About Looped Rugs

Looped rugs have been used in homes for years both out of necessity as well as decoration. Rugs were first used as a floor decoration in the warmer months, and then as a blanket for warmth in the cooler months. While they are still being made, rugs are now made for decoration while some of the older ones are being collected as artwork. The materials and tools used to create the rugs are just as varied. The term looped rug is generic in nature and can result in a discussion about either a hooked rug or a needle punched rug, these are the more defined terms. In either instance, yarn or fabric can be used to create a rug. The materials can be new or recycled.

Materials:

Rug hook, crochet hook or rug punch (depends upon technique)

Backing fabric

Yarn or fabric for hooking

Scissors or strip cutter

Optional: Rug hoop

Begin with a choose pattern or design. It could relate to your room décor or be an enjoyable subject matter.

Preparing your materials is essential if you are using fabric. The material needs to be cut into strips before you can begin. If this is your first rug, you will want to start with a realistic size (small) in order to finish in a timely manner so as not to become frustrated with the process.

Hooking a rug with a rug hook or crochet hook happens from the front view. The fabric used for backing is a mesh or grid like material in which the hook travels through the grid to the back where it picks up a small bit of the fabric or yarn you are working with and pull it up and through the grid. This technique does not require a hoop to stabilize the fabric; the mesh is rather stiff to begin with.

Punching a rug with a punch or electric punch (works faster) happens from the back view. The fabric used for the backing is typically a canvas or burlap type fabric the punch travels through the fabric depositing a loop on the front side of the fabric. The technique can be done with a rug hoop to stabilize the fabric.

Creating the rug can be done with yarn or material. The more traditional rugs were made from fabric that was recycled from discarded clothing. The patterns and designs were more primitive due to the limited color palate provided by the material strips. Yarn is used for more detailed shading of patterns while yarn is a more modern approach to rug making.

Framing a rug is done to assist the creation of the rug by stabilizing the material. Frames and hoops come in a variety of sizes from a lap hoop to a floor frame. The different varieties can be made from either wood or metal and have a wide spread in price points.

Beginning rug making as a new craft, you might want to begin with a rug making kit to make sure you have all the materials needed. There are a variety of books and classes offered on rug making. You may also want to seek out a group or guild in your area for additional assistance and support.