Historical information

From ancient crafts making rugs, in 19th century Europe and USA latch hook rug making was a craft of poverty, initially using scraps of fabrics. In 1920's the latch hook, a tool combining the hand hook and the latch enabled people to make these rugs much more quickly. Patons and Baldwin's were two knitting yarn manufacturers who merged in 1920's and the Turkish rug name used the connotation of traditional and expensive Turkish hand made rugs to sell their tools and yarns to domestic crafters

Significance

From the craft of poverty to one of artistic home decorating latch hook rug making came into its own particularly in 1950's.

Physical description

Wooden measurer, rectangular shape with a groove which is used to guide the scissors or knife cutting the wool wound around it.

Inscriptions & markings

TURKEY RUG WOOL PATONS & BALDWINS EXCLUSIVE MAKE. To prepare the wool for working, wrap it with an even tension round the gauge and divide along the groove with a knife or scissors