Rug weaving is a tradition that has been practised for hundreds of years to in many different cultures. Rugs are a form of carpet that can be produced using a variety of methods to create different effects. Evidence of rugs originating from Asia dates back thousands of years and the design processes have been altered as they reach new shores.

The following article describes techniques for rug weaving that can be used to create different kinds of rugs.

Hooked Rugs

Rug hooking is a traditional form of weaving that has been practised for some time. Rug hooking is a tradition that was originally practiced in England during the Industrial revolution.

Weavers working in mills would take home small lengths of fabric which would otherwise have been discarded. These small lengths of fabric known as thrums were gathered together and then thread through a backing to create small rugs that were surprisingly durable.

Weavers use thrums that are threaded through a stiff backing to make rugs using the rug hooking method. Weavers make loops that are pulled through the backing using a hook similar to a crotchet hook. The hooks have a weighted handle to ease weaving with added leverage.

Rug hookers are well known for their experimental approach to weaving. Instead of thrums weavers without materials would use any scraps of fabrics they could find to weave with. Modern rug hookers continue this trend today by using new materials and creating unique patterns.

Punch Needle Hooking

Also known as speed hooking, punch needle is a popular form of rug hooking. Using the punch needle method a range of elaborate patterns and decorative can be created.

To try punch needle weaving, you need a frame and a stiff fabric such as monks cloth to use for backing. Stretch the backing over the frame tight so that it is taught and firmly in place. The weaver can use yarn or a fabric of similar consistency to make a design. Working from the back side of the pattern the weaver threads the fabric through using a punch tool. As the needle is punched through the backing a long thread is made on the right side of the rug. When the needle is lifted it completes the loop on its own, allowing the weaver to carry on at a steady pace.

As more loops are added they pack closely together and the rug gains more strength. This method is popular with many weavers as the hooking allows a range of patterns to be created in relatively little time and the solid backing makes a hard wearing rug that will last.