[Nfb-krafters-korner] the differences between locker hooking and latch hook

[Cathy Flesher]

Hello all,

 

I thought it important to note that locker hooking and latch hooking are two
completely different crafts and use different tools. 

Here is information and the tools used for each craft.

 

Locker hooking. 

A Locker Hook is necessary to do the hooking and stitching necessary to
create the loops and hold them in place. This tool looks like a crochet hook
on one end to grab the fabric and pull it through the canvas. The locking
medium is threaded through the large eye on the other end of the tool. The
hooks are usually made of steel or aluminum. 

Rug Canvas is a specially made canvas in a large count, usually 3.75 or 5
threads per inch. Burlap can be used for locker hooking, especially if you
have a more free-form design. 

You need some sort of "string"- to secure the fabric loops to the canvas.
This string is called Locking Medium and can be any strong, non-stretchy
fiber. One of the best choices is white twine. You can use yarn, but be sure
to test its strength and stretchiness. If the yarn breaks easily or
stretches, your project could be doomed. 

Fabric becomes your "fiber" used to "stitch" your design. Cotton fabric is a
great choice because it is available in unlimited colors and designs. There
are pre-cut fabric strips available at some craft stores. This saves you a
little time, but can cost more and limit your color choices. Other materials
suitable for locker hooking include wool fabric (can pill on the edges),
silk fabric (which frays more), yarn (by itself or layered with fabric),
ribbon, and even plastic strips cut from plastic bags and tablecloths (great
recycling opportunity). 

Latch hook

A latch hook is both the tool and the textile art of latch hooking. Latch
hooking differs from traditional rug hooking and  Locker hooking By the
physical knotting of the yarn to canvas. While rug hooking uses a base
fabric of burlap or hessian, latch hooking uses specially woven rug canvas.
Rug canvases range from 3.3 holes per inch (hpi)

To 5 hpi. The pattern may be stenciled onto the canvas or worked from a
chart similar to a needlepoint pattern. Latch hook yarns may be bought
pre-cut

(Usually 2.5 inch lengths) or in skeins and cut to the desired length. 

 

 

 

Have a great day!!

Cathy F