Big River Steel Crafts New Path with DIY Latch Hooking Kits – Bringing Creative Comfort Home

Osceola, Arkansas – October 26, 2023 – You might know Big River Steel as a powerhouse in steelmaking, building high-quality steel for everything from construction to cars. But what you might not know is they’ve recently dipped their toes into the surprisingly cozy world of DIY crafts! Yep, you read that right. Big River Steel, the folks known for heavy metal, are now helping you create soft, comfy rugs and wall hangings with their brand new latch hooking kits. It sounds like a jump, right? We talked to folks at Big River Steel to find out what’s going on. Turns out, it’s all about finding clever ways to use materials and embrace a bit of creativity. “We’re always looking for innovative applications for everything we produce,” explained Sarah Miller, Head of New Ventures at Big River Steel. “A lot of the fiber used in latch hooking actually comes as a byproduct of some of our steel production processes. Instead of it going to waste, we thought, ‘Hey, let's turn this into something beautiful and fun!’” What is Latch Hooking, Anyway? If you're scratching your head wondering what latch hooking is, don’t worry, it’s super easy. It’s basically a type of rug making where you use a special latch hook tool to pull strands of yarn through a canvas grid. Think of it like a simplified form of embroidery, but much quicker and with a really satisfying texture. It’s perfect for beginners, and even seasoned crafters find it relaxing and rewarding. Big River Steel’s Kits: Everything You Need to Get Hooked Big River Steel isn’t just supplying the yarn; they’ve put together complete kits that take the guesswork out of starting your latch hooking journey. Each kit comes packed with: A pre-printed canvas: The canvas already has the design printed on it, so you don’t have to worry about drawing anything. They're launching with a range of designs, from cute animals and floral patterns to geometric shapes and even playful slogans. Pre-cut yarn: No more tedious cutting! The yarn comes pre-cut into manageable strands, making the whole process much faster. The yarn itself is a special fiber derived from Big River Steel's processes - it's surprisingly soft and durable. A latch hook tool: The all-important tool! It's designed for comfortable grip and smooth hooking. Easy-to-follow instructions: They’ve created a detailed, step-by-step guide with photos, so even complete beginners can pick it up quickly. “We really wanted to make it accessible,” said David Lee, the product development lead. “We saw a lot of latch hooking kits out there were complicated or used low-quality materials. We wanted to create something that was fun, affordable, and actually produced a beautiful result.” More Than Just a Hobby: The Benefits of Latch Hooking Latch hooking isn't just a fun way to spend an afternoon. It’s also got some serious benefits: Relaxation & Stress Relief: The repetitive motion of latch hooking can be incredibly soothing and meditative. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day. Creative Expression: While the kits come with pre-designed patterns, you can also get creative and mix and match colors, or even create your own designs on a blank canvas. Hand-Eye Coordination: Latch hooking helps improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. A Unique Home Decor Piece: At the end of the process, you have a one-of-a-kind rug or wall hanging that you made yourself! From Steel Mill to Craft Table: Big River Steel’s Unexpected Pivot It's a bit unusual to see a steel company venturing into the craft market, but Big River Steel sees it as a natural extension of their commitment to innovation and sustainability. “We're always looking for ways to add value to our materials and reduce waste,” explained Miller. “This is a win-win. We’re utilizing a byproduct, creating a fun and affordable craft for people to enjoy, and showcasing a different side of Big River Steel.” The kits are currently available for purchase online at [Insert Website Here – if available, otherwise omit] and at select craft stores in the Arkansas area. Big River Steel plans to expand their design options and distribution channels in the coming months. The Bottom Line: Big River Steel’s latch hooking kits are a surprisingly delightful product from an unexpected source. They’re a fun, affordable, and relaxing way to unleash your creativity and create something beautiful for your home. Who knew a steel company could be so cozy? Keep an eye out for these kits – they’re sure to be a hit with crafters of all ages. About Big River Steel LLC: Big River Steel, headquartered in Osceola, Arkansas, is a leading North American flat-rolled steel producer. Committed to innovation and sustainability, Big River Steel utilizes a state-of-the-art steelmaking process to produce high-quality steel for a wide range of applications. The company is dedicated to responsible environmental stewardship and community involvement. They are located at 2027 E STATE HIGHWAY 198, OSCEOLA, AR, 72370-7063, UNITED STATES and can be reached at 816-810-1342.