FAQs Archive - Page 3 of 8 - Studio Koekoek | textile craft kits, supplies and classes

Q: Can you embroider without an embroidery hoop?

Can you embroider without an embroidery hoop? Yes, it is possible to embroider without a hoop. We prefer to use a hoop as it helps to stabilize the fabric. And that helps to create even and neat stitches. But there are embroidery artists that prefer to have a free flowing fabric. It does require experience to ensure you'll get a nice result witouth a hoop, but it's not impossible ;-).

Q: Is it hard to embroider?

Is it hard to embroider? Embroidery is not hard to learn. No matter how complicated-looking the result, embroidery is remarkably easy. If you can use a needle and thread, you can embroider. Embroidery is an ancient old craft and almost all cultures accross the world use(d) one or more techniques of embroidery to make their clothes or fabrics stand out. At our blog you can learn step by step how to master the basics of embroidery.

Q: What is the easiest embroidery stitch to start with?

What is the easiest embroidery stitch to start with? When you're completly new to stitching you may want to start with the easiest embroidery stitch for beginners. We believe that's the cross stitch. For cross stitching you will use Aida fabrics that has an even gridded pattern. You can learn more about cross stitching in our tutorial for beginners . We also have a lot of cross stitch patterns for beginners. Alternativly you can also give Sashiko stitching a go . That's made with a simple running stitch and hence very suitable for beginners. But of course the most important thing is that you like the potential end result. Every embroidery technique has a different end result. If you're a creative soul and you love to paint, you may appreciate to start directly with free hand embroidery.

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.