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latch hook is a yarn craft that involves short pieces of yarn that are tied, or “hooked,” onto individual squares of a canvas grid to create a patterned finished piece, usually a rug. Though latch hook is by no means an early form of rug making, it is a popular form of craft today that stems from rug hook, an earlier, cheaper alternative to machine-made rugs. Because latch hook rugs vary in size, the finished piece is often used as a wall hanging rather than an actual floor covering.

Latch hook projects are generally sold in kits. A latch hook kit contains a heavy-duty plastic canvas grid with a pattern printed on it, pre-cut pieces of yarn in specified colors, and the hook used to attach the yarn. The latch hook itself is similar to a crochet needle, but has a hinged pin that closes the hook around the yarn. Each piece of yarn is hooked over the end of the latch hook needle, which is inserted into a square, the yarn is then hooked onto the needle and pulled back through the square until it is firmly tied on.

Most projects involve multiple colors of yarn that form a picture as the pattern is completed. Depending on the size of the canvas and the time spent hooking, a latch hook project can take days, weeks, or even months to complete. Smaller projects with simple designs are best for beginners tackling their first latch hook project. Larger projects, especially those being made for use as an actual floor covering, require a little more experience and a better grade yarn than that sold in most kits. However, there are kits available for making floor coverings.

Though latch hook requires a little practice, it is a simple enough process for even young kids to learn. Latch hook is one of the simplest yarn crafts and requires no previous experience with knitting or other yarn craft. Experienced and ambitious crafters can create their own design on blank canvas to make a unique, one-of-a-kind piece for hanging. Whether you choose to create a latch hook kit project or your own design, it can be an easy way to unwind and express creativity.