The Art of Rug Hooking 2-Days

In this practical two day workshop you will be introduced to the art of rug hooking. Graham will demonstrate the processes involved in making your own hand-hooked rugs, from stripping up used garments or waste fabrics, to the technique of hooking through a hessian backing. You will be able to make your own piece, which will teach you all the skills necessary to start making your own hooked rugs.

The size will be approximately 40cm x 25cm can be used as a wall hanging or front side of a cushion cover.

On the first day, Graham will give a short talk about his work including showing recent samples. He will go through the necessary steps required to enable you to come up with your own design and how to transpose that onto the hessian backing; how to think about and choose colours; how to cut fabrics with a cutting wheel and how to hook them through the hessian backing, you will then work on your own pieces.

On the second day you will continue working on your own pieces with support from the tutor, on combining and experimenting with different fabrics. Graham will also explain how to finish and back your piece. A hand-out will be provided with helpful tips on the technique and addresses for supplies. The day will end up with an informal discussion on the work produced by the group.

Materials to bring

• Something to inspire your design, it could be a postcard or a photograph or a drawing or painting that you have made. Think about something fairly simple , that can translate as a rug design.
• Please also try to bring some preferably woollen fabrics, please ensure they have been freshly washed. Favourite old stretch knit textiles you want to recycle, including tee shirts, fine knit woollies, cottons, jersey, sweatshirts, items that have moth holes work well, as do woollen scarves,
• A basic sewing kit including large-eyed needles, pins, fabric scissors, some embroidery thread. Also a fabric cutting wheel if you have one.
• A ruler (ideally a steel ruler) and black permanent marker.

Materials included
Hessian and a selection of recycled fabrics are supplied by the tutor.

Equipment provided
All necessary equipment, including a hook and frame will be provided for use on the course.

About the tutor
Graham Hollick graduated from Winchester School of Art with a Degree in Textiles and Fashion in 1988, and worked as a creative director working internationally, before around 30 years later he taking up the age-old art of rug hooking which since the first covid lock down this has become his obsession.

Graham’s innovative imagery and inspirations have meant that his rug hooked work has been quickly appreciated. In a relatively short time he has been published in Selvedge magazine , invited to mentor a group of 80 rug hookers in Toronto, chosen to exhibit in a travelling exhibition of works by 30 rug hook artists and has just exhibited his latest work in the flagship store of respected London craft jeans producer Black Horse Lane. All his pieces are created using entirely reused materials from strips of textiles cut from used clothing to the backings made by repurposing coffee sacks.

As a creative director with an extensive international background, Graham Hollick has been recognised as an expert in art direction, creative consultancy, design and trend forecasting. Based in London, he has worked with an impressive list of international clients. His work has ranged from producing catalogues and styling photo shoots to art directing advertising campaigns. Throughout his career he has taught at Art colleges in the UK and Europe, as well as mentoring many students through their work experience placements during his time working in Paris and most recently teaching at the Design Academy Eindhoven. He also founded the ethical home textiles brand Stitch by Stitch, which works with textile artisans in India and Nepal.