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    The Pittsburgh Rug Hooking Frame ^™

Many people ask, "Why should I use a rug hooking frame, and what makes a good frame?". My answer - The Pittsburgh Rug Hooking Frame - because your creative rug hooking efforts deserve the best tools. Period. A good frame, such as the one we have developed and offer here, stretches the rug's backing so that the rug hooker can see the holes more easily. It also keeps the backing taut while each loop is pulled up from below.

A good frame such as ours also uses "gripper strips" (see the detailed drawing below). These gripper strips prevent the hooked areas of the rug from being crushed or distorted - as often happens with a "hoop" type frame - and makes the hooking go much faster.

A good frame should be portable, lightweight and sturdy - and not break the bank. Even though it may be your largest single investment in rug hooking, we can assure you that our Pittsburgh Rug Hooking Frame will meet your most demanding needs and prove to be a very worthwhile investment.

As a rug hooker with 22 years experience in the craft, I knew the frustration of using hoops that pressed and stretched my hooking unmercifully and frames that were bulky and unsuited to my hooking needs. Any craftsperson knows that their work progresses more smoothly and more quickly with the right tools. All of the rugs and pillows that are featured throughout this website were created with the Pittsburgh Rug Hooking Frame. Please find below more specifications and benefits of this integral rug hooking tool, or go to our Order Form for this product.

• The Pittsburgh Rug Hooking Frame was invented to provide a more reasonably priced hooking frame that folded for travel and still used the technology of metal gripper strips to hold the background fabric taut.
  
  
• Made of ABS plastic and high-tensile metal, the frame measures 13" by 16" across the top and folds to 2" high for storage or transport.
  
  
• Since rug hookers like to take their work to class, workshops, rug camps, and vacations, it makes much more sense to take a lightweight frame (our frame weighs less than 6 pounds) than heavier, more unwieldy frames.
  
  
• Metal gripper strips on all sides of the frame hold your rug securely while you work on it. Folding metal arms support the frame at an angle that allows you to work comfortably and quickly. The self-storing bottom protects the gripper strips and you, and stores the frame for travel.

Many people ask, "Can I also use the Pittsburgh Rug Hooking Frame with a floor stand". My answer - yes; absolutely! Our frame easily attaches to a floor stand. To the left is a photo of the Pittsburgh Rug Hooking Frame on a solid-oak stand. Here again are some of the advantages and features of our Pittsburgh Rug Hooking Frame: Our large bottom tray means more stability in your lap, but also allows it to be used with a floor stand. Our frame is lightweight, but sturdy enough for your largest projects. The self-storing bottom tray holds your wool, scissors & hook, and protects the "gripper strips" and you! There are no moving parts - "gripper strips" are permanently glued to the frame and contoured to increase their gripping ability. The frame measures 13" X 16", but folds to a mere 2" high so that it can easily fit into a tote bag.