How to Rug Hook: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide

How to Rug Hook

A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Rug Hooking with Wool Strips, Primitive Linen, Rug Hooks & Frames

By Kelly Kanyok

Welcome to the wonderful world of rug hooking! Whether you've admired hooked rugs for years or are just beginning your fiber art journey, rug hooking is a relaxing and rewarding textile art that anyone can learn.

Using a simple hook, strips of wool are pulled through a sturdy woven foundation fabric one loop at a time. With just a few basic supplies and a little practice, you'll soon be creating beautiful rugs, pillows, table mats, wall hangings, and other handmade pieces to enjoy for years to come.

This guide walks you through every step of getting started with rug hooking—from choosing your supplies and understanding foundation materials to creating your very first loops. Along the way, you'll also find helpful tips, recommended resources, and trusted suppliers to help you get started with confidence.

New to rug hooking? After completing this guide, download my free beginner-friendly Deco Blooms PDF pattern and practice the techniques you've learned. The link is below.

What You'll Learn in This Guide

• Choosing your first supplies
• Understanding foundation materials
• Selecting a rug hook
• Wool strip sizes and cutters
• Gripper frames and hoops
• Step-by-step rug hooking instructions
• Helpful tips
• Trusted resources and suppliers (available in the Rug Hooking Learning Library)
• Common beginner mistakes

Supplies to Begin:

To purchase the basic supplies you need to begin, visit the Rug Hooking Learning Library Resources section for trusted suppliers of hooks, Linen, wool, frames, and tools.

• Rug Hook - I recommend getting a basic hook in a size around a #5. This will allow you to hook wool strips of many different sizes. See choosing a rug hook for information about the different types of rug hooks.
• Primitive Linen - Bleached or natural. Linen is the most common foundation material.

• Wool Strips - For a beginner, I recommend using a #6 strip size. It's neither too small nor too large, and it's a good size for learning to rug hook. See the rug cutter information on how to cut wool strips, or purchase pre-cut strips.

• Gripper Frame (ideally) or Wooden Hoop - For beginners. I understand that investing in supplies can be expensive until you know you will continue with this textile art, so it is okay to start with a hoop. Just know that a good-quality, adjustable gripper frame makes rug hooking much more enjoyable and easier. To start, a wooden hoop will work fine. That is how I learned before I invested in a gripper frame.
• Scissors - A good pair of sharp scissors is essential for trimming wool strips and finishing your work.
• Pattern Traced onto Linen - There are many wonderful places to purchase rug hooking patterns. You can also draw a simple design on the Linen yourself to start, like a heart or a pumpkin.

Understanding Foundation Materials

Rug hookers use various rug-hooking foundation fabrics. They include: Primitive Linen, bleached or unbleached - the most commonly used foundation today; Monks Cloth - softer; Rug Warp - best for very fine rug hooking; and Burlap - not a recommended backing material today.

 

Rug hookers use several types of foundation fabrics. These include Primitive Linen (bleached or unbleached), Monk's Cloth, Rug Warp, and Burlap.

Primitive Linen is the most commonly used foundation fabric today. It is a durable material that withstands the pulling of wool strips and, if you are creating a floor rug, it is a time-tested foundation fabric.

That said, some rug hookers prefer Rug Warp or Monk's Cloth to Primitive Linen, primarily for fine rug hooking and its softer texture. If you are creating a design using fine wool strips in sizes #2, #3, or #4, these foundation fabrics tend to hold fine loops because of their tighter weave.

Burlap is not commonly used today. It was used years ago when rug hooking began, and burlap sacks were often repurposed as a foundation material. However, burlap has a rough texture and does not hold up well over time.

 

I prefer using natural, unbleached Linen because it's easier to trace a design on a light table or with a light source and to keep the pattern square on the Linen. It's also a little less expensive than bleached Linen. I also like its texture when I am working on a pattern.

When using Monk's Cloth or Rug Warp, you need a pattern-tracing material or pens to draw the pattern, as it's very difficult to see through these fabrics on a light table. I also find it difficult to keep a pattern square. That said, many rug hooks enjoy using both of these foundation fabrics. It's really a matter of personal preference.

