For those who asked me how rug hooking is done

16 years ago

It's been a while since anyone asked me this, but maybe you're still wondering? :-)

I just found this video from Gene Shepherd, a minister who is otherwise totally devoted to rug hooking. He has an extensive rug hooking blog you can find here (Check out the Anne-Marie Littenberg link on the right, for starters.)

His hooking technique is not the same as mine . . . he uses a curved hook, and mine is straight, plus I don't overpull the loops as he suggests, and mine turn out fine. But his advice is probably good, and the video is well done.

Happy hooking!

Susan

PS: I haven't watched the whole thing, so I hope nothing offensive happens at the end. :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Rug Hooking Video

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Comments (5)

monica_pa Grieves
16 years ago
Funny you mention hooking. I just put away the 24x24" Christmas wreath rug I hooked years ago for my grandmother. I now use it in the foyer.

I haven't done any in years. Biggest rug I did was for a stairway landing to the family room in my old house. It was a duplicate of the blue plaid pattern on the sofa.
That sucker was about 36x60" :)

I also have a curved hook.
marlingardener
16 years ago
Wow! Fellow rug hookers! When we lived in upstate NY I joined a Fabric Arts Guild and learned to hook rugs. None of my friends would wear any woven wool garment near me--I was always admiring the cloth and making broad hints about where it should go when worn out. Rummage sales were my heaven--bags of wool garments to pick apart, wash, cut into strips and then start hooking! All my family has hooked rugs, many of our friends, and our house is littered with them.
Since moving to Texas, my enthusiasm for having a few pounds of burlap and wool on my lap has waned. However, if it doesn't warm up soon I may get out my frame and hook.
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alisande
Original Author
16 years ago
Monica, I've never worked on anything that big--nor can I imagine doing so. I think the weight in my lap alone would be a deal breaker. :-) Good for you for accomplishing it!

Marlingardener, clearly you're going to have to move! I agree--rug hooking is no fun in hot weather. For me it's definitely seasonal. Rummage sales are heavenly for me, too. I love the hunt! I also enjoy dyeing and overdyeing.

Today I discovered "Vintage Clothing" at Dollar Tree. It looked like vintage clothing that had been run over by a steamroller a few times, thrown off a couple of bridges, and packed into a trash compactor, but I picked up five 100% wool blazers for $1 apiece. Not quite as good as filling a rummage sale bag for two bucks, but better than I've been doing recently. I think the economy has had an impact on the quality of clothes showing up at Goodwill and Salvation Army. People seem to be hanging on to their woolens.

Do you two have any pictures of your work? I'd love to see.
bee0hio
16 years ago
Thanks for posting this Alisande! Rug hooking is something I would like to do. The video was great (no surprises @ the end, LOL).

Do you use the "pasta-cutter-thing" to cut your strips?

I will be looking @ Gene Shepard's web site for more info.
alisande
Original Author
16 years ago
Oooh, Bee, this is exciting! Here are some links to get you started.

I've been using Scottish burlap (made for rug hooking) as the backing for my rugs, but I've been reading about how it deteriorates rather quickly over time, and linen is much stronger. You might want to use printed patterns, particularly at first, but if you want to design anything yourself you'll need to buy backing. The other day I found this 100% LINEN BURLAP at a quilt supply site. Great price!! (And it also has great prices for quilting stuff.)

Yes, I use the "pasta-cutter-thing." They're expensive, but they last forever. I inherited mine from my father's cousin Peggy, who introduced me to rug hooking when I was a child. (But I didn't actually hook anything until my thirties.) The Model A, pictured at top, is what I use. When I had trouble with it last year, I shipped it back to Fraser for an overhaul. I think they charged me something like $15. Amazing! It probably dates back to the 1940s, but the design is the same as the new ones.

Over the years I've bought most of my equipment--hooks, dyes, extra cutting heads for the Fraser machine, burlap, etc.--from W. Cushing & Co, which was owned by Joan Moshimer when she was living. Her book, The Complete Book of Rug Hooking, was the first book (of many!) I bought on the subject. Joan was a war bride from England who discovered traditional rug hooking when she arrived in Massachusetts. She was a fabulous artist and a kind, sweet lady.

The latest addition to my rug hooking library is Wool Rug Hooking. The great price and stellar reviews seduced me.

I need to learn a lot more about finishing rugs and mats. Last year I bought The Secrets of Finishing Hooked Rugs, and I'm reading it now. When I linked it for you, I couldn't believe the crazy prices! I paid about $15, and in fact sold one for about the same price. I really don't think anyone is going to pay $200 for this book. But I think I'd better start taking extra good care of it. :-)

The Internet is full of beautiful websites selling rug hooking patterns. Lots of individuals have their own designs for sale. Have fun looking, and if you have any questions, be sure to ask. I love helping people get started on this great craft.

Susan

For those who asked me how rug hooking is done

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monica_pa Grieves

marlingardener

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For those who asked me how rug hooking is done

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monica_pa Grieves

marlingardener

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