Rag Rugs Like Granny Used to Make

The Millville Historical Society recently hosted an Amish Knot Rug Weaving Workshop during Millville’s June Third Friday. The class was held at the Millville Historical Society’s Headquarters and Genealogical Research Library, located at 200 East Main Street in Millville. Seating was limited, and the workshop filled quickly. While participants were not able to complete a full-size rug during the class, they did create a rag-rug coaster and left with the skills and confidence to continue this heirloom art form at home.

This craft was brought to America by Swedish immigrants in the late 19th century. It grew in popularity during times of economic hardship after World War I and the Great Depression as a resourceful way to repurpose fabric scraps into practical household items. The craft is also known as Amish Toothbrush Rug Weaving because old wooden toothbrushes were fashioned into rug-weaving needles.
The workshop was led by Linda McHugh (pictured, below left), a retired special education teacher from Pitman. She has been practicing fiber arts for over 20 years as a weaver, spinner, knitter, crocheter and needle felter.