Fancy a spot of time traveling? Well this two day course brings the past firmly into the present by helping revive the traditional heritage skills of rag rug making and gives it a new twist. Explore how to upcycle various fabrics to create your own small bag during this fun, colourful and relaxing workshop.
Whether you are new to this craft or in need of brushing up on old skills, this session is open to all and is suitable for beginners or those with some experience.
Day 1: During the morning session you will learn the rag rug techniques of ‘hooky’ and ‘proddy’ using specific tools and learn the best ways of cutting fabric for each method. There will be plenty of time and opportunity to practice throughout the day. In the afternoon you will make a start on transferring your simplified design onto hessian in order to commence making your bag.
Day 2: You will continue to work on hooking or prodding the bag designs on hessian before completing by attaching a back panel, lining and attaching handles. Some simple hand sewing skills are preferable but help is at hand every step of the way regardless of ability.
During the workshop you will learn:
• The history and importance of rag rug making and how it has evolved beyond the recycled clothing for ‘clippy’ mats of yester-year to the colourful expressive forms of today
• The ‘proddy’ and ‘hooky’ techniques, the tools used and the different effects they create
• What types of fabrics, yarns and embellishments that can be used and tips on how best to use them
• Learn how to convert, simplify and transfer a chosen design onto hessian
• Finishing techniques for constructing, handle options and finishing your bag
Be inspired to create larger bags, shopping baskets and more with your new found skills!
Please note there is a materials charge of £15 due on the day that will cover a variety of fabrics, hessian, linings and handle options.
Click below to see what you need to bring.