A hand hooked rug is made with strips of wool fabric, some of it hand dyed. Rug hooking is one of the oldest American folk arts. While the technique is very easy to learn most rug hookers are continually learning new concepts and techniques.Rug warp is back in stock!
—Cindi Gay May 11, 2012
Rug Hooking Supplies
I offer a wide range of wools, hand dyed and textured, in my studio. A very small sampling is listed here on the website. If you cannot find what you are looking for, be sure to call me. I’d be happy to help.
Make your own rug hooked footstool
I have several footstool patterns available. I am posting complete instructions (videos are still being edited) on how to build your own using simple 2x4s, plywood and foam. There is a complete cutting diagram for the wood and the foam. I also have instructions on how to finish your hooking so you can complete your rug hooked footstool.Here are the list of instructions available so far:
- Footstool Construction Material List
- Footstool Feet – Where to Get Them
- Footstool Feet – Staining
- Build the Box
- Adding the foam
- Preparing the Backing
- Sewing up the Sides
- Upholstery and Finishing Touches
These instructions are still a rough draft. If you have any questions be sure to ask. I will be adding the videos and updates as I can. Be sure to visit again before you dig into your project so you have the latest information. A PDF with all the instructions in one place will be available for download once I have everything written up and finalized. It is not ready yet.
How to Rug Hook
The best learning experience in rug hooking is to attend a rug camp. You can find a rug hooking camps all over the country. If you cannot attend a camp or you need information right now, visit my rug eSchool.
Other ways to attend one of my classes:
- Friday classes at my studio
- Saturday classes at Stitch, a quilting store in Toledo, OH
- Bring your group to my studio
- Attend a workshop
Read about the progress of this rug from Day 1.
If you find this site helpful:
Cindi Gay, rug hooking artist and teacher
I was hooking for about a month when I found out about the classes at Sauder Village. My first teacher was Jule Marie Smith. I had already fallen in love with rug hooking. Taking a class took it to the next level. If you are hooking alone, I encourage you to find a teacher or a group in your area or travel to a rug camp.
I live in Pemberville, OH near the Ohio Turnpike and I-75. Call to make an appointment to stop by if you are traveling in the area.
This is a picture of me with Gladys, Sue Ellen Fox’s English bulldog. She was snuggling down into my bag of scraps – one of her favorite pastimes when rug hookers are around.


