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RUG HOOKING
in the Santa Clarita Valley
FAQ
I’ve tried to think of all the questions I had at the beginning of my rug hooking journey. You may have more. If so, please email me and ask them. Who knows, maybe they’ll end up on the FAQ page!
1
Do I have to have any artistic talent to do this craft?
Nope…not a creative bone in your body is necessary. You can get kits and pre-designed patterns that have the colors already selected and mapped out for you. Almost like paint by numbers.
2
I am creative, but I’ve never seen or tried this. Has it been around for very long?
Over 200 years ago, traditional rug hooking was developed by women (and a few men) on the East Coast and in Canada's Atlantic provinces who needed to cover their bare floors for warmth but could not afford to buy rugs. Originally, they made them using old and worn wool clothing cut into strips and pulled in loops through a foundation made from flour sacks. They used bent nails (see upper left how hooks have progressed)to pull the fabric through. Some of the early rugs are still around...which just goes to show how durable they are.
3
Is this an expensive craft?
It can be. However, if you are resourceful (like me) and REALLY want to do this, you will find great bargains all over the Internet. You will learn to shop the thrift stores for wool fabric…you will find bartering situations for equipment, and ebay and etsy will become your best friends. You will even learn to design your own rugs so you don't have to buy patterns. I still shop very frugally for my supplies.
4
Is it possible to make a room-sized rug?
Absolutely. However, the larger the rug, the heavier and more unweildy it becomes. This is not something you would be able to lug to class. You’d need to work on it in your home and, if you have questions, perhaps your teacher could pay you a visit.
5
6
What else can be made, besides rugs and wall hangings?
Wow…lots of things. Ornaments, three-dimensional characters (animals, dolls, etc.), table runners, bell pulls, wall hangings, bench covers, footstools, etc . The rug pictured in the background of this site is actually a large footstool cover. I made a smaller one a couple of years ago that I've posted in the portfolio.
Do these projects make good gifts?
People salivate over these beautiful works of art and some will beg you to make them something. That’s up to you, of course. Many rug hookers recognize their work as heirlooms and prefer to keep them in the family to pass on to future generations…just like in the beginning.
7
How long does it take to make something like a 2’ x 3’ rug?
This depends on how wide a cut you are hooking it in. If it is a primitive style (little or no shading or fine handwork), the width of the fabric will be around ¼” and can go quickly. If it is traditional hooking (very fine work) it can take much longer. I’ve completed a primitive in this size in a few weeks. Of course, it also depends on how fast you hook…I’m a plodder ;).
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