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Basic Latch Hook Finishing for Small Projects

June 18, 2018 19 Comments

You've mastered latch hook basics, and now it's time to make your project to a finished handmade masterpiece! Learn basic latch hook project finishing with this easy tutorial.
One day it happens. You’ve mastered latch hook basics and have created a beautiful tapestry with yarn scraps and lots of love, but how do you take it from a scruffy work-in-progress to a finished, usable rug or wall hanging? For small wall hangings and other projects that won’t need to stand up to a lot of wear and tear, it’s just a matter of some hand sewing and deciding how you want to display your handmade masterpiece. Now let’s take a closer look at a basic method for finishing your latch hook projects!

Note: Consider this post a quick-start guide to latch hook finishing for beginners who aren’t ready to work slowly through a more advanced tutorial. For in-depth latch hook finishing tutorials, check out my tutorials on Square Latch Hook Finishing, Non-Square Latch Hook Finishing (coming July 2020), and How to Finish Hard Nooks & Crannies in Latch Hook (coming July 2020).

You've mastered latch hook basics, and now it's time to make your project to a finished handmade masterpiece! Learn basic latch hook project finishing with this easy tutorial.
This might look familiar. :) Here’s where we left off last week in our latch hook basics tutorial: We planned out our latch hook project, and worked every knot, leaving ourselves about an inch of rug canvas beyond the edge of our work.

The pattern featured in this tutorial is the beginner-friendly Tiered Colorblock Wall Hanging – get the free pattern here. 

How to: Basic Latch Hook Finishing

Supplies
your nearly finished latch hook with ~1″ of empty rug canvas on all sides
(sturdy) scissors
tapestry needle
yarn or strong thread

Directions

You've mastered latch hook basics, and now it's time to make your project to a finished handmade masterpiece! Learn basic latch hook project finishing with this easy tutorial.
Fold your ~1″ of unused rug canvas down at the back of your latch hook project.

You've mastered latch hook basics, and now it's time to make your project to a finished handmade masterpiece! Learn basic latch hook project finishing with this easy tutorial.
Thread your tapestry needle with sturdy yarn or thread. (For demonstration’s sake I’m using this bright orange roving so you can see my sewing in these tutorial photos, but I recommend using something strong.) Turn your latch hook project right/shaggy side down. Draw your yarn from back to front, leaving a few inches of a tail as shown. Using a whip stitch, sew around the folded edge of your rug canvas as well as that tail to hold the extra rug canvas down at the back of your work, as well as secure the tail end of your yarn. If you want your tail to be extra secure and/or you’re not totally comfortable with sewing, feel free to use a small knot.

You've mastered latch hook basics, and now it's time to make your project to a finished handmade masterpiece! Learn basic latch hook project finishing with this easy tutorial.
Continue whip stitching around the edge of your rug canvas until you reach the far end of your work. Set your tapestry needle down, but feel free to leave it threaded. Next, to reduce bulk at the corner, cut out the small square of rug canvas where your edges overlap (see above).

You've mastered latch hook basics, and now it's time to make your project to a finished handmade masterpiece! Learn basic latch hook project finishing with this easy tutorial.
Fold down the next edge of your rug canvas just like you did the first edge. Whip stitch around the folded corner of your latch hook project to secure the corner, and keep whip stitching along the next edge of your project to secure the excess rug canvas at the back of your project once again.

You've mastered latch hook basics, and now it's time to make your project to a finished handmade masterpiece! Learn basic latch hook project finishing with this easy tutorial.
When you’ve worked all the way around all sides of your project, break your yarn and finish it with a knot. Sew the tail back through the whip stitching to weave it in. The back of your finished work should look something like this. (If you’re working with a sturdier yarn for your finishing, you’ll have an even crisper look than I was able to accomplish with my orange demo yarn here!)

You've mastered latch hook basics, and now it's time to make your project to a finished handmade masterpiece! Learn basic latch hook project finishing with this easy tutorial.
And here’s what it looks like from the front! No rug canvas sticking around the sides, and all edges are secured. The very final step in latch hook finishing is to give your shaggy yarn a trim to even out any yarn bits that are sticking out in ways you don’t prefer. For the pictured project, I mostly trimmed the excess fuzz from the yellow section (see photo at top of this post) to keep the strands of yarn visible. How much or how little you trim your latch hook projects is up to you!

If you’re loving the latch hook project pictured in this and last weeks’ basics tutorials, tune in Wednesday for the free pattern to get you latch hooking like a pro!

