Introduction     

Perhaps a short discussion of exactly how the frames work is the best way to introduce  them to you.  The principles of operation are exactly the same.  Both  models have ½ inch thick pin-guard sticks on the sides which, as you will see, come into play in mounting your backing.  In addition, the lap model also has pin guards on the laterals for the protection of the pins during travel.  The pins are made of hardened  steel (they are not just nails!) and are spaced 1 ½  inches  apart around the edges of the harp.  Having a diameter of 1/16 of an inch and a smooth, rounded end, the exposed  ½  inch length of the pin is neatly covered by the matching thickness of the pin-guard sticks.

Referring to the pictures of the frames, they are designed to allow you to place any part of your rug over the working area (whether it is already hooked or bare) and make it taut to facilitate easy hooking.  To summarize how this is done, I have included the usage instructions sent with each frame.

Usage Instructions

Tilt the harp so that it is horizontal, i.e., parallel or almost parallel to the floor.  Rotate the top, round tensioning lateral so that the pins are sticking  straight up.  Lightly lock the lateral in that position by turning in on either the left or right ball knob. (Either one will lock the lateral in place, so depending  on whether you are right or left-handed, one will be easier.) Place a pin-guard stick over the pins on each side to effectively “blank them off” for the time being.

Next, position your rug backing over the bottom, flat lateral so that the area you wish to hook will fall between the sides and the top, round tensioning  lateral. Start in the middle and as you gently pull out and smooth the material, slip the backing down and over the pins.  When you are satisfied that it is even on the flat lateral, gently pull and tension the material up (away from you) to the round lateral and do the same thing – again starting in the middle and working out to the right and left. 

When  it is evenly mounted on the pins, reach under and grasp the  rotating lever with your thumb and forefinger while, at the same time, unlocking the ball knob that you had previously tightened.  Rotate the round tensioning lateral away from you with the rotating lever and when the rug backing becomes taut to your specifications, retighten the ball knob to lock it in position.  If you have positioned your rug backing evenly on the pins, the whole working area will be uniformly taut up and down.  To really make it nice and taut all over, reach around one side at a time and slip the wooden pin-guards up and off the pins.  Pull the backing out gently to tension it the desired amount and slip it down over  the pins on each side to hold it.  Now you are ready to start hooking in earnest with the flat bottom lateral as a comfortable arm rest!

To move to another area, just reverse the process, gently lifting the rug backing up and off the pins.  The pins are absolutely smooth and round so no damage will be done the material or to the hooked portion of the rug – as  opposed  to what can result from gripper strips.