Basic Locker Hook 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 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 yarn or strong thread there. I used only about a 3-inch length of the chopstick but you can use a full length if you prefer.

Due to the details of the Locker Hook tutorial, I have to split it into 3 parts:

1. Basic Locker Hook Preparation
2. How to Locker Hook
3. Finishing touch

Basic Locker Hook Preparation

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)

To start off with the basic preparation of locker hooking, you will need to get the materials listed above.

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 a 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 than 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 a 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 frayed 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 with the Basic Locker Hook, we are ready for the lock hooking adventure!!!
NEXT —> How to hook and lock the loops