How Is Latch Hook Canvas Made?

The making of a latch hook canvas.

Latch hook is a old art that's also called hooked rug or rug hooking. The craft, simple and enjoyable, incorporates short pieces of wool, a hook and a canvas generally made of stiff burlap or linen.

History

Latch hook is a craft that originated in North America in the early 19th century. It is believed to have begun in New England region of the United States and the Canadian Maritimes before making its way around the world. When it first began, latch hook, was something practiced in poverty. This later changed as the craft grew in popularity.

Canvas

Making canvas is relatively simple. Usually stiff linen or burlap is woven into the canvas. It isn't a tight weave, because there needs to be space for the hook and wool to go into each square. After the weaving process is finished, a pattern is painted onto the canvas' surface. The pattern is a picture made of color-coded squares that the artist follows.

Fun Facts

While latch hooking was once considered a craft for the poor, it's now listed among the fine arts in Canada. In the late 1800s, grain bags made of burlap were used as canvas because they were free.

References

• McGown Guild: Some history of Peal K. McGown Hookcrafters

Resources

• Hooked Rug Museum of North America