PRODDED RUG MAKING

 This doormat was hooked in 10 oz hessian from dyed wool blanket.

• Prepare your hessian by pulling a thread along the edge (width and length) as a guide when cutting to ensure a straight edge allowing one inch all round for your hem.
  

• Make a 1" hem by hand or machine. The mat is worked right up to the edge through the double thickness of the hem and there is no further finishing to do as the strips of material flop over the edge.
  
• Draw your design with thick felt pens with the rough side of the hem towards you.
  
• Oversew the hessian centrally into the frame with strong thread used double with the hem facing you on top.
  
• Wind the hessian onto the frame until about 18" to 24" is exposed then stretch in the frame anchoring in place with the pegs.
  
• Cut clippings 1/2" to 5/8" wide by 2" to 3" long. Lighter weight materials should be cut wider and doubled. Experiment with different widths and lengths until you are satisfied with the result.
  
• Make a large hole with your prodder and poke the end of your clipping halfway through the hole. With your other hand underneath the hessian, catch the clipping and pull down to half it's length.
  
• Make a second hole about 1/4" away from the first and poke the other end of the clipping through this pulling down from underneath to even up the two ends.
  
• Poke your second clipping through the same hole as the end of the first clipping.

• Follow the design as you prod to give movement to pattern.
  

• When you have finished your rug, carefully snip the stitches to remove it from the frame so as not to damage the webbing. Trim the surface of any long ends to give a neat pile but do not try to obtain a completely flat surface.
  
• You may wish to protect your rug by spraying with Scotchguard and prevent slipping, if used on a wooden floor, by coating the back with Copydedex or other latex.

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