Everyone is unique and has a unique hooking style, your frame and hook should reflect those differences.

One of the current ‘buzz words’ is ‘ergonomics’.

By definition Ergonomics is the science of work. The word ergonomics is derived from two Greek words: ‘ergon’, meaning work and ‘nomoi’ meaning natural laws. Combined they create a word that means the science of work and a person’s relationship to that work.
In application ergonomics is a scientific discipline focused on the designing of products that optimizes human well being and comfort while performing a task i.e. rug hooking

Examples: using proper posture and body mechanics, good placement of equipment, comfortable handles etc. are all aspects of good ergonomics.
Ergonomics is matching the job (rug hooking) to the worker or person (hooker) with products that are comfortable, efficient and a pleasure to work with.

Impressions in Wood, has created many user friendly products with ergonomic benefits.

Rug hookers all need the same equipment for their work a hook, a hoop or frame to hold their work tight while they work and a project to hook.

First let's look at your hook needs.

Does your 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 the size of 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
–        Straight or palm handles in various sizes 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 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.

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:
            –        Fine hook with 1/8” shank is for wool cut 2 to 4
            –        Medium hook with 3/16” shank is for wool cut 5 or 6
            –        Coarse hook with ¼” shank is for wool cut 7 to 10
            –        Extra Coarse 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?
We now offer our fine, medium, coarse and even extra coarse brass hooks bent for those who prefer a bent hook.

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

Now let's look at the frame or hoop.

When people come to us looking for a frame for rug hooking some things we take into consideration are:

• Is the frame the correct size for your body and style of hooking?
• Will the frame allow you to work in my favorite chair?
• Will the frame allow you to have your work in a comfortable position?
• Will the frame allow you to change my position easily to reduce undue stress on your body?
• Is your frame portable enough to allow you to travel and hook anywhere?
• Is the frame easy to use?

Whether your preference is a hoop or gripper frame it must be the correct size for your body and on the right base for you. Take the time to find the perfect frame for you and your hooking style.

We offer several sizes of 360º hoops and 360º gripper frames on a variety of stands that rotate and tilt which allows you to always have your work in a comfortable position and change your position with ease.

Hoops

When you are looking for a hoop you need to consider a couple of  things
Is it perfectly matched to allow you to achieve the tension you need to hold your backing tight?
Is it durable enough to withstand the weight of the rug and the re-hooping?

We have both lap hoops which you hold in your hand or lean against a table to work and 360º hoops which fit on all our bases.
Our hoops are handcrafted in Maple, are light in weight with adjustable tension.
All of our hoops are made in matched sets, the inner and outer bands have dots on the connector blocks.
Keep the dots lined up at all times and you will have a perfect match and your hoops will hold the tension you want.
Make sure you are using the correct size hoop (bigger isn’t always better), as a general rule the hoop should fit comfortable between your elbow and finger tips, if you are using a flat hoop.
For a 360º hoop, when it is on the base you should be able to comfortably reach the center of the hoop without dropping your shoulder and be able to easily turn the hoop without it hitting your body on the way around.

Gripper Frames

We offer a complete line of gripper frames in a number of sizes.

All our frames are made with the gripper strip rounded over which allows you to put your backing on with ease, get good tension and hold your backing with no slipping.
It is easy to reposition your work.
Gripper frames are all 360º and are interchangeable on bases, so you can have a variety that interchange to suit your project and where you are working.
All gripper frames come with cotton protective covers which protect you and your gripper.
Padded covers are not optional on the Octagon frames and are strongly recommended on all grippers as they will protect you from ‘gripper bites’

You have decided on the hoop or frame, now let’s look at the base/stand

Impressions in Wood stands (laptop, sit on and pedestal) all have a ball joint that allows the gripper frame or hoop to rotate a full 360º, tilt forward and back as well as side to side. The side to side tilt is a big benefit in reducing back strain. Awkward posture can contribute to back and shoulder pain.

Stands available are:

Laptop Base – sits on top of your thighs

-         works with a 12 or 14” 360º hoop or small gripper frame
-         weight of the frame and your rug are on your legs

Sit On -   Original and Tilting Sit On
           –        fits comfortable under your thighs for added stability
           –        weight of project is supported by the frame
           –        base has been rounded and tapered to help reduce tension and stress on your thighs (no more ‘numb bum’)
           –        available in two heights so your work is at the correct level for you
           –        Tilting Sit On is a refinement of the original which now allows you to further adjust you work towards or away for you and even work in your recliner.

Tilting Pedestal

-         adjusts to any standard chair height
-         tilts up and down to desired height for maximum comfort
-         tilt cam locks in your desired height and will support your work
-         available in two heights, make sure you get the right height for you
-         all sizes of 360º hoops and gripper frames work well on the Pedestal Stand
-         weight of project is supported by the frame

Impressions in Wood continues to develop ergonomically friendly products that are comfortable, efficient and a pleasure to use and work with.

Good equipment and a comfortable chair makes a happy hooker!