Old Fashioned Felt Rug Hooking
Two years ago, while at a local historic fair, I had the opportunity to get a quick lesson in this old time art. Fortunately, the woman (whose name I sadly cannot remember) spoke my language: use what you've got.
First, you need burlap. I cut a burlap bag I had that once contained Basmati rice.
Tape the edges of the burlap with masking tape so that it does not fray.
Decide a simple pattern and draw it onto the burlap.
Cut strips of felt in the colours that you need. I cut my strips at about a half inch wide, give or take.
To do the hooking, I used a crochet hook.
To begin, start at one side or corner of your rug. Hold the strip under the burlap with one hand. Poke through the top of the burlap with crochet hook and pull up an end of your felt strip.
Once the end is showing on the top, you begin to bring up loops of felt as shown in pictures.
Do not remove the masking tape.
I made a small pumpkin wall hang but the woman I had met was making small throw rugs, pillows, and burlap dolls with felt hair.
Copyright 2002, Eliza Fegley
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