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Debra Davidge
Port Hardy BC

Hooked Rugs

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Rug hooking began in the early nineteenth century - a tradition born of necessity. Early immigrants to North America arrived with very little material possessions. Importing furniture and other household goods from overseas was costly and so these early settlers had to be innovative. To cover draughty floors, they made rugs from cloth remnants and worn out pieces of clothing. This fabric was torn or cut into strips and pulled through the holes of burlap feed sacks. Designs were hand done - often with no sense of scale. Common pictures were farm animals, flowers, birds and buildings.

The first hooked rugs in North America have been traced to the Maritime provinces of Canada and the New England coast of the United States. Many of these old rugs can still be found in museums and private collections.

Rug hooking has evolved today into a growing art form. Burlap backing is still used, as is monks cloth and linen. With today's wide range of fabrics, the possibilities and choices are endless, but wool fabric strips are still the traditional favourite and the most pleasant to hook with.

My rugs are one of a kind, original designs, unless otherwise specified on my label. I use premium Scottish burlap for the backing which will last for generations. I use Dorr wool, which I dye myself with acid dyes for each rug, and then cut into strips. I also use some recycled "as is" fabric which I sometimes over dye.

To hang a rug on your wall, I suggest using a piece of carpet tack, used for wall to wall carpeting. The strip can be attached to your wall, then gently push the edge of the rug onto the small tacks. The rugs cannot be wash, but can be cleaned with a damp sponge and laid flat or out in the sun to dry completely.

I can custom make a rug from your favourite photograph - of your home, family members, pets, boat, etc. Rugs can be made to commemorate an anniversary, wedding, birth, graduation, or other special event.