Hooked In The Maples

Traditional hooking uses a hand hook, similar in shape to a crochet hook, to form a looped pile from fabric strips or yarn on an even-weave base (such as burlap, monks-cloth or linen). This technique dates back to the 19th century in the North American colonies, providing warm floor coverings for the bare floors of pioneer homes. Early rugs could be created from discarded feed sacks and scraps of fabric from the rag-bag. Today this handwork is revered as folk art. Contemporary rug hookers of today are creating rugs, chair seats, wall hangings, handbags, clothing, trivets, ornaments, jewellery and are limited only by their imaginations.