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Gail Dufresne

Prodded Christmas Wreath, designed, hooked and prodded by Gail Dufresne, Lambertville, New Jersey, 2009.

I enjoyed prodding a few poinsettias several years ago, and browsing through some gardening catalogs recently inspired me to take those gorgeous red flowers a step further and prod a holiday wreath.

Prodded rugs are made from long strips of fabric poked through a backing. The effect is similar to hooked rugs, but the technique produces a rug with longer, shaggier pile. More common in Great Britain than in North America, the process, known by various names—prodded, poked and proggie—in different communities.

Prodded designs are usually simpler than hooked rug designs because the longer pile makes for a less defined effect. You can also prod much faster than you can hook, and who among us doesn’t love immediate gratification?

Transferring the Design

Before you begin, serge, glue, tape or zigzag the edge of the backing. Find the center of your backing by folding it in quarters.

To read this complete article, please see the November/December 2009 issue of Rug Hooking magazine.