History and origins of the punch needle
The punch needle was born in the 19th century in Great Britain
According to author William Winthrop Kent, the history and origins of the punch needle are set in 19th century Britain, at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. At this time it became fashionable among the bourgeoisie to cover the floors with expensive machine-made rugs.
It all started in a mat factory in Yorkshire
The workers in these expensive carpet factories were allowed to collect the remains of wool that were useless for production and take them home. These wool remains, called thrums They measured 9 inches (23 cm) and were used to make their own rugs. With a simple hook equipped with a wooden handle, they passed these remains through a mesh fabric, thus making carpets for their homes.
Later and thanks to emigration to the east coast of the United States and Canada, this craft technique was developed.
It became a favorite way for poorer households in these regions to produce colorful coverings for their homes. Also, at a time when most 19th century houses had unsightly floors that builders hastily constructed from softwood boards of random sizes.
Because threads were expensive and generally saved for making clothing, women used any scraps of fabric to make their rugs. But no matter what fabric was used, the “hooked rugs,” hooked rugs, were more attractive than the common alternative at the time: inexpensive mats woven from coconut fiber, straw, or corn husks.
A hobby was born out of necessity
Starting in 1830, carpets were already manufactured industrially, and in 1870 the industry was already capable of manufacturing carpets in large volumes for the lower class that needed to solve their housing problems. However, against all odds, this domestic task that women had, which was born out of necessity within their home, became a hobby. And thanks to this the practice of rug hooking.
Artists were born, rug hookers
Over time, as living standards improved with the industrial revolution, the materials used in carpets also improved. Artists were born, rug hookers, who began to design and manufacture rugs manually to order, becoming a livelihood for these punching artists. In 1930, these artists popularized this art by publishing their works and writing the formal guidelines of the rug hooking, thus dignifying this practical craft.
Currently, this embroidery technique called Punch needle is booming
Finally on the way to the recognition of feminine ingenuity and art.
Are you ready to follow tradition and make your own rug?
Order your punch needle kit with the Oxford needle now
Thank you for the photographic and content contributions from Life Magazine, Tea and carpets, Messybeast, to illustrate the History and origins of the Punch needle.
MOOMZART ® Official supplier for Europe of Amy Oxford
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