Hooking Large Rugs

Floral Hall Primitive, 62" x 92", #6- and 7 -cut on burlap.  Designed by Herrschners, hooked by Eloise Mohnrman, Wellington, Ohio, 1979.  

A challenge for mind and body

Completing a large rug is not just a physical challenge. It's a mental challenge too. Let's look at both aspects—the physical and the mental—and consider tips on how to successfully finish an over-sized rug.
 
Get mentally prepared

Be certain you like the design. Rug hooking is a hobby, but it's also a form of therapy—and hooking a large rug from beginning to end takes a lot of time and energy. As you are hooking, you want to enjoy the development of the pattern and the placement of the lovely colors. The process of creating a large piece can consume your time and energy; if you don't like the design, you definitely won't enjoy the process.
 
While the process of creating can consume you, don't let it. Periodically get up and move around. Hooking without breaks is sometimes invigorating when you see how much you can accomplish, but it's likely to cause long-term aches and pains in your hands, arms, shoulders, and back. If you tend to get caught up in your work, set a timer to remind you when it's break time. Remember to move!

This article is from the January/February 2011 issue. For more information on our issues, check out our issues page.