It's been years since I made a latch hook rug, but I want to teach a friend because I think it'd be therapeutic for him. However, I'd like us to make soft pillows (sort of a stress pillow kind of idea) and I'm worried about the stiff/scratchy canvas underneath/between the otherwise soft yarn.
I think the simple repetition of latch hooking is something he can pick up easily and feel like he's actually accomplishing something without getting overwhelmed about "doing it right." He used to dabble in drawing sort of simple-but-elaborate designs and I thought it'd be nice to translate one of those into a latch hook pillow. 1-because he's more likely to use a pillow than a rug or fuzzy wall-hanging, and 2-pillows are smaller than rugs.
But that goes back to the softness of the canvas. I don't want the cool pillow he designed to be a scratchy uncomfortable experience to lean against that negates the satisfaction of making it. We're going for positive experiences here.
Any recommendations for what can be used to soften a standard latch hook canvas? Or a particular brand that is especially soft? Or a different sort of canvas/cloth that can be used instead? Most canvases I saw at the store seemed to be too small for a latch hook to fit through, and whenever I do any search online for "soft latch hook canvas" or "how to soften latch hook canvas" or some variation on that, I only get the standard latch hook canvas ads talking about how stiff they are.
Hoping someone can point me in a helpful direction.
Thanks!
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You could latch hook with plastic canvas. It will be firm, but not scratchy.
Here is DIY Shaggy Latch Hook Cushion
The author recommends 100% cotton fiber canvas. I think it will not be very stiff.
Good video on rug hooking & you might want to contact the instructor to ask her questions:
www.youtube.com/
This looks like a nice rug & a good way to use up old t-shirts:
I found this in the description of the Locker Hook Rug Canvas:
"Sizing washes out so that canvas becomes soft and pliable."
woolery.com/
So just wash the locker hook canvas and it will become soft.
Usually latch hook canvas gets softer after washing, but I don't know how soft you want the canvas to be. I did not find canvas special for pillows. All you can do is buy some high quality cotton latch hook canvas and wash it before starting your project.
I think these links will be useful to you:
www.thriftyfun.com/
How-to Turn A Latch Hook Into A Pillow
www.ehow.com/
A video how to sew a custom latch hook pillow
I have read your message several times and also read all the answers/responses and I have a different suggestion for you to think about.
Apparently, you are talking about doing a project with someone who will be 'learning' something new that perhaps he has never done before.
I looked at numerous sites describing turning a latch hook rug into a pillow and did not find even one comment about the pillow being 'hard or stiff'. Does this mean these pillows are only for 'decor' and never actually used? Probably, but since the latch hook material is very thick (when finished) and the stuffing and backing will be soft, the pillow may feel okay.
I have worked with people who need 'calming' projects and I would like to suggest that if you think he would enjoy something like this, try starting with a small picture size and see how that goes. They have some inexpensive kits that include everything necessary and look like a fun project.
I have some links that you might find interesting.
Each link is about a different 'end' project.
I hope this works out well for everyone.
www.ehow.com/
www.youtube.com/
www.ehow.com/
studio-koekoek.com/
www.dreamalittlebigger.com/
You might want to discuss your concerns with some fellow crafters to see if they might have better suggestions. You can join these forums and see if they have other ideas.
www.everythinglatchhook.com/
www.craftsforum.co.uk/
Thanks so much for all the advice and recommendations. I've been brainstorming different crafts that might be fun and easy. I honestly don't know if I can convince him to try any crafts, but I was thinking this might be a possibility since it's the same repetitive motion, as opposed to learning several different techniques. (I'd do the sewing part of the pillow) I was thinking pillow because it'd be smaller than a rug and something someone could lean against/hug/etc., as opposed to something decorative that then doesn't really go with much.
The canvases I'd found were not pliable at all, which is why I'd asked, but it's good to know they soften over time. And I do have a large embroidery hoop, so if I use something more pliable, I can put it in there.
Thanks again for the info!
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