Rug making at home
Considered a practical pastime, it was encouraged by organisations like the Country Women’s Association, and through articles in magazines and newspapers, and talks and demonstrations at community halls and city department stores.
‘Rapid’ rug needle, W G Tappenden, Merrylands, NSW, c1930. Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection, Sydney Living Museums. Photo (c) Joshua Morris.
The most common rug construction method was hooking. In this technique, narrow lengths of fabric were threaded onto a large crochet hook or similar and then looped through a hessian or canvas backing. Thrifty homeowners could create rugs, often known as ‘rag rugs’, from scraps of fabric, worn clothing and other recycled textiles. However, specialist companies also produced rug-making kits with patented needles, branded woollen thread and even design templates printed on hessian backing for easy construction.
Hooked rug made by Margaret Coote, Sydney, c1940, on a Semco Pty Ltd design template.
The ' Rapid ' Rug Needle single page instruction leaflet , W G Tappenden, Merrylands, NSW, c1930.
Page from 'Designs for rapid rug-making', W G Tappenden, Merrylands, NSW, c1930.
Template for an ‘Oriental hooked rug’, design no 16, United Kingdom, 1930s.
Instructions attached to template for an ‘Oriental hooked rug’, design no 16, United Kingdom, 1930s.