Rug Hooking Project....

The earliest forms of hooked rugs appeared at the beginning of the 1800's in England and subsequently brought to New England and the Canadian Maritime through the 1850s. In the 1830's, floor coverings weaved by machine and industrialized for mass production became fashionable. For those families who could not afford such luxuries, hooked rugs were often made by women in the home. Hooked rugs were considered the craft and hobby of the poor because of the materials used and primitive nature of the designs.

Hooked rugs are created on burlap (linen and other materials are now an option as well). During the 19th centure, grain and feed burlap bags were free. Because of the availability of the burlap, this material became the backing for the rug. Burlap is a sturdy material that is also pliable, necessary for the hooking process. For hooking, yarn was too difficult to come by and used for weaving ( a more proper girl's hobby than rug hooking ). In the absence of using one's best materials, left over pieces of fabric from clothes and mended blankets were utilized. In the 1930s, Pearl McGown introduced using wool strips in place of fabric setting guidelines and formally teaching the craft. Many speculate that without McGown's work in this craft, it would not exist today. There is an annual exhibit dedicated in her name that features the creations of rug hookers worlwide.

Today, the themes of hooked rugs varies from traditional to primitive and modern themes. For my personal tastes, I prefer to hook late 19th century - early 20th century themes and for friends, make primitive, original patterns for their homes.

The process of rug hooking is very simple:

1. create your pattern on burlap (linen is also used today)
2. determing the colors for your rug and gather your fabrics
3. cut your fabrics to 9 inch lengths and the width needed for the desired style
4. use a hook to pull the fabric or yarn through the burlap to create your design

This is a piece that I created a few years back in the primitive style with a crow. This is made on burlap backing with wool strips and is a 9x12 piece.














The second piece is a design by Deanne Fitzpatrick called "Willow and Saltbox" on 20x35 burlap with wool strips that I am in the process of creating with still several months before completion. This is the more traditional style of pattern that I enjoy working with.