Resources on the Craft of Area Rugs

Inspiring Rug Designs
If you're a rug hooker looking for some fresh inspiration, this site is a must-see. The designs by Sandra Brown are mostly nature-centered: dogs, leaves, trees, scenery. And they're all gorgeous. This page specifically discusses the art of rug hooking, which Brown says is one of the easiest and most centering handcrafts in the world of fiber art. To start, one needs backing of either burlap (rug weight works best), cotton cloth (such as monk's cloth or rug warp) or linen, a hook and some wool cut into strips to hook into your backing, and rug hooking frame. Rug hookers often purchase a cutter machine if they prefer an alternative to hand-cutting the wool. You can start with a pattern already printed for you by the dozens of design houses or draw your own pattern on the backing and begin choosing colors to fill the pattern. Finding other rug hookers to learn from and visit is also good for beginners, so the site offers information on other rug hookers.

Free Rug Patterns
Instead of purchasing hooked rug patterns, you can find some here that you may enjoy. There are not many patterns available over the Internet, so this is a good choice for beginners looking to take on a project. There are some patterns with hearts, rabbits and pumpkins. Perfect for the seasons. In addition, be sure to visit links about the art or rug hooking, felting your wool, making wool strips and finding a rug-hooking group in your area.

Rug Hooking Online
Rug Hooking Magazine's website features how-to articles and patterns, a gallery of full-color rugs, and links to related sites. The site also has an Ask the Experts section where you can ask or read questions on rug hooking.

Craft Site Directory: Rugs and Rug Making
A guide to handcrafted rugs and rug making supplies and how to instructions on the Internet, covering rag rugs, weaving, rug supplies, patterns, kits, crochet, handmade, oriental, Indian, hooking and wool.

Information on Hooked Rugs
This rug hooking studio includes patterns, kits, news and upcoming rug hooking events, a feature pattern, hooked rug ordering information, and information about hooked wall hangings, baskets, cushions, chair pads and more. Kits include hooking directions for beginners, all cut wool, a color photo of the finished rug, a pattern on Scottish burlap, and a rug hook.