DESIGNING

First, an original design is created. The design may be as simple or complex as needed for the project. When a design is decided upon, it is drawn out on a graph paper to the actual size of the finished piece. The drawing is then transferred onto a backing fabric using a light table or screening. The backing may be linen, monk’s cloth, or rug warp depending on preference. The piece is then stitched or taped along the edges to keep from fraying during the work process.

COLOR PLANNING

Color planning is a vital part of the finished product. Colors may be planned according to the room the final piece will be placed in or simply to the liking of artist or client. Knowledge of the color wheel is helpful in this process, but the eye is always the final judge. A use of contrast, light, dark, dull, and bright can create a beautiful eye catching piece.

DYEING

When colors are decided upon, the wool is hand-dyed. Dyeing is done with acid dyes as wool is an animal fiber. The type of dyeing required will vary according to the final look desired. The wool may be abrashed (steeped in a large pot and stirred occasionally), spotted (two or more dyes randomly placed on wool), dyed to create various values of the same color, dyed so one piece of wool changes color from end to end, or in a myriad of other ways.

HOOKING

The design is placed on a hooking frame to hold it in place for working. The dyed wool is cut into strips of whatever size is required for the project. A thin wool strip is used to create a more realistic or fine look while a wider piece can create a rougher or more primitive look. A hook is used to pull each strip of wool through the backing fabric to form loops on the front side of the design. The wool can be hooked in whatever direction suits the project. This process is continued until the work is finished.

FINISHING

The final work is either framed, mounted on artboard or finished with hand-whipped edges. Whipped edges are done by hand with sturdy yarn to create a rug finish. A framed piece is laced onto foam board then matted and glazed.  Mounted pieces are hand-whipped and attached to a finished artboard leaving the piece open and giving depth to the presented artwork.