Making hooky mats is a craft that evolved to make good with what you had. People with very little such as miners or farm workers made mats to make their homes more comfortable with hessian sacks and old clothes. Today this same craft has developed into an enjoyable hobby and an amazing art form.
EQUIPMENT
Hook as show (not a latch hook)
A new one is best as the hook of vintage tools is usually too smooth to grip the fabric.
Hessian
Large frame
Old clothes: woollen fabric, fine knitted woollens, fleece, tee shirts in general fabric with stretch or bounce to it.
In the illustrations you can see the cut hessian has threads pulled out 2 inches in from the edge to ensure the piece is square. Matting frames have upholstry webbing attached for you to stitch the hessian to.
Here is the first piece of fabric in a new mat, note the ends are on the right side and cut flush with the pile as you go. For info, workshops and materials.
www.rugmaker.co.uk northumberlandlife.org/woodhornmatters makerecycledcraftworkshop.bigcartel.com
