Rag Rugs Tour
1. Tambour
2. Shirred 
3. Standing wool

4. Knitted
5. Flat Wrap
6. Amish Knot

7. Chain Braids
8. Broomstick & String Crochet
9. Crocheted

10. Fabric Tapestry
11. Anchored Loop
12. Hooked, Poked, Prodded, Bodkin

13. Needleworked
14. Toothbrush rugs
15. Braided rugs

16. Knotted & strung shags
17. Loom woven
18. Patched (penny rugs) & sewn shags
19. Frame made rugs
20. Wagon wheel & frame braids 
21. Odds 'n ends

You may have heard of the Australian "Locker Hooking", a technique for making rugs on burlap or canvas with yarns and roving. What you probably didn't know was that this same method was done in America with strips of fabric ('rags'), and as with so many types of traditional rugs, it was called by a different name: the "Anchored Loop". 

Anchored Loop rugs were made with a combination of two tools, a traditional rug hook to pull though a loop of fabric strip, and a lacing needle or bodkin to lace the anchoring strip through the loop. These rugs were preferred over regular hooked rugs, since when completed the loops of fabric could not be pulled out. In the United Kingdom, a combined tool is used. It looks like a heavy steel crochet hook at one end with a large 'eye' at the other, so that the loops can be pulled up and anchored with a single tool. These 'locker hooks' work equally well with rag strip. 

Modern Anchored Loop rugs are most often made using a rug canvas base, rather than burlap, since it is much easier to achieve regular stitching, and the rugs are easier to handle during construction. Anchored loop rugs can also be combined with Tambour braids, as in the rug shown here. The border is of a simple tambour braid, while the center of the rug is the anchored loop. The photo gives a good idea of how the two different textures can complement each other--even when the stitching is done with the identical fabric strip.

EVEN TENSION IN AN ANCHORED LOOP RUG
Dear Diana, I requested information & purchased supplies for rug making from Rafter-four Designs. Since then, I have been "hooked" on anchor loop rugs. The attached photo is a pelican rug (almost finished rug #3) based on a flag pattern. My tension still needs a little work tho, but it's turning out very cool! I would be interested to hear what you think of my rug design. Patti 
Dear Patti, I am absolutely delighted with your Pelican rug. The design is just marvelous, and rather reminds me of the Grenfell hooked rugs. (Note: See the Rugmaker's Exchange for a photo of Patti's Pelican Rug.) You do have a bit of problem with your tension, but there are a couple of 'tricks' which you can use to minimize the problem (other than working on a frame which will force the rug to keep its shape). 1. When you're making up you design, size the rug so that it is at least two inches of 'plain' stitching outside of any design elements. 2. Begin by working a border of 5-8 stitches around the outer edge, working in short rows, not the long way. The border will 'buffer' any distortion. 3. Use a heavier yarn or strip for the fill (or a doubled yarn). This helps to fill up the spaces so the canvas doesn't pull in so readily. 4. When you're working long, straight runs of the same color, use the same color for the stitching loops and the fill. Switch off the thread positions every 10-12 stitches. (Swap the fill thread for the loop.) 

Happy rugmaking! Diana

RANDOM PATTERNS IN ANCHORED LOOP RUGS 
I've enjoyed your website. I saw what I think was a "loop and anchor" rug in a historical village park in England this summer. The backing appeared to be a kind of burlap. The rug didn't have any design, just a random pattern depending on the cotton fabric used in any given space. I am very interested in doing a small area rug of this style or a crocheted version. The only illustrations that I saw on your website appeared to follow a formal "pattern" and not be random as I want. Any suggestions? Thank you, Linda 

Dear Linda, The Anchored Loop technique can be done in any pattern. Our bulletin on the technique teaches the method (including the traditional burlap backing). It doesn't teach the particular design of the rug shown. So if you want to do a random set of colors that is entirely up to you. What you'll need is a rug frame (burlap rugs have to be made on frames or they pucker something terrible). You'll need burlap and rug binding for the edge, a locker-hook (or a rug hook and lacing needle), and a collection of cotton strips. Hope that helps,Diana 
 

Hi! I do Locker Hooking wall hangings, with strips of fabric, and I would like to buy a frame(s). Because I work always from right to left, I have to "rotate" my piece upside down, with each new row. I cannot find a frame that will allow me to do this. I'd love to get a lap frame, a stand-up frame, and even a small to medium portable frame. Do you have any suggestions of what kind of frame and where to get it, for Locker Hooking? Thank you so much! Donna
Dear Donna, Nobody makes frames for rug making except for rug hooking. For various techniques I've made my own frames, and for others have been able to adapt needlework frames from other techniques. I don't use frames with locker hooking, but in similar techniques worked in rows, there is a needlework frame that does nicely. It has two side bars, and the top and bottom are rollers (large dowels) which can be tightened in position. It allows for the rug to be rolled up or down so only a small area is actually in the working area. The name on mine has worn off, so I don't know what it is, but I do remember I got it at a needlework store years back, and someone at a store like that might be able to recognize the description if they are still made. Hope that helps, Diana