Latch hooking rugs was an awesome activity for eighties kids. The yarn
craft was simple and inexpensive, yet super satisfying. With a single
easy-to-master move, we made plush, colorful rug squares. Of course, we
didn’t use them as actual rugs... but they were perfect for wall
hangings and pillows.
The nice thing about latch hooking was that you were pretty much
guaranteed a great looking and feeling product. Unlike, say,
paint-by-numbers kits, latch hook rugs provided reliably professional
looking results.
Latch hooking was a snap. It was MUCH simpler than cross-stitching,
knitting, or even making ribbon barrettes. All you had to do
was follow the printed color diagram and you’d end up with a tactilely
delightful work of art. The only real obstacle to a lovely, finished
latch hook rug was, like, getting bored and quitting halfway through.
As I recall, my display method for my latch hook rugs was somewhat
unrefined. It involved masking tape and thumbtacks. However, there are
ways to
complete your piece that provide a much more professional look.
Pillow creation, it turns out, is also not that complicated and is a
terrific option.
Ah – sibling love, eighties style. Awesome. But check out the
horse-at-sunset latch hook rug on the wall behind them – cool, huh?
Feel like embarking on an awesome cold weather, curl-up-by-the-fire
craft project? Snap up your own rug kit and get hooking, babe. Here’s a
great vintage butterfly design:
And how cool is this roller skate pattern, complete with pom poms on the
laces? I remember renting skates just like that at Spinning Wheels rink
in the early 1980s:
As noted in Davia’s video, many rug kits don’t come with latch hooks, so
you’ll need to purchase some of your own. Here are a couple just like
those we had way back when:
You may also need to pick up your own pre-cut latch hook yarn. New yarn
is available at craft stores or you can opt for
vintage yarn from Etsy.
Latch hooking wasn’t a thrilling activity. It was, however, deeply
gratifying for kids to make great looking and feeling craft items that
they could proudly display. Of course, it wasn’t –and isn’t – just for
children. Adults and older kids enjoy the hobby, too. It’s experiencing
a real resurgence in popularity. Check out Latch Hook Rugs & the People
Who Make Them! on Facebook
for inspiration. Creative crafters are
latching with strips of fabric
and yarns of varying textures and lengths. Squidoo has a great overview
of
latch hooking rugs here.
Don’t you just love that owl hanging? I want to name it, pet it, and
fluff it up, and then hang it up on the wall of my office.
If you haven’t caught latch hook fever yet, take a peek at this bitchin’
timelapse video of a huge rug’s creation. I can just feel the crafter’s
pride as she adds a little bit more each day, can’t you? Latch hooking
was an awesome craft in the eighties, and it still is today. Latch on,
dudes!
