Rug Hooking Frames

I get asked a lot, and see the same inquiry posted on rug hooking groups about what the best rug hooking frame is. Since each person's finances are not the same, their needs are not the same either.  So I will share my personal experience and opinion on what works best for me.  Please, if you sell any of these frames and are not happy with what I've said, just remember this my humble opinion so don't crucify me.

When I first started I began with a humble embroidery hoop.  But since I needed to guide the strip of wool with one hand and pull the loop with the other, it was rather awkward with the loop rested against my belly and against a table top.  But I stayed with using it to see if this was something I wanted to continue and buy better tools.  Yup, loved it and figured the proper tools were needed.

Sixteen years ago there were not the multitude of rug hooking businesses available so the the 'Cadillac' of rug hooking frames was said to be the Puritan.  I bought one, hated it both as a lap frame and on the stand and sold it for a song.

Then, when the exchange rate was better between Canada and the US I purchased a sit upon  from Quilter's Workshop in Canada.  I loved, loved that frame and after getting it wished that I'd ordered the larger one.  I still have this frame, still love it and use it for smaller pieces.

After using this size for a while and had a few extra pennies to rub together went on the hunt for another frame but the exchange rate in Canada was not as good so hunted in the US for something larger.  Voila, by then Rughooking101 had a frame so purchased it.  I still have it and still use it.  This one does give my rotator cuff a work out because it is solid oak.  Also the paddle is larger and not as sleek as the one above, and really, it is the thigh which secures the frame and you don't really put your spine on the paddle.

Then decided that a floor stand was needed so that when I went to rug camps I would have the floor stand for the class.  Luckily I was able to purchase a used rughooking101 floor stand for the frame and had the smaller Quilter's Workshop sit-upon to hook in the sleeping room at night.

More time passes and at rug camps there are women who have just gotten the Snapdragon frame.  Oh my be still  my heart.  It keeps the linen drum top tight and easily snap the underside paddles to release the pattern so that no wool strips get pulled or teased out.  Well don't you know that I had to find a way to 'get me one of those' beauties.  So I have the Snapdragon with the Big foot floor stand.  Frankly, I used the Snapdragon on my Rughooking101 floor stand for a while but decided to get this floor stand too.

And, after much deliberation and on an impulse purchased the Townsend Orbiter.  Actually, before that I had the red lap top portable and just do not care for any lap top frame so sold that one.

I purchased this during the past winter in anticipation of taking it to rug camp so I can roll it in and set it up in a flash.  It is for larger and more heavy rugs and wish I'd had it when I was hooking Domestic Zoo.  This is a very expensive piece of equipment.

So now you ask, which do I recommend.  That depends on your finances.  If you have the financial resources I would recommend the Snapdragon hands down.  It is less expensive than the Townsend Orbiter but more expensive that the sit-upon frames.

If you don't have that kind of money to put into a frame, then the sit-upon is a good way to go. However, if you have an opportunity to go to a local hook-in or meet up with some hookers that would be a good way to 'test drive' hooks and frames and most of us are very happy to let other hookers try them out.  That way you would know what is best for you.  

And then if neither option seems financially feasible at this time, there are people who have constructed their own box frame and used heavy duty thumb tacks to secure their pattern to it and moved around and re-tacked the pattern when time to hook another area.  Or you could purchase the    artists frame sections, join them and tack your pattern onto that.  

Hope this has helped, but if you have further questions, please feel free to ask.  Happy Hooking.

Saundra