A name rug is one of the classic latch hook projects, especially for a child’s room. This tool sets the name on the canvas grid with even spacing, an optional border and a solid background, then counts the yarn pieces for you.
How it works
- Type the name or word. One line or several, up to 40 characters.
- Pick a font and layout. Basic 5×7, Serif 7×9, Tiny 3×5, Bold 6×7, Outline 7×9 or Big 10×14, horizontal or stacked.
- Choose colours and a border. Letters, background and border from our generic yarn shades.
- Download. A chart PDF with knot counts per colour, ready for rug canvas.
Tips for latch hook lettering
Go big or go bold. Pile softens edges, so the Tiny font only works on 5-hole canvas with very strong contrast. Basic and Serif letters are the safe choices. For a rug that reads from across a room, enlarge the letters in the editor so each stroke is two knots wide.
Pad generously. Padding adds plain background around the name. Rugs look better with a wide margin, and the extra rows give you something to bind without crowding the letters.
Choose contrast over colour. Bright letters on a dark background (or the reverse) read clearly; two mid-tones blur together once the pile fluffs up. Check the Colour view at a small size before you commit.
Hook letters and background together, row by row. Unlike needlepoint, latch hook is easiest worked in rows from the bottom, changing colour as the chart tells you, so the pile lies evenly.
Brush the pile. As you finish each row, brush the tufts upwards away from the next row. It keeps letter edges visible while you work.
More ideas
Browse single latch hook letters for monogram cushions, or open the chart in the latch hook editor to add a star or a heart beside the name.
What you get
| Sizes | 20–200 knots wide from a photo; editor up to 2,000 × 2,000 |
|---|---|
| Colours | 2–30, matched by CIEDE2000 colour difference |
| Palettes | Generic yarn (48 named yarn shades) |
| Downloads | PDF (cover, colour key, numbered chart pages, optional colour pages), PNG, SVG, shopping list CSV, .cpat project |
| Files accepted | JPG, PNG, WebP, GIF, BMP, AVIF, iPhone HEIC; .cpat and OXS patterns; PDFs made by CraftPatterns |
| Privacy | Runs in your browser. Images are never uploaded. |
| Price | Free — no sign-up, no watermark |
How it compares with other free tools
What you can expect here, every time — no tiers, no trial.
| Free printable PDF | Yes, with no watermark |
|---|---|
| Sign-up needed | No |
| Image uploaded to a server | No — processed on your device |
| Editor | Yes — pencil, fill, line, rectangle, mirror, undo |
| Progress tracker | Yes — free, works offline |
| Switch the same pattern to another craft | Yes — one tap |
Frequently asked questions
How big will a name rug be?
A three-letter name such as Leo in the Basic font, with a single border and two knots of padding, is 25 knots wide and 15 tall, roughly 6.7 × 4 inches on 3.75-hole canvas. For a bigger rug, add padding, choose the Serif font or enlarge the letters in the editor.
Can I make one big initial?
Yes. Type the letter, then press Edit and redraw it larger, or use it as a starting point and widen the strokes. One bold initial often makes a better rug than a long name.
How many colours does a name rug use?
Usually two or three: the letters, the background and optionally a border. The key gives knots and packs for each.
Which border styles are there?
Single, double, dotted, checker, zigzag, hearts, stars and diamonds. Checker and stars use more colour changes, so they take a little longer to hook.
Can I write a word like Welcome?
Yes, up to 40 characters across several lines. Long words get wide, so check the finished size under the controls against your doorway.
Do I have to use pre-cut yarn?
No. You can cut your own yarn to one length around a strip of card. The chart counts knots, so it works with any yarn.
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