Two classic needlecraft books filled with great, in-depth instructions for making latch hook projects (and more)! The Step-by-Step Needlecraft Encyclopedia by Judy Brittain & the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Needlework
P.S. Looking to learn more about latch hook? These are two classic needlecraft books filled with great, in-depth instructions for making latch hook projects (and more)! I have sworn by these books as references for knit, crochet, embroidery, and so many other things since I was in elementary school: The Step-by-Step Needlecraft Encyclopedia by Judy Brittain & the Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Needlework.

You've mastered latch hook basics, and now it's time to make your project to a finished handmade masterpiece! Learn basic latch hook project finishing with this easy tutorial.

More great resources for latch hook beginners:

  • Latch Hook Basics Tutorial
  • Looking for contemporary latch hook inspiration? Here are 9 Things to Latch Hook
  • Tiered Colorblock Wall Hanging – free latch hook pattern

Filed Under: Latch Hook, Yarn Crafts Tagged With: how to latch hook, latch hook, latch hook finishing, latch hook tutorial, rug canvas, wall hanging

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad (she/her) is a craft book author & designer specializing in yarn crafts. Her work combines vintage and modern design elements, prioritizing color and graphic motifs. Her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now.

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Comments

  1. Linda

    August 4, 2018 at 11:26 pm

    Thank you Heidi Brilliant explanation. I bought a hook at a wool fair ages ago and forgot how to use it . Thank you

    Reply
  2. Lara Massey

    November 3, 2019 at 3:05 am

    Thank you for the very clear explanation and pictures of how to finish a rug or hsngibg. It’s very simple, so I understand that’s why it’s glossed over in most articles, but if you’ve never done it, it can still be hard to visualize. Plus you had the tip of trimming the bulk at the corners. That may have occurred to me, but without someone with experience telling me it worked,I would have been afraid it would have encouraged unraveling or something. So excellent post!

    Reply
  3. Lisa

    June 7, 2020 at 10:09 pm

    Hi! What size tapestry needle and what size thread (if I don’t use yarn) do you recommend for binding a latch hook rug? I have a Christmas tree skirt i finished last summer and would like to finally bind it. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Heidi

      June 8, 2020 at 10:03 am

      It depends on the gauge of your canvas and the finished look you’re going for. I often like to use yarn because it better covers the raw canvas edge than thread. As far as tapestry needle, I just buy whatever says tapestry needle on it. If it’s too big for my yarn or canvas, I look at what needle options in my notions drawer until I find what works. I’d just recommend a blunt tip since you don’t need to sew through fabric, just run yarn around strands of rug canvas.

      Best of luck!
      Heidi

      Reply
  4. Andrea Twigg-Smith

    June 23, 2020 at 11:47 am

    Hi, I am finishing a 6×9 rug started 35 years ago and have come to a torn thread in the canvas. Can you tell me how to repair it. One of the threads in the hole is ok but worn. I was hoping to run a new thread through the canvas to hook. Please advise. Thanks

    Reply
    • Heidi

      June 30, 2020 at 6:51 pm

      If I run into a torn piece of my canvas, I like to patch it like a pair of jeans. You can hand stitch a patch of canvas onto the back of your work (lining up the grids) and hook onto it as normal. I also like to hook through the patch canvas and main canvas surrounding the torn strands to reinforce everything. Hope this helps! -Heidi :)

      Reply
  5. Carol

    August 6, 2020 at 1:24 pm

    Hi…do you have any experience using “iron-on” binding? I have a 28” by 36” Santa to finish, then bind but seeing is foreign to me !!! If possible, a brief explanation would help. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      August 12, 2020 at 11:12 am

      I haven’t used iron on binding before, but I just did an in-depth tutorial on binding latch hook projects with whip stitch that could help: https://www.handsoccupied.com/whip-stitch-binding/ Cheers! :)

      Reply
  6. Kathy Little

    December 10, 2020 at 10:14 pm

    I need your help!!! I didn’t think about leaving a 1 inch trim on my project before I started…as a matter of fact, I lined it up with the blue lines in the pattern and now have only one row if that on the bottom of my beautiful rainbow for my Grandson’s wall. It is actually in danger of fraying along the bottom. I don’t know what to do! It is so gorgeous. Hopefully you can help me.
    Thank you,

    Kathy Little

    Reply
    • Heidi

      December 18, 2020 at 1:25 pm

      Shooting you an email now! -Heidi :)

      Reply
  7. yiya

    January 30, 2021 at 10:25 pm

    hola buenas noches soy de mexico donde puedo encontrar la base para la alfombra gracias

