Latch Hooking: Frequently Asked Questions
You may have not already taken up latch hooking, but you may be thinking about it. Or you may already know the basics of latch hooking, but if you are like me, still have some questions when it comes to latch hooking.
In this article Latch Hooking: Frequently Asked Questions, I will try to answer some of those questions that you may be asking.
There are many experienced crafters out there that could offer advice. The answers I provide in this article are things that have worked for me.
I have put together a list of some of the questions that I had not only in the beginning but as I continued with many different projects.
How Do You Follow A Latch Hook Pattern?
Everyone has their own way of following a latch hook pattern. In the kits that I purchased in the beginning I started on the bottom line and worked my way up the pattern. But the longer I do latch hook projects I do not always follow a pattern.
For beginners it is better to start at the bottom and work your way up. However, there is no set way of following a pattern.
The most important thing is that the colors go in the right place. There are a couple of ways that this can be done. You can work one line at a time and mark it off as you finish it.
Another way is to work a section and use a highlighter or another marker to cross off all of the squares that you have completed. By seeing the sections that are not highlighted you will know which area to work on next.
Again, it is what works better for you. Everyone is different so find a way that is less confusing and easiest for you.
How Long Should Latch Hook Yarn Be?
The length of your latch hook yarn can vary depending on how you want it to look. In kits you will already have pre-cut yarn. You can also purchase pre-cut latch hook yarn online. Pre-cut latch hook yarn which you purchase online or find in a latch hook kit is approximately 2.5 inches long.
You can also cut your own latch hook yarn for your own design or to substitute another color on your design. When choosing to cut your own yarn you can make it any length that you want it to be.
One project that I did a while back the blue that came in the kit, I wanted to change to another color of blue. I was able to pick up the color I wanted at the craft store and cut it to the same size as the strands in the kit.
But if you want to make your own color scheme on a blank canvas you are able to cut the yarn to whatever length that you prefer. Just try out different sizes on a square of canvas to see which is most suitable for your design.
What Kind Of Yarn Do You Use For Latch Hook Projects?
Choosing yarn for your latch hook project is very easy. Basically, any yarn will work. The only type of yarn that you should try to avoid is any yarn that is slippery.
Can You Latch Hook Without A Latch Hook Tool?
This is a question that I have not found an answer to. While I am sure that there are ways of knotting pieces of yarn to a canvas without the latch hook tool, I have not figured out how to do it. I would recommend having a latch hook tool to do your projects.
While all kits come with the latch hook tool, they are cheap enough to purchase an extra tool in case something happens to the one that you are using.
Another thing to keep in mind is that sometimes you will get a tool in your kit that works better than a tool that comes in another kit. Keep all of your latch hook tools after you finish your project. You will never know when you will need to replace it.
What Can I Do With My Finished Latch Hook Project?
While the most common use for latch hook projects are small rugs, you can also use the finished project as a wall hanging. This is a great way to display all of your hard work and time. Turning your project into a fluffy pillow is also a great idea. While these are just a few ideas, and I am sure that there are others these are the common ways to use your latch hook project.
Should I Throw Away Spare Yarn From Kits?
The simple answer to this question is no. Save your spare yarn that you acquire. This yarn can be used for other small projects or you can use the spare yarn to make a colorful rug with a variety of colors.
Keeping the colors separated in small bags and then put into a plastic container is a great way that I have found to save all of my spare yarn. When I go to make my own design I have a variety of colors to choose from.
For more ways of reusing your spare yarn see our article What Do I Do With My Spare Latch Hook Yarn?
Can You Vacuum A Latch Hook Rug?
The answer to whether you can vacuum a latch hook rug is yes, you can. Actually, it is a good idea to vacuum your latch hook rug. Not only will you be removing any dirt and debris that eventually will wear away at the fibers, but it will also remove any excess yarn fluff. It will even give your rug a fluffy and great look.
For more information on cleaning your latch hook see our article How To Care For Your Latch Hook Project.
Where Do I Start My Pattern On The Canvas?
The easiest place to start on your canvas is the lower left-hand corner completing the pattern line by line and working up. However, if you are left-handed you will want to start on the lower right-hand corner and work your way up the canvas. This will keep the yarn going the same direction and preventing it from catching on the latch hook tool.
Although there are times when I like to work on certain colors or blocks of squares on my canvas, I do not always follow this rule.
As a rule of thumb start at the bottom and work your way up, but in rare occasions that you don’t do this make sure you have something to mark of the sections on the pattern that you have completed. This will eliminate any confusion and mistakes.
See our article Getting Started On Your Latch Hook Project For Beginners.
How Do You Stop A Latch Hook From Fraying?
To stop your latch hook canvas from fraying is as simple as marking off the edges with masking tape. This will prevent it from fraying and damaging the outer edges of your canvas.
Just apply the masking tape around all 4 edges of the canvas. This not only prevents fraying but also makes it easier to work without worrying about the canvas being damaged.
What Age Is Good For Latch Hook?
The age a person can begin learning latch hook is 6. This is great as it will give you and your kids similar projects to work on at the same time.
The only thing I would say about this is every child is different and you may want to wait until your child is a bit older, or you could even let a child younger work on a latch hook. Since you know your child use your judgment, but the rule of thumb is age 6 and over.
How Much Yarn Do I Need For A Latch Hook Project?
The amount of yarn needed for latch hook projects depends on the length of yarn you are using and the number of knots you will need in your project. The smaller the project the less yarn you will need. On the flip side the larger the project the more you will need.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the questions that I came across as I took up latch hooking. Getting answers to these questions was through the valuable insight of the many experienced latch hook crafters out there.
I hope this article Frequently Asked Questions For Latch Hooking has been helpful.
If you have any other advice or questions that have been missed, we would love to hear from you in the comments.
Let’s share and learn together.
Happy Crafting!!!
