Handmade rugs

To make an original hooked rug, you will need the following - wool cloth scraps torn into 6mm strips, a rug hook, burlap or linen backing please not that this should have a design drawn onto it, an embroider hoop or rug hooking frame.

If you choose to go with a prepared kit, you will get rug hooking jute that has a silk-screen design on it, also a color location chart, rug hook, 100 percent wool cable yarn, rug hook and rug binding. One advantage of the kits is a color photo you can refer to so you can check your progress as you are working. Rug hooking is a crafting and hooking technique developed by housewives in pioneer times in America who were trying to create a warmer, more comfortable environment inside their home. Back then the floors were damp and cold and pioneer families would pitch in to help create these rugs.

METHOD
Fasten your pattern (the linen or burlap backing) onto a stretcher bar, hoop or a rug hooking frame. Cut the strips of wool to approximately 6mm wide and at least 20cm long. Hold your hook in your dominant hand and hold the strip of wool in the other hand. Push your hook down through the backing, catch the wool and pull it up through the burlap. Make sure you pull the first end up through to the top of the burlap as well, continue your hooking, loop by loop, making loops all the same height. Space your loops approximately three burlap strands apart so you don't crowd your loops too much.