A Short History of Primitive Rug Hooking

Some say it was invented in England, while others claim that it were in fact Vikings who used and brought it to Scotland during their endeavors. However, the rug hooking as we know it today developed in the 19th century in the Canadian Maritimes, Newfoundland, Labrador and along the Eastern Seaboard of New England in the United States. Initially perceived as the “craft of the poor”, hooked rugs were made by those who could not afford machine-made carpets imported from England.

Primitive Rug Hooker – Canada

A uniquely Canadian folk art, that eventually found its way down to Maine. For over 150 years, the craft and industry of rug hooking has been an intimate part of lives of many. At first as a way of keeping the floors covered and warm…to becoming a form of personal artistic expression, reuse and recycling, as well as a means of earning a livelihood. Primitive rug hooking are widely recognizable expressions of community and regional identity in Canada and New England.

The simple techniques and tools used in traditional rug hooking hasn’t changed much in over a century, but this quintessentially Canadian craft continues to thrive today. Even strips of wool are hooked through burlap or linen backings attached to a wooden frame to create elaborate rugs, wall hangings and mats.

This past spring primitive rug hooking, which some consider a craft and some a fine art found it’s way to me and I was hooked. For me, I found that it desired some real focus and attention, not like knitting where you can watch TV while knitting away. Hooking asks for you to concentrate on each loop, which made it slow going at first. I started with a smaller design of a bee so I could get an idea of how to actually learn how the hooking process went. The second time I got more ambitious with my girl in the woods. I may have been a bit too enthusiastic hooking an actual face on my second go, but all in all I’m pretty happy with how the piece came out. I am looking forward to seeing where this wandering around in primitive rug hooking will take me.

SSK- 10/2023