Seabee: Rug Hooking Pattern Development

I am preparing for knee surgery on Friday and since I cannot hook on the room-sized rug downstairs, I decided to start a smaller rug. My husband has hinted for years about a Seabee rug with his battalion’s logo. He had a digital copy of it and I printed it out. You can view the enlargement instructions for Windows XP in the rug eSchool. On my mac, I insert the image as a picture into Excel and then in properties I can adjust the size. You can also use this method in Windows.

I guessed at the size but after putting the pattern on the end table it looked too small. My husband is not gentle on furniture and a mat on the end table will hide the scratches and prevent any new damage. I decided to print it again 2″ larger.

Now that one looked too large so I split the difference. . .

Now it is just right.  The rug fills the space but I still have room for the whipped edge and a row around the lettering.   I use this same sizing method if I am hooking a rug for a particular spot. Laying the pattern on the floor is the easiest way to judge if the size is right. It often takes several printings until I get it right.  I also analyze the pattern to be sure it is hookable. This one has a lot a detail. Dave will want the gun to look like a gun, the hammer to look like a hammer, etc. I will have to use some smaller cuts.

I pulled wools that I think will work. Since I will be stationary for a while, I’ll have to live with what I pulled (at least for a few days), but I’ve used most of these wools before so I am pretty sure they will work.

The ones on the left will be the major elements.  The dark around the circle to make the rug square, the 2 golds for the rope and B11, one of my newest favorites, as the background.  The logo is actually a bright turquoise blue, but I don’t think I could live with that.  This plaid is a good compromise.  In the center, the red, white and blue for the flag and above that the greens for the bee limbs, bright yellow for the body and a different white for the wings.  I will probably use the outer background wool for the black in the bee.  That wool is an old brown black that I have had in my stash for years.  The scraps on the right will be used for the various tools.

The “Seabee: Rug Hooking Pattern Development” post is a great exploration of the intricate process behind creating unique rug patterns. It’s fascinating how each design unfolds and takes shape.

For those interested in timeless designs, check out traditional rug patterns, offering a beautiful glimpse into classic artistry. You can also explore floral rug patterns to bring a touch of nature and color to your home. If you want to see the progression of a rug design, floral rug pattern design progress offers valuable insight into the development stages of floral-inspired patterns.