14 Jan 13

Locker Hook Tutorial: Basic Preparation

I fell in love with hook locking after I bought the book Hook, Loop ‘n’ Lock: Create Fun and Easy Locker Hooked Projects written by Theresa Pulido last November. The moment I saw the cover I knew I was not going to leave the bookstore until I owned it. Confirmed that I must get one after flipping through the books. The instructions and the projects in this book are so appealing and tempting,  I can’t help myself for not trying 1 out.

The way I hook and lock is a little different from the book, so if you want to know how Theresa did it, please refer to Hook, Loop ‘n’ Lock: Create Fun and Easy Locker Hooked Projects. As a beginner and without a proper locker hooking hook, I am afraid that I don’t have an even tension and might spoil the beauty of the crafts. So…. I made my own loop-lock tool by using a disposable chopstick. This method works, just look at how my first locker hook project turns out in my giveaway post!!! It is simple, just engrave a groove (approx. 0.5mm deep) about an inch from the tip of the chopstick so that you can tie a yarn or strong thread there. I used only about 3 inch length of the chopstick but you can use a full length if you prefer.

Due to the details of this tutorial, I have to split it to 3 parts:

1. Basic preparation
2. How to hook and lock the loops
3. Finishing touch

To start off with the basic preparation of locker hooking, you will need to get the following materials:
1. Hooking rug canvas
2. Crochet hook (2-3mm size) & the locking “chopstick” or locker hook if you are able find one
3. Fabrics or pre-cut fabric strips (you can also use wool yarn, T-shirt yarn, or plastics strips)
4. Strong yarn or thread for the “locking”
5. Permanent marker
6. Scissor
7. Measuring tape
8. Pattern
9. Rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat (if you choose to cut your own fabric strips)
Prepare the Canvas
Draw and mark the pattern [click the link to get the free pattern of the coasters] on your hooking rug canvas with permanent marker. Though it is not a must but it is easy so that you don’t have to refer to the paper pattern while lock-hooking.
Leave at least 2 extra squares at the edge for a smaller project (eg. coaster) and 5 squares for bigger project (eg. rug). We are going to fold the edge in for a steadier construction.

Snip off the corner of the extra square so that you can fold it in nicely.

Make a few stitches to secure the fold of the edge.

Prepare the Fabric Strips
Cut the fabric by using scissors or rotary cutter. The latter will give you straighter and more even strips and it is faster then using scissors.
As a rule of thumb, cut the fabric about 3 times the width of each small square of the canvas. For thicker fabric like upholstery material, cut 1/2 a square smaller, and for thinner fabric, cut 1/2 to 1 square bigger.
To make the cutting faster, fold the fabric to 2 – 4 layers thick, press the cutter a little and cut it by using new blade.

Which way to cut the strip, horizontal or vertical? Good question…. I would say both ways work depend on the type of fabric you use. Cotton or quilt-weight fabric can be cut in both way, you can even use “tear method” if you want a fray look on your project as tearing fabric strips create more frays on the bare edges.
Since I am using poly jersey interlock material, I cut it vertically so that it won’t curl up like my T-shirt yarn.
All set and we are ready for the lock hooking adventure!!!
NEXT —> will be published tomorrow! PUBLISHED!

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13 comments... read them below or add one

  1. Linda says:January 14, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    I am so excited to watch the rest of the tutorials! I need another craft. Lol

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  2. Alice says:January 14, 2010 at 3:09 pm

    Wow! You have so much nice little handmade Christmas ornaments and now even more creative hand crafts…. waiting patiently for the locker hook! :)

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  3. Marguerite says:February 12, 2010 at 4:44 am

    Hello!
    Thank you sooooo much for this tutorial.. There is one thing I don’t understand: What do you mean with leaving 5 square for borders and how do we have to cut… Can you explain?
    Thank you again. Love this blog, already in my favorites…
    from Montreal, Marguerite
    PS Excuse my english, I’m french speaking.

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    • Craft Passion says:February 12, 2010 at 10:02 pm

      That is the allowance on the border for you to fold the canvas in. By having double layer of canvas at the edge will enhance the structure of the project. It will make the locker hook project firmer.
      Hope this help :)

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      Reply

  4. Pingback:Locker Hook Tutorial: Chinese New Year Ornament | craftpassion.com

  5. Suz says:June 15, 2010 at 11:57 pm

    Wow, you are amazing! Thank you for sharing all your incredible crafts. I have been wanting to locker hook a rug for my bathroom, but have only been able to find patterns for your usual owls and dragons, nice enough for those who are into owls and dragons, but not my cuppa. THANKS!

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  6. Sylvie Créative says:July 17, 2011 at 6:54 pm

    Lovely tutorial and possibilities! Thanks a lot! I do the something similar with crochet. I’ve made a rug, a bag, a tapestry and I use a simple clean cloth. I’ve a nice video.

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    Reply
  7. safinaz says:September 15, 2011 at 12:04 pm

    Hi,
    Can i know where i can find the locker hooking Kits to buy in malaysia for starting?

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  8. Pingback:New Locker Hook Book - Locking Loops | Free Pattern & Tutorial at CraftPassion.com

  9. Teresa says:March 2, 2012 at 4:21 am

    Wonder if you could use a knooking hook (knook) to do this? It is made of wood, but it has an eye and a hook. I’m going to try it and see.

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    Reply
  10. Sarah says:March 24, 2012 at 10:15 am

    I just bought the hook loop and lock book. I was overwhelmed by the yardage amounts for these projects! Do you really use that much material. It seems like a lot of material for just a pillow or placemat.

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    Reply

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