RUG WORK, BAG

This bag was made in early 21st C by WA born textile artist Robin Inkpen using hooked rug techniques. Wool on hessian base with silk lining and plaited woollen handles. The bag fabric is an abstract floral design in multiple colours, the lining is a deep turquoise blue and includes internal pockets.

Rug hooking has been going on for centuries. Recycling fabric into rugs was considered strictly for the poor. It was called rag rugging. Before the making of fabric was mechanised it was very labour intensive and every scrap was precious. After clothes and home decor, the next important use of fabric was patchwork quilts and bed covers. And finally the scraps or rags were made into rugs for their bare floors.

Immigrants from Europe to America, Canada and Australia brought this skill with them. Many people remember their Grandmother or aunty hooking rugs. And sometimes they, as children, were called in to service to help in the process. The backing for their rugs was the sacks that the flour and livestock feed came in, and the fabric was any cloth too old for wearing or making into quilts. Many innovative and creative ways were employed to create these rugs. There were various types of braided and hooked techniques, using various tools.

Making rag rugs was widespread until about the 1950’s when they were largely replaced by ready cut wool rugs and fitted carpets. Now, recycling fabric into rugs and wall hangings is having a resurgence of popularity both as an art form and a fantastic way to recycle.