The Art and Beauty of Rug Hooking

Rugs are pieces of art that can be showcased through wall hanging or just simply using it as it is – a floor decoration that can be used to separate areas of your house. As time evolves, different kinds of rugs were made and invented by people. Other materials such as wools, nylon and other kind of fabrics were also introduced to create varieties of rugs. Truly colourful and pleasing to the eyes, rugs became a sense of statement in one’s home.

The rugs that are usually made by the experts in the field were also used to form another kind of art which is called rug hooking.  Rug hooking is an art and craft activity that is done by pulling loops of fabric through a base which is the rug itself. Tracing back its history, rug hooking originated in England during the 19^th century. At that time, rug hooking was distinguished to be the work of the poor because the ones who practice the said art are the workers in weaving mills. The workers are then allowed to collect pieces of unwanted yarns. Those yarns were used by them to make rugs. Yarns and everything that may seem to come handy were used to make rugs during that time. Rug hooking was considered as a country past time of the poor. Country in this context is partly defamatory more than complimentary.

But as time goes by, people of other nations have looked at the hobby as a form of fine art. In fact, in Canada, rug hooking is considered as a high form of art. Rug hookers have taken the next level of experimenting techniques to form better pieces of rugs made of hooked wools and fabric. Aside from techniques, hookers, people who practice rug hooking, became open to using other fabrics aside from wool and yarn to create better pieced of rugs.

One does not need to be an expert in order to do rug hooking. Hookers said that once you have known one technique, you can already consider yourself as a master of the craft. With a normal rug as a base, and pieces of fabrics to be hooked, one can already practice rug hooking.

Alternatively, if you want to use rugs as a decoration and yet you feel that you do not have much time to do rug hooking, you can opt for other types of rugs such as traditional rugs, wool rugs, modern rugs, designer rugs and more. At Fantastic Rugs, with the variety of rugs that we have on hand, we are sure that there is a piece that will suit your taste and personality. Order a rug from us and take advantage of our free standard delivery on most rugs to mainland UK. For more information about our rugs and our free delivery services, visit our website or give us a call at 01234 220076.

Shaggy Rugs Pros and Cons

In the modern era, a contemporary look in home decor is in trend and shaggy rugs will make an excellent accessory to any modern dwelling. Shaggy rugs are available in a wide array of colours according to your taste and home design; they are the perfect companion to the quintessential sofa or couch.

Shaggy rugs or shaggy carpet are aptly named after their ‘shaggy’ appearance. A shaggy rug has gained in popularity, as it provides a very soft feel underfoot. It gives any room a very cosy feel. Available in a variety of fibres including wool, acrylic or cotton, shaggy rugs are also sold in long, short and mini versions. The distinguishing features of the shaggy rug are the long yarn fibres that are attached to the back of the carpet, giving it an irregular pattern.

Pros

 

Plush Feel 

Shaggy rugs have a very soft feel giving you a ‘walking on air’ feel. The long, fibrous strands collectively make for a cosy and inviting atmosphere in the room.

Availability

With their growing popularity, shaggy rugs are readily available and a regular among other varieties stocked by many stores, including Fantastic rugs.

 

Durability and Style

Shaggy rugs are well suited to areas that are frequently in use and that receive high traffic. Wool shaggy rugs are durable, naturally stain resistant and insulating. Insulation provides warmth during the winter and a cool haven during the summer to give respite from the heat. Shaggy rugs have a unique quality and serve as a focal point in contemporary modern living.

Cons

Proper Care

Shaggy rugs are high maintenance, as dirt easily sticks to the long strands of yarn on the carpet. Regular vacuuming in between the fibres, row by row, may become a necessity in order to work out any dust or dirt from the middle of the rug. The trick is to remove spills and stains immediately in order to maintain and protect the rug.

Frequent Shedding and Yellowing

Shaggy rugs are crafted out of long strands of fibre.  Prone to shedding, shaggy rugs will initially lose some of their fibres. The shedding diminishes over a period of frequent use. Wool shaggy rugs can yellow over time from exposure to sunlight, certain detergents or due to the latex that binds them together. Bleaching may solve this problem or the use of hydrogen peroxide but it would be more advisable to seek the help from a carpet cleaning expert.

Tips on How to Decorate Your Home Using Shaggy Rugs

Shaggy rugs are soft, textured and chunky home accessories that you can use to decorate your house. Instead of having a regular rug, why not choose a shaggy rug that can definitely change the mood of your home? The use of rugs as home décor has, once again, gained popularity. Our modern ways of living has not changed the way we feel about having a cosy home. Shaggy rugs are the most commonly used rugs at home today. From the living room, to the bathroom, people prefer the feel of shaggy rugs against one’s skin over other rugs. 

Shaggy rugs can be made from various materials such as cotton, wool, nylon and many others. They are also known to be durable and most ideal to be placed in areas of the home where there is much foot traffic. If you are thinking of decorating your home using shaggy rugs, here are some tips that you can take note of.

Shaggy Rugs with Playful Hues.  These types of rugs are best placed in the children’s room to make it look more fun and youthful. On the other hand, you can also place them in an all-white or all-black room to add a hint of colour and make the room look more interesting. 

Shaggy Rugs with Animal Print. Ideal for rooms with not much colour, animal print shaggy rugs are central pieces in themselves. They tend to attract attention and are usually placed in the living room or bedroom. These rugs add greatly to the personality and feel of a room.

Shaggy Rugs with a Solid Colour. Best placed in monochromatic rooms – either to match a theme or to stand out from it – shaggy rugs with a solid colour are the easiest ones to place anywhere around the house. If you are going for a formal look, it is recommended that you purchase a rug with a neutral hue, so it can fit almost anywhere. 

Shaggy rugs come in different sizes, shapes, materials and hues. All you need to do is to ensure that your choice would fit the look that you are going for. Keep in mind that it’s all a matter of styling and matching colours – if you are not confident with your choice, try seeking the help of a friend or looking for ideas through magazines and other resources. At Fantastic Rugs, we offer a variety of stylish, affordable and high quality shaggy rugs that you can choose from.