    Reply
    • Heidi

      February 1, 2021 at 3:04 pm

      mi lona de alfombra favorita se puede encontrar aquí : https://www.colorcrazy.com/collections/supplies-1

      Reply
  8. Susan

    May 20, 2021 at 9:57 am

    Thanks so much for the quick tip on finishing the project. I was interested in the post about not having an inch trim on the bottom as I also started with the first blue grid. I was hoping you posted the answer but you said you would email it to the writer. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      May 24, 2021 at 3:14 pm

      Thank you for referencing the email – here’s what to do:

      You’re not the first person to make a project without leaving seam allowance, never fear! Since you’re not the first or last person who will ask this, I’m going to add making a tutorial post and/or YouTube tutorial video to my 2021 to do list, specifically on this topic. Thank you for the inspiration.

      On to helping you! :) First thing’s first. I see you commented on this basic latch hook finishing blog post. Many people find tutorials on my site via Google search and don’t realize I have a growing library of latch hook-specific tutorials available, so first, I’ll direct you there as one or a combination of them may help you finish your project: https://www.handsoccupied.com/category/latch-hook/. In particular, the nooks & crannies post should be useful.

      Please give those a thorough reading to see if they address your issue, and after that, email me with follow-up questions that I can help answer.

      Yours in yarn,
      Heidi

      Reply
  9. Dorothy May Daniel

    November 3, 2022 at 12:01 am

    Heidi is there anything you can do to stop the fluff coming off the wool, I have done cushion covers but the fluff just keeps coming.

    Reply
    • Heidi

      November 18, 2022 at 10:04 am

      Hi Dorothy,

      The level of fluff can depend on the type of fiber used and how the yarn is wound. With single ply, acrylic fibers, I have had more of an issue with having to de-shed the finished project. Sometimes I don’t mind having to maintain a finished project because I like the finished look, but it can be admittedly annoying.

      Warmly,
      Heidi

      P.S. Apologies for the response delay – I’ve been moving this month. 😅

      Reply
  10. Travey

    February 24, 2023 at 10:31 am

    Hello! Thanks for the visual on how to finish the edges – very helpful!

    Do you have any words of wisdom re: how to keep the hooked yard from coming loose over time? I thought about spray adhesive for the back, but google doesn’t seem to support that idea.

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Heidi

      February 24, 2023 at 3:17 pm

      Liquid latex can be used – it will also make your rug skid-proof. Laying your rug face down on a flat surface, you spread a small amount of the liquid latex in a thin layer all over the back, starting in the center of your rug. I learned about this technique from “The Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Needlework” if you’re ever looking for an older, but really solid reference book that has a killer section on rug making. There’s a bunch of used copies available online – hold out for the cheapest because it was a really popular book, haha! LMK if you have other questions, glad to help. -Heidi

      Reply
      • Tracey

        February 26, 2023 at 6:44 pm

        Thanks!

        Reply

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), and I’ve been helping yarn crafters untangle various techniques on the internet since 2010. I got my start here, as a blogger, and since then I’ve shared more than a few tutorials here and on YouTube as I’ve grown as a pattern designer. 🧶 

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Heidi Gustad 🧶 knitting & yarn crafts

handsoccupied

Knitting & yarn crafts designer 🧶
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Stay up-to-date 💌 & shop new patterns ⤵️

