PENNY RUG HISTORY

Penny Rug is the term used to describe an early American craft form of applique on felted wool. Early needlewomen designed these rugs to decorate tables, chests, walls, and beds. They date back to the early 1800s when wool was precious and every scrap was saved. Our ancestors were noted for their frugality...saving and using everything.

Penny rugs were made using small scraps of wool saved from old clothing and blankets. They were originally created using coins as templates. Circles in increasing diameter were stacked two, three, and four high on a background of wool or coarsely woven cotton. Decorative blanket stitch was used to sew the circles and appliques to the backing. Other embroidery stitches were used for additional decoration.

This design, The Red Flowers, was selected by Early American Life Magazine for publication in their June 2006 issue. It was also chosen for their 2006 Directory of American Crafts®. The design is a reproduction of a wool applique rug made in 1845.

My original penny rugs are available for you to purchase. If you would like to make your own, my penny rug patterns, kits, penny rug guide book, and book of small patterns will help you with your project from start to finish. Now you can create your own penny rug applique heirlooms!