It's not hard to actually hook. Maybe a little easier than stabbing a pencil through cardboard. This video shows my technique, which is:
jam the hook into the stretched mesh from the top
hook a piece of fabric underneath (fed with the other hand)
pull up a bit (or loop) of the fabric
repeat 10,000 times.
In the video, you might notice that this burlap is very coarse and thick. At :52 you can actually hear a 'pop' when the hook gets through! Why use such a rough material for the backing? Usually, convenience. My source of burlap (Lee Valley $1/per bag donation) is inconsistent, so I take what is there when I am there. Also, this stuff has to be tough enough to stay strong for years. It almost feels like plastic before the wool goes in.
In case you were wondering, the backing gets conditioned before use. I use scalding hot water and leather soap to wash, roughly wring, rinse, and sun dry each one. I conditioned my latest ones with the remains of scented candles in hopes that it would soften and further preserve the backing and let the hook move smoothly. Wax and burlap are friends.
I'm planning to present a free workshop in West Vancouver this summer (August 2025). Please be in touch if you are interested.
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