The art of rug hooking with Graham Hollick

Ref: D2D36325

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About this course

In this practical two-day workshop, you will be introduced to the art of rug hooking. Your tutor will demonstrate the entire process of creating your own hand-hooked rug, from repurposing used garments or waste fabrics to the technique of hooking through a hessian backing.

Course Description

During this course, you will be guided in creating your own piece, learning all the essential skills needed to start making your own hooked rugs.

The finished piece will measure approximately 40cm x 25cm and can be used either as a wall hanging or as the front of a cushion cover.

On the first day, your tutor will give a short talk about his work, including recent samples. He will then take you through the necessary steps to help you create your own design and transpose it onto the hessian backing. You will learn how to think about and choose colours, how to cut fabrics using a cutting wheel and how to hook the fabrics through the hessian. Afterwards, you will begin working on your own pieces.

On the second day, you will continue working on your piece with the tutor’s support, experimenting with different fabrics. Graham will also explain how to finish and back your piece. A handout will be provided, offering helpful tips on the technique, as well as addresses for suppliers. The day will end with an informal discussion of the work produced by the group.

Course Materials

Included

Hession and a selection of recycled fabrics are supplied by the tutor.

A hook and frame will be provided for use on the course.

What students need to bring

Something to inspire your design, it could be a postcard or a photograph or a drawing or painting that you have made. Think about something fairly simple that can translate as a rug design. Please also try to bring some fabrics - preferably woollen; please ensure they have been freshly washed. Favourite old stretch knit textiles you want to recycle, including tee shirts, fine knit woollies, cottons, jersey, sweatshirts, items that have moth holes work well, as do woollen scarves. A basic sewing kit including large-eyed needles, pins, fabric scissors, some embroidery thread. Also, a fabric cutting wheel if you have one. A ruler (ideally a steel ruler) and black permanent marker

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Timetable

Daily Timetable

Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)  
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm  
 

General Information

Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the ‘Materials to bring’ section.

Refreshments

Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.

Access

If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.

Safety

Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.

Refunds and cancellations

Please refer to our terms & conditions below.

Disclaimer

The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Graham Hollick

Graham graduated from Winchester School of Art with a degree in textiles and fashion in 1988. Around 30 years later he took up the age old art of rug hooking and since the first covid lockdown this has become his obsession.

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Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.