TIP: To trace your own design onto primitive Linen, you can use a lightbox or a large, sunny window as your light source. Tape the pattern and Linen to the window, then use a regular black Sharpie marker to draw the design.

Choosing a Rug Hook

Different hook makers offer various handle styles, shapes, and sizes, but all rug hooks perform the same basic job—pulling wool strips through the foundation to create loops. Choose a hook that feels comfortable in your hand.

Rug hooks vary in price. A good starter hook, such as a basic Cushing-style rug hook, is available from many rug hooking suppliers. It's available in fine, medium, coarse, or primitive sizes and is priced around $15.00 or more. A good beginner-size hook is a medium or coarse one. Hooks can cost up to around $100, depending on the type, shape, material, and manufacturer. I have a hook that is my favorite. It is a ball-handle hook, size #5, designed for a left-handed hooker, from Gene Shepherd.

TIP: If you are able, try different hooks from other hookers. This is a good way to see what type of hook you would want to invest in.

Understanding Wool Strip Sizes & Wool Cutters

Many beginners purchase pre-cut wool strips, while experienced rug hookers often cut their own using specialty strip cutters such as the Bee Line Wool Cutter, Fraser Cutter, and other adjustable wool cutters available through rug hooking suppliers. Many also purchase a used cutter from rug-hooking buy-and-sell groups on Facebook or other online sources. Many rug hookers begin with pre-cut wool strips, then invest in a cutter once they discover they enjoy rug hooking.

The Bee Line Wool Cutter is a wonderful, very popular choice among rug hookers and one of the best cutters you can purchase. It is an investment. The good news is that cutters and frames tend to hold their value, and many increase in value, so reselling is always possible. The Fraser Cutter is a good beginner's option without as large an investment as the Bee Line Wool Cutter.

Below are the most common wool strip sizes used in rug hooking. The illustration shows how different strip widths affect the look and detail of a hooked design.

Common Wool Strip Sizes   

TIP: If you're just getting started, a #6 cut is one of the most popular choices because it's easy to use, not too small or thin for a beginner, and pulls through the Linen without too much strain.

Gripper Frames and Hoops

To rug hook, you will need a frame or hoop to keep your foundation fabric taut as you pull wool strips through the Linen to create loops. Since we are focusing on a beginner, I suggest starting with a hoop. I think a wooden hoop is a bit better for this, but any hoop that holds your Linen taut will work. Hoops are inexpensive, and before you invest in a gripper frame, you definitely want to make sure you enjoy the art of rug hooking.

So, what is a Gripper Frame? A gripper frame uses a "gripper strip" on each side. The strip is filled with tiny metal needles that face outward and is usually mounted on a wooden frame. When you attach your foundation fabric to the frame, the gripper strip needles snag the fabric, holding it tightly in place. Frames come in lap, tabletop, floor, rotating, tilting, square, rectangular, and octagonal styles. Choosing one depends on how you like to hook and how much you want to spend.

TIP: Consult my resource list to see the different types of Gripper Frames, and search the web and Etsy for other rug-hooking suppliers to explore all the available options.

How to Use a Rug Hook and Create Loops

Before you begin hooking, make sure your pattern is drawn on your Linen and that the Linen is stretched tightly on a gripper frame or in a wooden hoop. It's best to work from the center of the pattern outward, starting with an outlined area.

TIP: Most people hook from left to right, rotating their Gripper Frame or hoop as needed to create the outline. To hook an outline, start slightly inside the line to preserve the object's size and shape.

Starting Your First Wool Strip:

Hold the rug hook in your dominant hand and insert it into the Linen. With your other hand, take a wool strip and hold it under the Linen so the hook can grab it. Then hook the wool strip and pull one end up through the Linen, leaving about an inch of the wool end visible and the rest hanging below the Linen.

Creating Your First Loop:

 Now you are going to create your first loop. Insert the hook into the Linen a few threads (1 or 2) down from the previous hole, then hook the wool strip and pull it up just enough to form a small loop. Make sure the tail end doesn't pull out and that the loop you create is neither too high nor too short.

TIP: A good rule of thumb is that the width of the wool strip should be approximately equal to the height of the loop. For example, the thinner the wool strip, the shorter the loop height.

