The short life of traditional hooked rugs

Very few rugs hooked in the 19th century still remain. Since their purpose was primarily utilitarian, they were replaced as they became worn. As well, being of humble origin they were generally not considered of value, and consequently were not preserved.

At that time, fabric was far too precious to be wasted, and women recycled scraps of material into patchwork quilts or hooked rugs. As a result, old clothing often ended up on the floor, the hooked rug being the final stage for second-hand fabric before it was completely worn out.