Choosing a Rug Hooking Hook.

Does the hook allow you to hook in comfort without undue stress on your hands, wrists and shoulders?

Does the handle feel good in your hand and work with the way you instinctively hold your hook?

Wrist pain is generally caused by repetitive and forceful movements.

Every hand is different and the handle type you choose is a personal choice and should be based on your hand and how you hold your hook.

–        Pencil handles work well for any hand size, especially if you instinctively hold your hook like you hold a pencil

–        Palm handles work well if you hold the handle of your hook in the palm of your hand.

Having a handle that feels good in your hand and is the right size allows you to keep your wrist in a more neutral position and alleviates some the stress associated with repetitive motions.

We now offer even more ‘ergonomically friendly’ handles in both pencil and palm styles that have a ‘thumb spot’ (left and right hand specific) which allows you the added comfort of knowing exactly where your hook is at all times and alleviates some of the wrist twists used to pick up the wool which may also contribute to aching wrists and shoulders.

You now have a handle that is right for your hand let’s look at the hook.

We offer brass hand-machined hooks in four shank sizes 1/8”, 3/16”, ¼”, 5/16”

We offer the four different shank sizes as it is the shank that opens up the backing and allows you to easily pull your wool strips.

As a general rule:

• F - Fine hook with 1/8” shank is for wool cut 2 to 4
• M - Medium hook with 3/16” shank is for wool cut 5 or 6
• C - Coarse hook with ¼” shank is for wool cut 7 to 10
• P - Primitive hook with 5/16” shank is for wide cuts and hand torn strips

One last thing to consider for your hook if you use a palm handle is do you want a straight or a bent hook?

All of our hooks are now made ergonomically with a thumb spot with is right or left hand specific.

We offer a brass hook bent in a palm handle, a brass hook straight in a palm handle and a brass hook in a pencil handle.

What we have found is that hooking with a bent hook can also help reduce the wrist stress.