How to Hold the Wool Strip Correctly:

This is also an important point. Holding the wool strip is critical to pulling up perfect loops.

You want to guide the wool strip with your hand so it doesn't twist and stays facing the same direction on the hook each time before you pull it through. When it is twisted, the loop doesn't lie properly in a neat row, and a single twisted loop will look slightly different from the others. Try to catch it early, then pull it out and create a new loop. This is also part of the rug hooking technique, which improves with practice.

Continue Your Row:

Move your hook to the next hole opening, approximately 2 threads down from the previous opening, then repeat step 2. Adjust the loop height to match the first loop. Continue creating loops and following the outline until the wool strip ends or you need to stop. Make sure the tail is pulled to the top, not left hanging below.

Ending a Wool Strip:

When you need to end, pull the remaining wool strip up through the Linen to the top, then cut it flush with the loops.

TIP: All wool strip ends start on the top and should always end on the top side. The ends are hidden within the loops.

Starting a New Wool Strip:

Next, take another strip of wool and insert your hook into the last hole with the tail end, then pull another tail up through the same hole. Place your hook a few holes down, create another loop, and continue until the wool strip ends or you need to end that piece.

TIP: You want your loops spaced close together, but not packed in. This spacing is also a technique you develop over time and with practice.

How to End:

Pull up the remaining wool strip and cut it flush with the loops. Cut all the wool tails flush with the loops to create a clean, even surface.

TIP: Adjust your loop heights as you go to create nice, even loops. This can make a huge difference, and spending a little time along the way to create even loops is worth it. It takes time and practice to develop a rhythm of even loops, and it is part of the art of rug hooking.

Common Beginner Mistakes

✓ Pulling loops too high

✓ Pulling loops too tight

✓ Twisting the wool strip

✓ Forgetting to keep the Linen tight

✓ Packing loops too closely

✓ Cutting wool tails underneath instead of on top

Don't worry if your first loops aren't perfectly even. Every experienced rug hooker began exactly where you are today. With a little practice, creating consistent loops becomes second nature.

 

Download a FREE Beginner Rug Hooking Pattern

Looking for a project to practice your new skills?

Join The Little Loop newsletter and receive my FREE Deco Blooms Rug Hooking Pattern (PDF Download)—a beginner-friendly design created especially for new rug hookers.

As a subscriber, you'll also receive:

• New rug hooking patterns
• Tutorials and tips
• Free resources from the Rug Hooking Library
• Exclusive subscriber offers

👉 Download the FREE Deco Blooms PDF Pattern

 

Ready to Hook Your First Project?

Congratulations! You now understand the basic techniques of rug hooking and have the knowledge to begin your first project. Like any new skill, your loops will become more even, and your confidence will grow with every piece you hook.

The best way to improve is to keep hooking.

If you're ready for your first project, explore the Orphaned Wool Rug Hooking Pattern Collection, where you'll find designs for beginners through experienced hookers. Each pattern is thoughtfully designed and available in various formats, including hand-drawn linen patterns, paper patterns, and downloadable PDFs.

Whether you're creating your first hooked pillow, table mat, wall hanging, or heirloom rug, I hope these patterns inspire you to enjoy the relaxing rhythm and timeless tradition of rug hooking—one loop at a time.

Shop Rug Hooking Patterns

 

Helpful Resources

Return to the Rug Hooking Learning Library

 

Learning rug hooking is even more enjoyable when you have quality supplies and a welcoming community.

In the Orphaned Wool Rug Hooking Library, you'll find a growing collection of supplier resources featuring trusted sources for:

• Rug hooks
• Primitive Linen
• Wool fabric
• Pre-cut wool strips
• Frames
• Books
• Tools and accessories

If you're interested in learning more about the rich tradition of rug hooking, I also encourage you to explore two wonderful organizations:

• Association of Traditional Hooking Artists (ATHA) – Educational resources, local chapters, workshops, publications, and events for rug hookers at all experience levels.
• The International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers (TIGHR) – an international community dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of hand-hooked rugs through education and shared inspiration.

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Text, illustrations, photographs, and instructional content may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, or used for teaching or commercial purposes without written permission from Orphaned Wool. Pattern designs by Orphaned Wool may not be reproduced, redistributed, or used to create products for sale without written permission.