Mr. Howell in "The Lady of the Aroostook" in describing the Captain's state-room alludes to still another kind of rug work called "hooking." The materials for this work are sold in some cities under the name of materials for "Home-made Turkish Rugs." At these places quite elaborate patterns can be obtained ready stamped for working. A piece of coarse burlaps or coffee bagging, a very large stout hook like a crochet hook, and a good assortment of rags are all that is necessary for this work. Cut the rags very much as you do for rag carpeting. I have found it convenient to sew mine into long strips, varying the color frequently.
Stretch your burlaps in a frame, just a little larger than the rug will be. Wind this frame with list and fasten the burlaps firmly in. Define the outer and inner edges of the border with a thread of coarse or darning cotton or a charcoal line. Holding your piece of cloth under the frame, put your hook through the burlaps from the right side and draw a loop through to a length of about three-fourths of an inch; repeat this every three or four threads, according to the width and quality of your pieces. When you have worked quite a space, shear it off evenly with large scissors. This is done much more easily as the work progresses than if you wait till the whole is done. A little practice soon teaches you how far apart to put your work in. When geometrical patterns are stamped on the burlaps, very excellent imitations of Turkey rugs can be made. These patterns can be bought at quite low prices.
In Fig. 135, a very pretty style of needlework is used for ornamenting a pillow case cover. The design must be enlarged and transferred to the material, and the work is executed in buttonhole stitch with white embroidery cotton, after which the linen between the design figures is cut away. Bureau and table scarfs can be ornamented in the same way.