POV: Showing you how my new Bevelled Tank pattern POV: Showing you how my new Bevelled Tank pattern fits with no ease vs. 4” of positive ease. There’s a bit more length to the cotton (brighter color) sample, but both are cropped and feature shoulder seams designed to sit an inch back onto the shoulder instead of on top, giving it a little swing. Length is easily adjustable for folks looking for less of a crop. 
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Pattern: Bevelled Tank by @handsoccupied for @pompommag x @hobbii_yarn summer 2024. Available for free from Hobbii at the 🔗 in my profile.
Yarn pictured: @kelbournewoolens Skipper and Camper. 
Dress form is adjusted to a 36” chest and ~5’3”ish in height. 
Human has a 40” chest and is 5’5”.
Both skirts are vintage.
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#pompomxhobbiisummer2024 #handsoccupied #intarsia #handmade #knitting #colorwork
Let’s talk about fit and ease! . During the Beve Let’s talk about fit and ease!
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During the Bevelled Tank design process for @pompommag, I knit 2 samples using 2 different @KelbourneWoolens yarns. One was in Skipper (100% cotton, second photo) and the other was in Camper (100% 2 ply wool). The Skipper sample was knit for a 36” bust, which measures in at 40” with 4” of positive ease. And I knit the Camper Sample for my 40” bust with a 44” finished measurement. (BTW, I’m 5’5” for folks that find that measurement helpful in visualizing fit.)
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Based on the size chart for the Bevelled Tank, that means I knit one size 3 sample and one size 4. As designed, I conveniently fit a size 4 as intended with 4” of positive ease. When I wear the 3, there is no ease at all because the garment and my body are both 40” in size. Comparing the 2 garments, you can see how the fiber content (cotton vs. wool) and fit (no ease vs. 4” of positive ease) makes a difference in the look and feel of the finished garment. 
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These samples are a great way to compare what ease looks like on different bodies. While I can fit both a size 3 and 4, the garment with no ease feels more like pajamas or a bralette when I wear it. On the other hand, when I wear the one with 4” of positive ease, I feel comfortable enough to wear it to work, even as a crop top. Plus, it leaves me with enough room to layer it with a nice button down if I’m not feeling the cropped look one day. 
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I’m curious - how would you style this tank? Would you modify it with a few stockinette rows for added length? I’m so curious now that this pattern is finally out in the world. :) 
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#pompomxhobbiisummer2024 #bevelledtank #handsoccupied #knitting #intarisa #handmade #kelbournewoolens #croppedsweater #summerknits
After a 6 month hiatus, I am happy to say I’m ba After a 6 month hiatus, I am happy to say I’m back with a brand new pattern in 9 sizes, and it’s FREE as part of @pompommag x @hobbii_yarn’s summer design collection! (Link is in my bio.)
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In my December newsletter, I announced that I was soliciting test knitters for a pattern that had originally been selected for the summer ’24 issue of Pom Pom Quarterly magazine. However, the magazine ceased publication after its spring ’24 issue, leaving in-progress designs unpublished. (It happens.) As a result, I’d begun the long process of editing, testing, and photographing the pattern for independent release through the Hands Occupied pattern shop and Ravelry.
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Before I was done with that process, Pom Pom Quarterly’s former editors reached out with an exciting proposal for the pattern. Post-magazine, they’ve begun to partner with yarn companies to produce high quality pattern collections. They wanted to include designs from the would-be current issue of Pom Pom Quarterly in a new collection for Hobbii yarn, including my Bevelled Tank. I worked with the same technical editors I would have for the magazine on this one, and as you can see from the photos, Pom Pom’s team did an amazing job of styling the garment to the beautiful standards they’re known for.
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You can learn more about the pattern on my blog and get the free pattern from Hobbii yarn - links to both in my profile. I’ll post sizing info in the comments for quick reference too. 🧶
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#pompomxhobbiisummer2024 #knitting #intarsia #sponsored #colorworkknitting 
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Photos: @dianascarrunz 
Model: @angel.jade_
Here’s a nice throwback for you: my take on a vi Here’s a nice throwback for you: my take on a vintage knitting pattern from 1938 called the Fernlace Pullover. A pattern so nice, I knit it twice.
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Yellow version 💛: knit with Despondent Dyes’ Vintage Vixen Sport after attending a @squidneyknits vintage knitting retreat in 2019 & learning *so much*. Paired with a self-drafted circle skirt pattern. 
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Blue version 💙: knit with @eweeweyarns Ewe So Sporty in Sky Blue. Paired with the 1940s Boardwalk Duet sewing pattern from @decades_of_style 
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Head to my stories for 🔗🔗 to the handmade wardrobe blog posts I wrote about each take on the Fernlace Pullover, working with a vintage pattern, where to find vintage patterns (including the one I used), & some thoughts on sizing. 
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Image descriptions available in alt text. 
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#handsoccupied #handmadewardrobe #fernlacepullover #vintageknitting #vintageknittingpatterns #knitting_inspiration
Frogging is a word in the knitting world that mean Frogging is a word in the knitting world that means to rip out your knitting. It’s called frogging because frogs say “ribbit,” and when you’re tearing out your knitting, you will “rip it” out, and that sounds like ribbit. No really. 🐸 Did you know this fun fact? 
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P.S. I did like this design concept, but to make the pattern more knitter friendly as well as more wearable, I am making some tweaks to the construction. Excited to share when it’s ready! 🥰🧶
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Yarn: @blueskyfibers Woolstok North in Morning Frost & Highland Fleece 
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#handsoccupied #knitting #frogging #blueskyfibers #knittersofinstagram #blueskymakers #knittingvocabulary #bsfmakers #knitdesign
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