Rug Hooking Week 2024 Frequently Asked Questions

Sauder Village hosts North America’s largest annual rug hooking event in scenic northwest Ohio. No other place will you see an exclusive exhibit of award-winning pieces from Rug Hooking magazine’s annual international competition and publication - Celebration of Hand Hooked Rugs.

Contemporary and historic collections are gathered for Feature and Special Exhibits along with groups and guilds. International artists collaborate in our Virtual Exhibits and the general public is invited to submit work in our Main and Pop-Up exhibits. Classes are offered throughout the week taught by nationally recognized teachers. The week is filled with opportunities to learn, hear artists speak, and create fiber art.  

Take classes taught by internationally renowned teachers, explore the extensive exhibits (Feature, Special, Celebration, Group, Virtual, Pop-Up and Main), sign up for Gallery Talks to gain in-depth insight into the artists & exhibits, visit Sauder Village (Ohio’s largest living history museum) and artisan shops, join informal hook-in’s, make new friends, walk our Wetlands Nature Trail, and so much more! If you have a block of time free during your stay consider volunteering. 

Yes! In addition to rug hooking and punching, we offer classes, exhibits and vendors in the following fiber arts: braiding, 3-Dimensional, felting, fusion, punch needle, standing wool/quilling, wool applique, and other mediums/techniques.

Everything within the Sauder Village campus is within a short walk, including: Founder’s Hall, Heritage Inn, the Barn Restaurant, Doughbox Bakery, Historic Village and various retail shops. If you need assistance there are courtesy golf carts available upon request. 

Email your contact information and proposal to: Deb Ridgway, Special Events Manager, at deb.ridgway@saudervillage.org

A retreat is 3 or 4 days in length, taught by a single instructor with a focus on a set project where you’ll learn techniques and tips to hone your skills.

A workshop is either an evening, 1 or 2 day class taught by a teacher with a focus on a topic, project, technique, design process, dyeing or other subject matter.

Inevitably, life happens and there are cancellations from the week we open registration in November until the opening of Rug Hooking Week in August. To be added to the wait list for a workshop or retreat, simply complete the online registration form and click the class you want to attend. If the class is SOLD OUT, complete the payment information (your credit card will not be charged), and you will automatically be added to the wait list for the class. You never know when someone’s misfortune will turn into your good luck.

All cancellations and registrations must be administered by Sauder Village. Student retreat and workshop reservations are NOT TRANSFERABLE. Cancellations prior to June 28, 2024 will receive a refund of class fees paid minus a 10% administrative fee. No refunds are given after June 28, 2024. If classes do not meet a minimum number of students by July 26, 2024, Sauder Village may be forced to cancel the class and all fees will be refunded.

Contact deb.ridgway@saudervillage.org or via phone at 419.446.2541, ext. 3076. She will notify all instructors of any changes.

Each year, the exhibit includes 500-800 pieces and our vendors display more than 250 pieces in their booths.

Yes. Everyone is invited to pre-register their work in the Main Exhibit in a variety of categories including other fiber arts as well as rug hooking and punching.

The Main Exhibit is not juried and everyone is invited to exhibit their work. Group Exhibits are open to groups and guilds. Pieces from the Celebration exhibit are juried by Rug Hooking magazine. 

Yes. Sauder Village solicits nominations from show attendees for annual People’s Choice Awards in different categories. Award winners are presented with a large rosette style ribbon. One special piece is selected each year for the Sauder Award.

Follow the simple Shipping instructions. Click here. OR contact your local guild and find out who’s coming to RHW and ask if they’d be willing to transport your piece(s) to and from the exhibit.

Entry to Rug Hooking Week exhibit and vendors; access to a wide selection of rug hooking and fiber arts vendors; an opportunity to meet other fiber artists, and general operating support to bring this widely acclaimed show to the public.

Yes. The vendors are located in Founder’s Hall lobby as well as the exhibit hall. Your admission fee supports our ability to bring you nationally acclaimed exhibits and vendors each year as we do not receive any corporate underwriting for this annual exhibit.

Each year Rug Hooking Week offers a mix of 15-20 returning and new vendors. The vendors travel from across the US offering a wide selection of wool, fibers, hooking tools, supplies, patterns, project bags and more. You never know what special treasures you will find their way home with you!

Any group of 20 or more should contact Tara Tedrow, Sales Coordinator at tara.tedrow@saudervillage.org or via phone at 419.446.2541, ext. 3068.

Any day, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm. Opening day (Wednesday) tends to be the busiest day, so it may be crowded and there may be lines.

Start with our artisans! Weaving, spinning, baskets, brooms, tinsmith, cooperage, metalsmith, pottery and glass blowing all offering one of a kind pieces for purchase. Then enjoy the General Store, Gift Shop and Threads of Tradition Quilt shop along with the 1920s Main Street Confections and Soda Fountain.

Sauder Village is a 200-acre campus offering rooms at our Heritage Inn and spaces at our Campground. 

The Heritage Inn sells out FAST! Add your name to the wait list. Then consider other local options. Sauder Village is located in rural northwest Ohio where everything is a 20-30 minute drive. There are many alternate hotels located in Wauseon, Napoleon, Defiance and Holiday City. Also consider checking our AirBnB or VRBO listings for the area. Ask the Heritage Inn for a list.

Inevitably, life happens and there are cancellations from the week we open registration in November until the opening of Rug Hooking Week in August. It doesn’t cost anything to be added to the waitlist. Inn staff contacts people on the waitlist as openings occur.

Contact the Heritage Inn directly at 800.590.9755 to cancel a room or campground reservation.

Deb Ridgway, Special Events Manager, deb.ridgway@saudervillage.org, 419.446.2541, ext. 3076.