Five Choices in Rug-Hooking Styles
The history of rug hooking is thought to begin with the third-century offspring of ancient Egyptians. Chinese rug hooking is believed to have initiated a short time after the rug hook crafting of the Egyptians.
Due to the expense of shipping a hooked rug to the New World, Colonial women began creating rug-hooking technique unique to North America, making the Colonial rug-hooking styles some of the oldest folk art expressions. Burlap sacks that the livestock feed were purchased in became the foundation of the “rag rugs”. Rags were hooked and attached to the burlap to provide coverings for the bare Colonial floors. By the mid twentieth century, rag rugs were no longer needed. However, the art of hooking rag rugs became a popular hobby and continues to be a fashionable activity. Below are five rag rug styles to consider in a rug-hooking project.
1. The best style for the novice is the primitive style. Made with strips of wool, the simple pattern compliments the décor of an antique or modern theme.
2. Abstract or geometric rag rugs are also suitable for beginners. The rug consists of the four basic shapes: triangles, circles, squares, and diamonds. The dimensions of the rug are determined by the hook size and the wool width. The abstract rug enhances a child’s room or family room.
3. A woman in Waldoboro, Maine created a hooking style that has become known as the Waldoboro style. The difference in the Waldoboro style is the use of wool backing instead of the popular linen or burlap backs. After the rug is hooked onto the wool, the wool is shaped into the desired pattern or design. The Waldoboro hooked rug can compliment any décor and accessorize as a wall hanging as well as a floor rug.
4. The pictorial style features a landscape portrait and works well in a foyer. The selection of hook size and wool width should be determined by the pattern choice.
5. Narrow strips of wool, no more than 1/8th inch in width, are used to create the realistic style. The desired results give the impression of being real pictures by employing various colors of wool. The realistic style is the most difficult and time-consuming hooked rug style but is also the most gratifying.
The tradition of hooked rag rugs has graced homes for centuries and continues to enhance the décor of modern homes. From simple to complex, the choice of styles allows for a fitting creation for any room