Proggy’s Rag Rug Menagerie: 20 soft and snuggly animals to hook and sew

Discover a new and exciting way to put your stash of fabric scraps to good use with this collection of adorable three-dimensional rag-rug projects, which can be adapted for use as children's playthings, pet toys and home accessories.

The technique is easy to master - simply cut your fabric into strips and push it through the holes in some hessian backing - and has been a traditional way of creating mats for centuries.

'Progging' is the name for this style of rag mat-making in north-east England, where the author creates her range of Proggy® kits, supplies and tools, but the method is familiar the world over.

Here you will find it given a refreshing modern twist that moves it beyond the usual two-dimensional rug format, with instructions for making 20 fun and funky three-dimensional stuffed animals. With a few simple adaptations to the backing, filling and eye materials, the projects can safely be used as soft toys by children, chew toys by pets, or put to use as door stops and draught excluders around your home.

Hayley Smith: Hayley Smith, from northeast England, is a crafter and entrepreneur. She creates all of the designs, products, and patterns for her successful business, Craft Yourself Silly, for which her British-made Proggy® kits and supplies are among the best sellers. Her products are available worldwide.