A couple of weeks ago two different people came up to me to say thank you for a tip on finishing small potholders etc. They had both had difficulty gluing down a finished back without bumps and globs showing through. Since I was just finishing up some mug rugs, I thought there might be others who would appreciate seeing how I do it.
I love hunting for mugs which have a “hookable” picture on them, since they are fun to hook, and my family really seems to appreciate them.
This one was an obvious choice as being easy to hook.
Both one son and his wife have names starting with “S” so this was really appropriate.
I thought this was really pretty as well. I chose to hook just the one flower on the bottom.
I enjoy rummaging through my bits and pieces to come up with appropriate colours. This one was a great exercise in hooking diagonally.
When the hooking is completed, I secure the edge by putting tacky glue right around the edge, and smoothing it out away from the hooking with a ruler.This secures the hooking for when the backing is cut away.
I use a fairly heavy black felt for the back, and cut a piece that is slightly too big.
Oops….I grabbed very dull scissors to cut this piece.
Apply tacky glue to the back of the hooking…..Then…(and this is the part I didn’t do at first, and ended up with a lumpy backing)….use a ruler or flat edge to smooth the glue into the hooking…
I make sure the wool is covered and as well as a bit of the backing on the edges…
….then gently press the felt down all over and let it dry.
Then cut away the backing and excess felt from the top side making a smooth edge right next to the hooking. (good sharp scissors needed )
The layers on the edge are even and ready to be covered.
I cut strips that are a few sizes bigger than the hooking (in this case the hooking is a #4 and the edging is a #6).
The final step is my least favourite, and I’m still trying to think of a way to make it less messy…..
I put a bead of glue along the strip and then drag the ruler along it to spread the glue (I did it on a plastic bag to save my desk from being covered in glue)This piece is smoothed along the edges for the final finishing touch. Finally, by pinching and shaping the corners while the glue is still wet, you can get a nice square turn.
…….and here are the finished little mug rugs…..
I know that none of this is new to most hookers, but for those of you who are newbies, or have never tried this method, perhaps it will be helpful.
So from my house to yours…..…..I wish you the happiest of holidays and the making of wonderful memories with your loved ones.
Thanks for stopping by.