. When needed, add ad few stitches to make them more secure.