Rug hooking is one of the most satisfying fiber arts you can pick up. The tools are simple, the learning curve is gentle, and the results are stunning. If you've been curious but don't know where to start, this guide will walk you through everything — from choosing your first pattern to pulling your first loop.
What Is Rug Hooking?
Rug hooking is the art of pulling loops of wool (or other fiber) up through a woven backing using a small hook. Each loop locks in place as you work, building up a dense, textured surface. The technique dates back centuries and is still done essentially the same way today — which tells you something about how good it is.
What You'll Need to Get Started
1. The Tools
The rug hooking hook is your most important tool. It looks like a crochet hook with a pencil-style handle. Hooks come in fine, medium, and coarse cuts — the cut you choose determines the width of the wool strips you'll pull. Most beginners start with a medium hook, which is versatile and forgiving. We do our own hooks here at Searsport and we have a nice set that is a basic hook and loop lifter set or choose from our beautiful hand turned rug hooks made right here in Neil's woodshop! Searsport has many sizes, handle styles and colors to pick from! Then a pair of small bent handle scissors are important. The bent handle allows you to snip the strips when you're finished pulling them without risking snipping your pattern! Our favorite mini floral scissors are perfect!
2. A Frame or Hoop
You need something to hold your backing taut while you hook. A simple quilting hoop works to start, but many hookers quickly move to a lap frame or floor frame for larger projects. Our Best Selling Gripper Swivel Frame is a favorite for good reason — it holds your backing firmly and swivels for easy access to every corner of your design.
3. Backing
This is the foundation fabric your loops pull through. Linen is the gold standard — it's firm, durable, and easy to hook. Check out our linen backing options to find the right size for your project. Some like monks cloth as a less costly option, but our favorite is linen. Our sample pack lets you try all 3 to find YOUR favorite!
4. Wool
Wool is the traditional fiber for rug hooking and still the best. It's cut into strips and pulled through the backing as loops. You'll want a range of colors for your design. Not sure where to start? Our Sample Pack of all 17 colors is a great way to explore the palette. Or any of our bundles too!
5. A Pattern
Your pattern is transferred onto the backing and serves as your roadmap. We carry a wide range of patterns in sizes from small samplers to large floor rugs — browse our Beginner Projects to find one that speaks to you. For your very first project, we recommend a simple design and everything in the beginner collection is aimed at the new rug hooker! The advantage of a beginner kit with us is the wool is all picked, tagged and cut for you — you're ready to start when it arrives!
Your First Project: Tips for Success
- Start small. A 12" × 12" or similarly sized project lets you learn the technique without committing to a months-long project. Our Beachy Beginner Project is a perfect first piece.
- Cut your wool consistently. Even strips pull more evenly and give a tidier finished surface. A strip cutter makes this much easier once you're hooked (pun intended). But for now you can hand cut or use a rotary cutter. Start by tearing your wool into about a 3-inch strip and then cut down the center as straight as you can and then cut those two pieces into 4 pieces. Straight is important so it doesn't pull apart as you pull up your loops. (If you bought a beginner kit, your wool is already cut and ready to go!)
- Keep loops even. Aim for loops about 1/4 inch tall — as a guide, the height of the loop should roughly equal the width of the loop. Too short and they'll pull out; too tall and the surface gets floppy and you use a lot more wool!
- Don't skip the edges. First hook a row all around the outside of your design, but leave at least 4–6 inches of unhooked backing around your pattern. You'll need it for finishing.
- Hook in any direction. Outline and fill is the most basic starting advice. Start with the most forward or center elements in your design and work back into the pattern. Unlike knitting, there's no "right" direction. Follow the lines of your design, curve with your motifs, and let the pattern guide you.
Ready to Learn with Someone?
Nothing beats learning in person or in a structured class. Our Beginner Classes for Rug Hooking, Oxford and Mini Punching are a wonderful way to get hands-on guidance, ask questions in real time, and meet fellow hookers.
What Comes Next?
Once you've finished your first project, the world opens up. You'll develop a color palette, and you'll probably accumulate a stash. You'll definitely start your second project before you finish your first.
Welcome to rug hooking. You're going to love it.
