Rug-making is an ancient craft. Rag rugs were commonly made in most households up to the middle of the 20th century by using up oddments of fabric on a background of old sacking.

There are two basic ways of making rugs by hand:

  • by hooking

  • by prodding, poking or pegging. The rugs or mats were known as "prod mats" or "peg rugs".