How to Finish a Latch Hook Rug
Finishing a latch hook rug can be done by hand or with a sewing machine. Binding the rug with fabric tape is necessary to prevent damage to the edges, whether you plan to use your rug on the floor or as a wall hanging.
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Things You'll Need
- Latch hook rug
- 1 to 2 inch wide fabric rug tape
- Large-eyed needle
- Button-weight thread
- Sewing machine, if desired
- Scissors
Instructions
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How to finish a latch hook rug
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1
Trim rug canvas to within 1/2 inch of finished work; this will leave at least two empty canvas squares between hooked squares and the edge. This gives you a border of empty canvas squares all the way around the edges of your finished work, providing the area to attach the rug binding tape.
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2
Place rug tape with one edge against the outermost row of hooking on top of the canvas. Pin the tape in place. Using needle, thread and an overcast stitch, secure the edge of the rug tape to the canvas thread closest to the hooked work. This can also be machine-stitched, for greater durability.
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3
Cut the tape at each corner of the rug and begin with a new strip of tape, until all four edges are secured with tape. If your rug is round, hexagonal or octagonal, use a single strip of tape all the way around the rug. Again, machine-stitch if you prefer.
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4
Fold the tape borders to the back side of the rug. Secure them to the canvas with needle, thread and an overcast stitch. Use the same stitch to finish corners. On a round or other shaped rug, make small folds in the tape and stitch them down to allow for the difference in size between the outermost edge of the rug and the area where you are attaching the turned-in tape edge.
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5
Finish overlapping corners or the ends of the rug tape with further overcasting stitches.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Some crafters get crisper edges by pressing down canvas and rug tape edges before or after finishing. Use the lowest steam setting possible on your iron. Stabilize your rug for hanging by sewing a second strip of fabric tape across the top of the rug. Leave cut ends open; you now have a heading through which you can thread a piece of dowel or small curtain rod for hanging your rug.
