We've created this page to give you all the tips and tricks you need for creating your own latch-hooking creations using our range of pre-sewn or canvas bases.

1. Design

The first step in creating your own custom latch-hooking cushion or rug is to create your design. You can do this in two ways: free-hand drawing your design or using a pixel pattern.

Free-Hand Drawing

If you're a pro with a pen, or working on a more abstract piece you can draw your design free-hand onto your canvas. We recommend using a permanent marker so that your design is nice and visible on your finished piece.

Why not try these free-hand drawing ideas to complete your design?

Organic Shapes > try making soft blobby shapes and filling them in with contrasting yarn colours.
Mountain peaks > create layers of mountain shapes all the way up your piece. A gradient of yarn looks great here!
Initials > Draw your initials to make a monogrammed creation, the perfect way to personalise your piece.
Stripes > So simple but so stunning. Make even stripes or asymetric stripes, you know they'll be straight when you're working on a grid.
Easy motifs > Squiggles, stars, hearts and flowers are all simple shapes that can easily be drawn free-hand. Plus they look even cuter when a little bit imperfect!

Pixel-Pattern

Creating a pattern out of pixels is the best method to use when you're creating a detailed design. Whether you're converting an image into pixel art or crafting a design with a little more prep, there's a range of pixel-art apps and softwares out there that can help you create your pattern.

Stitch Fiddle is my favourite pattern-making app for simple latch-hooking projects. It allows you to select your canvas size, choose your colours and even select symbols to complete your pattern. You can also upload your own photos or illustrations to convert to pixel art - ready to go for your latch-hooking project.

2. Yarn

Now that your design is ready, its time to prepare your yarn! You can either use pre-cut yarn (the kind we include in our latch-hooking kits) or cut your own yarn.

Pre-cut Yarn

This type of yarn is pre-cut for you so that you can dive into stitching straight away. It is usually cut to 6cm lengths of yarn and has roughly 200x pieces of yarn per bundle. When sourcing your yarn, make sure you take into account how many stitches of each colour you will need.

Cutting Your Yarn

When using 4ct latch-hooking canvas Aran or DK weighted yarn will be ideal for creating latch-hooking knots that fill the space evenly and with a balance density. But you can use multiple strands of thinner weighted yarn to still get a dense effect. For example, you could use 2x strands of a sport weighted yarn, or 3-4x strands of a fingering weighted yarn. You can also combine yarns to create unique blends and colour combinations!

When you have decided on the yarn you will be using, its time to cut it to size. You can make your latch-hooking yarn between 5-20cm in length. 5-6cm lengths will create a shorter and more consistent style of knots, best for intricate designs. 8-12cm lengths will create a long and shaggy texture of latch hooking. 15-20cm lengths will create pieces that feel like tassels, often they're best left for decorating the bottom edge of a wall-hanging.

Once you know your size, the best way to cut a large amount of yarn is to create a cardboard template. Using any kind of spare cardboard (packing boxes work a treat here!) cut your cardboard into a small rectangle that is approximately 10cm in width, and has a length measuring half the size of the latch-hooking yarn you would like to cut. For example, if you would like to make latch-hooking yarn that is 6cm in length, you would cut out a cardboard rectangle that is roughly 10cm wide and 3cm in length. If you want to make latch-hooking yarn that is 12cm long, you would cut a piece of cardboard that is 10cm wide and 6cm in length.

Now that your template is ready, its time to use it! Take your chosen yarn and wrap it around the length of your template, again and again until the cardboard is comfortable covered. You can do this with a single strand or multiple yarn strands if you're planning on stitching them together. When your template is covered, take a sharp pair of scissors and cut along the width edge of your template to release your latch-hooking yarn pieces.

TIP: If you want to keep your lengths very even and neat, dont overlap your wrapped yarn so that the template cuts it as accurately as possible. If you're happy with a shaggy look, feel free to overlap the yarn, small differences in yarn length will simply make your piece look more organic and shaggy.

3. Stitching

Now for the easy part! Its time to latch-hook. If you've bought yourself a base, chances are you're already familiar with latch-hooking techniques. But if you need a refresh, we've included our best tutorial videos below.

You can also check out this quick tutorial version from our Instagram as well! Its the same technique, but shot vertically and explained in a different way.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Craft Club 🧶 DIY Craft Kits + Latch Hook (@craft.club.co)

4. Backing

If you've purchased one of our pre-sewn bases you're all done! No need to worry with tricky backing or sewing.

However, if you've purchased our bulk latch-hooking canvas, you'll also need to back your creation once it is complete. The method of backing will depend on what you are creating, but we've included some tips below for different projects you might have.

Sew Down Edges

Whenever you complete a latch-hooking project, you will need to sew down the edges of your canvas to ensure it does not fray and your knots stay secure. Follow the steps below to sew down your canvas.

Cut off any excess canvas around your finished design using sharp craft scissors. You'll want to leave between 3-5cm (1-2 inches) of excess canvas remaining.
Flip your canvas around and thread a sewing needle with any thread you have handy (left-over embroidery floss or sewing thread will do!)
Fold the edges of your canvas down flat on the back, and use your sewing needle to secure them to the back of your piece. Don't worry about making the stitches perfect, even simple or messy stitches will work - as long as the edges are flat and secure.
Work your way around your piece until the canvas edging is completely flat on the back of your piece, and you cannot see any blank canvas from the front.

Backing Your Project

Some projects need to be backed, while others can be left with just the edges sewn down. Backing will make your piece more durable and polished - perfect for if you're gifting your creation!

Coasters: Use craft felt or pressed felt to create a backing. You can use fabric glue, hot glue or a needle and thread to secure the felt to the back of your coaster.
Wall-hangings: Use a dowel or skewer as a firm base to hang your design from. Adding extra backing like felt is not necessary for a wall hanging, but it might look nice if you're using the piece as a gift.
Cushions: There are multiple ways of creating a cushion backing, so its best to find a sewing pattern that you like most and adapt it to suit a latch-hooked front. Your finished canvas piece will act as the front panel of your cushion pattern, and you will follow the pattern instructions to complete the back using a sewing machine. You can find both zippered and non-zippered cushion patterns to suit the level of complexity and the finished style you would like for your piece.
Rugs: Use non-slip felt to create a backing for a rug. You can use fabric glue, hot glue or a needle and thread to secure the felt in place on the back of your finished piece.

We hope these tips have been helpful in bringing your own latch-hooked creations to life!

Happy crafting 🧶✨

Nakisah xx (Craft Club's Founder)