From its humble beginnings--a bent nail, burlap feed bag, pair of scissors, and the good parts of worn-out wool clothing were the original tools--rug hooking has developed into a fine art form that allows crafters to create beautiful, complex designs with an array of high-tech tools. Basic Rug Hooking distills the essential tools and techniques of this popular traditional craft and walks the reader through 5 rug-hooking projects, including a table mat, a project suitable for framing, and wearable pins, as well as traditional rugs.Rug-hooking tools and materials summarized and explained Step-by-step instructions and photos show in detail how to hook Tips to help you develop and refine your skills - Recommended by RUG HOOKING Magazine

All you need is three or more pieces of string, rope, cord, or some other pliable material and you're ready to begin This book will teach you how to braid, weave, and knot them in hundreds of different ways, from simple three-stranded braiding through the attractive -- though more complex -- macram knotting.
Complete, easy-to-follow instructions begin with braiding and weaving with anywhere from three to nine strands. Flat braiding, solid braiding, braiding over multiple strands, weaving across stationary strands, and many other techniques are covered. Each yields a different texture and pattern, so that with the imaginative use of color the results can be quite attractive. The knotting section covers the many different kinds of knots (square, spiral square, triple, half hitch, etc.) and how to use them in various decorative or functional ways. Fifty-seven drawings are especially helpful in adding clarity to the directions.
Along with these instructions there are directions for making numerous articles with your braids and knots: belts, lanyards, mats, rugs, sandals, hats, bags -- only your imagination will limit the number of things you can make. Anyone inclined to take up braiding and knotting will find this book immensely helpful, not only in getting started, but in going through the advanced stages of crafts.

Braided rugs are like family quilts - each strip of cloth comes from a cast-off garment and tells a story all its own. Piecing the rug together is an act of weaving family memories into a useful heirloom you'll treasure forever. Nancy Bubel covers every step of the simple process, from planning the perfect size, shape, and color scheme to cutting your cloth strips, braiding them together, and finishing off your rug.

Over eighty ornamental and useful knots with easy-to-follow, step-by-step illustrations. All knots serve useful purposes, but many of the more complicated ones also create appealing shapes and interwoven textures. "The Complete Book of Decorative Knots" contains easy-to-follow, expert instructions on how to tie over eighty knots, ranging from the simple to the elaborate.

The book is divided into five sections of different knots lanyard knots, button knots and globe knots, Turk's heads, mats and hitching, and chains and plaits. Every section contains background information on the history, lore, and accreditation of the knots featured. Color illustrations guide you step-by-step through the stages of tying each knot. The knots featured are not only attractive, but they have a wide variety of practical uses, such as for hammocks, doormats, and bellpulls. A useful glossary explains the terms and techniques used in the world of rope and knot tying.

• Choose the right rope and knot for the job
• Tie knots safely and securely
• Create decorative knots for clothing and accessories
• Practice knot-tying through games and exercises

The art of rug hooking, which consists of pulling dyed and cut wool fabric pieces through a backing, has typically been associated with New England, the South and Canada. Yet rugs from the American Midwest have contributed just as much to the development of the craft and its continuing popularity. The story of hooked rugs in the Midwest is a ragbag blending of romance, folklore, myth and common sense told through the colors of barns and sky, golden wheat, farm ponds, red clay, red brick, steel, glass and fountains. In this vividly illustrated history, Mary Collins Barile shakes out the dust from the Midwestern hooked rug with the vigor its unique blend of utility and imagination deserves.

• The basics of rope formation
• Tying useful knots
• Splicing rope
• Working cordage
• Tying fancy knots
• Using different ties and lashings
• And more.

Canada's East Coast has a unique craft heritage that has seen generations hooking rugs during the long winter evenings. Hooked mats and rugs were originally intented as functional pieces--a place to wipe dirty feet at the back door, or a cover for drafty floors. But at some point aesthetics crept into this process, and those simple mats have evolved into the wonderful folk art rugs we see today.Nova Scotia's Doris Eaton has been hooking rugs for nearly 50 years and is one of the region's most well-known rug-hookers.A Lifetime of Rug-Hooking features over 80 of Doris's colourful and lively rugs and the inspiration and materials behind her art. Doris also shares some of her tried and true techniques, including her famous "Eaton Edge" for finishing a rug. With a foreword from fellow Nova Scotia rug-hooker and artist Deanne Fitzpatrick, A Lifetime of Rug-Hooking is a marvellous visual tour of the work of an influential East Coast folk artist.

Sewing is popular with all ages and this series, Love to Sew, focuses on the latest hot trends. The 64 page handy square format gives us room for at least twenty projects, each with simple step-by-step instructions, beautiful photographs, as well as a basic techniques and materials section at the front of the book. Practical yet pretty, a mug rug is one of the latest trends on the sewing and patchwork scene. Basically it is a large coaster with room for your favourite mug and a biscuit or two. Small enough to complete in a few hours, but large enough to give space to your creativity, a mug rug is an ideal project for trying out some new techniques or even for getting to grips with patchwork, quilting or appliqu for the first time. This book contains a selection of mug rugs designed by renowned international patchwork artists. Revel in the many different designs that can be achieved with various fabrics and techniques and, above all, have fun making your own mug rug.