social

Soft Latch Hook?

It's been years since I made a latch hook rug, but I want to teach a friend because I think it'd be therapeutic for him. However, I'd like us to make soft pillows (sort of a stress pillow kind of idea) and I'm worried about the stiff/scratchy canvas underneath/between the otherwise soft yarn.

Advertisement

I think the simple repetition of latch hooking is something he can pick up easily and feel like he's actually accomplishing something without getting overwhelmed about "doing it right." He used to dabble in drawing sort of simple-but-elaborate designs and I thought it'd be nice to translate one of those into a latch hook pillow. 1-because he's more likely to use a pillow than a rug or fuzzy wall-hanging, and 2-pillows are smaller than rugs.

But that goes back to the softness of the canvas. I don't want the cool pillow he designed to be a scratchy uncomfortable experience to lean against that negates the satisfaction of making it. We're going for positive experiences here.

Any recommendations for what can be used to soften a standard latch hook canvas? Or a particular brand that is especially soft? Or a different sort of canvas/cloth that can be used instead? Most canvases I saw at the store seemed to be too small for a latch hook to fit through, and whenever I do any search online for "soft latch hook canvas" or "how to soften latch hook canvas" or some variation on that, I only get the standard latch hook canvas ads talking about how stiff they are.

Hoping someone can point me in a helpful direction.

Thanks!

Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!


Gold Post Medal for All Time! 677 Posts
September 19, 20221 found this helpful

You could latch hook with plastic canvas. It will be firm, but not scratchy.

Reply Was this helpful? 1
September 20, 20221 found this helpful

Here is DIY Shaggy Latch Hook Cushion

mypoppet.com.au/.../

The author recommends 100% cotton fiber canvas. I think it will not be very stiff.

Reply Was this helpful? 1

Bronze Tip Medal for All Time! 59 Tips
September 20, 20221 found this helpful

Good video on rug hooking & you might want to contact the instructor to ask her questions:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZqzRpBPOxU
This looks like a nice rug & a good way to use up old t-shirts:

Advertisement


scratchandstitch.com/.../

Reply Was this helpful? 1
September 20, 20221 found this helpful

I found this in the description of the Locker Hook Rug Canvas:
"Sizing washes out so that canvas becomes soft and pliable."

woolery.com/locker-hook-rug-canvas.html

So just wash the locker hook canvas and it will become soft.

Reply Was this helpful? 1
September 21, 20221 found this helpful

Usually latch hook canvas gets softer after washing, but I don't know how soft you want the canvas to be. I did not find canvas special for pillows. All you can do is buy some high quality cotton latch hook canvas and wash it before starting your project.

Advertisement

I think these links will be useful to you:

www.thriftyfun.com/Making-a-Latch-Hook-Rug.html

How-to Turn A Latch Hook Into A Pillow

domesticstrata.com/.../

www.ehow.com/how_4488625_make-pillow-from-latch...

A video how to sew a custom latch hook pillow

www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7qn_ICXS1M

Reply Was this helpful? 1

Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks
September 27, 20221 found this helpful

I have read your message several times and also read all the answers/responses and I have a different suggestion for you to think about.
Apparently, you are talking about doing a project with someone who will be 'learning' something new that perhaps he has never done before.

Advertisement


I have looked at numerous sites that provide instructions, experiences, and, very truthfully, I get the feeling that many people get very frustrated doing this type of craft. In all the sites that I checked, not one site ever mentioned this craft being done by a male. I think a man could do it, but these are small pieces of yarn and I'm wondering if the pieces might be too small for a man's larger hand?
Just a thought...
If you look at the instructions for completing the rug project and then turning it into a pillow, it gets pretty involved, and I can see many areas where this could get very frustrating, even to a crafter.

I looked at numerous sites describing turning a latch hook rug into a pillow and did not find even one comment about the pillow being 'hard or stiff'. Does this mean these pillows are only for 'decor' and never actually used? Probably, but since the latch hook material is very thick (when finished) and the stuffing and backing will be soft, the pillow may feel okay.

Advertisement


How often will it actually be used?
I see that some answers are recommending washing the 'canvas' before doing the project but I would suggest thinking about this before actually starting this project.
The 'canvas' is made out of about 50% cotton and 50% polyester, so why is it described as stiff?
It is made stiff with sizing, and this is used on purpose because it has to be stiff.
It is stiff, or it would be very difficult to work with (flimsy).
You would have to use some sort of embroidery frame, and that may not be good enough.
If you look at articles providing instructions on how to clean a hooked rug, you will see that out-and-out 'washing' is never recommended. They also recommend using a slip-proof backing to help it keep its shape.

I have worked with people who need 'calming' projects and I would like to suggest that if you think he would enjoy something like this, try starting with a small picture size and see how that goes. They have some inexpensive kits that include everything necessary and look like a fun project.

Advertisement


Maybe he could make it as a gift for someone.

I have some links that you might find interesting.
Each link is about a different 'end' project.
I hope this works out well for everyone.

www.ehow.com/how_6662741_instructions-make-latch...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrpwA4zcMuc
www.ehow.com/how_4916422_own-latch-hook-pattern...
studio-koekoek.com/.../
www.dreamalittlebigger.com/.../how-to-make-a-latch-hook-rug.html

You might want to discuss your concerns with some fellow crafters to see if they might have better suggestions. You can join these forums and see if they have other ideas.
www.everythinglatchhook.com/chitchat2.aspx
www.craftsforum.co.uk/.../88616-how-to-finish-a-latch-hook...

Reply Was this helpful? 1
September 28, 20220 found this helpful

Thanks so much for all the advice and recommendations. I've been brainstorming different crafts that might be fun and easy. I honestly don't know if I can convince him to try any crafts, but I was thinking this might be a possibility since it's the same repetitive motion, as opposed to learning several different techniques. (I'd do the sewing part of the pillow) I was thinking pillow because it'd be smaller than a rug and something someone could lean against/hug/etc., as opposed to something decorative that then doesn't really go with much.

The canvases I'd found were not pliable at all, which is why I'd asked, but it's good to know they soften over time. And I do have a large embroidery hoop, so if I use something more pliable, I can put it in there.

Thanks again for the info!

Reply Was this helpful? Yes

Add your voice! Click below to answer. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!

In This Page
Categories
Crafts MiscellaneousSeptember 19, 2022
Pages
More
🎃
Halloween Ideas!
🍂
Thanksgiving Ideas!
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
Instagram
Contests!
Newsletters
Ask a Question
Share a Post
Categories
Better LivingBudget & FinanceBusiness and LegalComputersConsumer AdviceCoronavirusCraftsEducationEntertainmentFood and RecipesHealth & BeautyHolidays and PartiesHome and GardenMake Your OwnOrganizingParentingPetsPhotosTravel and RecreationWeddings
Published by ThriftyFun.
Desktop Page | View Mobile
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Contact Us
Generated 2022-10-25 21:37:35 in 908 msecs. ⛅️️
© 1997-2022 by Cumuli, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.thriftyfun.com/Soft-Latch-Hook.html