Hooked rugs are considered an original American form of needlework. It is thought that the production of jute burlap in the 1830s spurred the creation of this craft, with the open weave of burlap being easier to work with than a linen or hemp foundation. Hooked rugs appeared in the Northern states around 1850 and by the end of the century the craft was popular throughout the country. The traditional rug hooking technique involves drawing the design on the surface of the backing, and then a strip of cloth is held underneath the woven backing and the hook is used to pull the fabric through to the front. Further loops are created with a repetition of this process along the length of the fabric strip. So popular was rug hooking by the end of the century that commercial patterns were produced by companies such as Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward. The charm of hooked rugs is found in the creativity of the rug design, with themes ranging from florals, to animals, to geometric designs, the design limited only by the rug hooker’s skill. Rug hooking is still a popular craft, with rug-hooking clubs found around the country.
Close Finish Hooked Rug, artist: unidentified, early twentieth century, materials: Wool and burlap with cotton binding. American Folk Art Museum
Pot of Flowers Hooked Rug, artist: unidentified, date: 1885–1900, materials: Wool on burlap. American Folk Art Museum
Geometric Hooked Rug, artist: unidentified, date: early twentieth century, materials: wool and fabric on burlap. Private Collection