The tradition of making ‘rag’ or ‘thrift’ rugs became widespread during the Industrial Revolution in the nineteenth century. However by the 1920s the craft was dying out as it was associated with hard times. The necessity for thrift during World War II brought a brief revival and interest in the craft grew again in the 1980s. It is currently practised by many amateurs who enjoy making things.
There are other techniques involving strips of recycled fabric such as crocheting, knitting and weaving.
Progged rugs were often made from mill waste in parts of the UK where there were mills. In other parts of the country old clothes were used. Originally the backing was hessian food sacks. In different parts of the UK the rugs had many different names: proggies, proddies, poke mats, peg mats and clootie mats.
The craft has become more popular as it uses recycling and more people realise the therapeutic effect of creativity.
Jenni Stuart-Anderson – offers day workshops in the West Midlands
