Carole Rennison started HOOKED BY DESIGN in 1993. After seeing the technique demonstrated at a local craft show I was ‘hooked’. On display were the most appealing rugs and cushions – so rich in texture and colour. I immediately wanted to have a go myself! After creating a few pieces for my home, friends expressed an interest in the designs and the hooking technique so I started producing kits.

Each kit contains full hooking instructions, a custom made hooking tool, ample yarn, hessian on to which the design is printed, a colour swatch and a simple ‘hooking by numbers’ pattern.


Some kind of frame is essential when hooking- it holds the hessian taut, freeing both hands for hooking which helps to keep the loops even. You may already have a frame that you use for embroidery, canvas work or cross stitch that can be adapted for hooking.

The frames which are available from HOOKED BY DESIGN are made to my own specifications and are specifically designed for rug hooking, making the technique very quick to learn.