Who we are

The TIGHR mission statement reads:

“The International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers is a global organization of creative people who come together in friendship to share ideas, and to explore the different techniques of the art of rugmaking using a variety of fibres.”

TIGHR’s governing body is the Board, comprising members from one country who take office for three years. They lead the organization and communicate through newsletters, a website, and a members only online community called Mighty Networks. Towards the end of each Board’s three-year term, they organize a Triennial at which members come together face to face, to share ideas and explore the techniques of rug making.

Since being founded in London in 1994, boards and Triennial meetings have been in Nova Scotia, Canada 1997; Massachusetts, United States 2000; Toronto, Canada 2003; Tenby, Wales 2006; Kentucky, United States, 2009; Strathalbyn, South Australia 2012; British Columbia, Canada, 2015 and Reeth, North Yorkshire, England 2018. The 2019-2021 board is based in St John’s, Newfoundland and the 2024 meeting took place in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Our 2027 Triennial conference will be held in Newport, RI.

Members of this guild explore a variety of rugmaking techniques.

The craft of rug making has included many different techniques over the centuries. This guild is mainly interested in the manipulation of fabric strips, in a variety of widths and yarns, by pulling or pushing them through an open weave backing.  Contemporary rug making artists often use cotton monks cloth, rug warp or linen with approximately 12-15 threads per inch – natural fibers will maintain a good foundation for years to come.  In the past any fabric which could be punctured to pull a loop through was used, leading to some utilitarian which deteriorated because the foundation fibers were not strong enough to withstand the elements and stress.

A sister craft to quilting, rug making evolved out of the need to warm up domestic spaces and to beautify the home without incurring great cost.  Depending on the region’s sources of material, a variety of techniques have developed and many of them flourish today.
In the United States of America and Canada, wool fabric is most commonly used – it resists wear due to foot traffic, light exposure and changes of temperatures.  This fiber had the advantage of being commonly available (as discarded clothing) in colder climates.
Japan’s recycled materials include silk kimonos.
Hooked rugs are often painterly, using thin strips of wool.

Wider cuts of fabric are reminiscent of the primitive style of hooked rugs created in America in the very early 1800s.  Originating in the Maritime provinces of Canada and spreading down to New England in the United States, bare floors and wool clothing led to the need to hook rugs from recycled fibres. Regional styles and a preference for particular types of material developed. In the 1860s, after the American Civil War, pattern makers stenciled designs and sold them. Today Rug Hooking Magazine publishes articles featuring the multitude of styles and techniques and it lists events and workshops.

In Australia and the United Kingdom, the craft is referred to as hooky if pulling with a hook. Another technique, using wide strips cut about 3″ in length and prodded through the backing creating a lush shaggy pile, is called proggy or proddy. Cotton t-shirts, synthetic fleece and other fabrics are as readily available as wool in these countries and are found in many a rugmaker’s stash.

Another technique incorporated into rugs is standing wool or quilling.  A heavy rug is created using wider strips, folded in half and sewn down the middle length to the backing. Progressively more strips are packed in to fill the surface of the design.  This technique, used in America prior to hooking through the foundation, is resurfacing all around the world with, for example, rugmakers incorporating circles as flower centres into a hooked piece.

The benefits of joining this international guild include a members-only Mighty Networks platform where we discuss topics, post group projects, and share images and ideas.  Here, members can participate in workshops, live talks, challenge projects, have breakout rooms, and more!

The triennial conference is a way for our members to come together, in person, after three years of online interaction. It’s sure to be a great gathering of friends.