Proddy Mat Making Workshop
Friday 2nd October 2026 - NYAS Scarborough
Available spaces
Join us for a one-day proddy mat workshop at North Yorks Art School, led by Rachael Forrest, a skilled textile artist passionate about sustainable and creative crafts. This beginner-friendly session welcomes all skill levels, guiding you to create a small decorative and functional rug, approximately 30 x 40 cm using leftover and recycled fabric scraps, transformed into a vibrant proddy (clippy or hooky) mat. You’ll learn the traditional technique of prodding fabric strips through burlap or linen, using simple tools to craft a textured piece suitable as a floor rug or wall hanging of your own designs. A frame will be provided to work on and take home to complete your masterpiece. Set in the vibrant, welcoming hub of North Yorks Art School, this workshop offers a supportive and creative atmosphere, ensuring you leave with a unique proddy mat and the skills to continue this eco-friendly craft. Under Rachael's guidance, you’ll master the essentials of proddy mat making, creating a small rug that reflects your unique style. You’ll begin by learning to select and prepare recycled fabric scraps such as old clothes, linens, or cotton remnants exploring how to cut them into strips for prodding. Proddy mats, also known as clippy, hooky, proggie or clootie mats, are a traditional craft that gained prominence during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, when working class families up-cycled worn clothing and textiles into durable rugs and hangings. Using a simple technique of prodding fabric strips through a burlap or linen backing, these mats were a thrifty way to create warmth and beauty and were prominent in Northern England. Though the craft waned by the 1920s due to its association with hardship, it saw revivals during World War II and again in the 1980s as interest in sustainable crafts grew. Today, proddy mats are celebrated for their low-cost, eco-friendly approach, using recycled fabrics to create functional art with minimal tools. This workshop introduces you to the tactile joy of proddy mat making, empowering you to craft a sustainable, textured piece that blends tradition with personal creativity. Friday 2nd October 2026 10am - 4pm with Rachael Forrest This class takes place at: North Yorks Art School 2-4 South Street Scarborough YO11 2BP All materials needed for the workshop are provided. Includes refreshments and lunch.
Cancellation Policy
Booking & Cancellation Policy Payment Options You can pay in full at the time of booking via card, Google Pay, Apple Pay or PayPal, or choose to pay a 25% deposit and pay the remaining balance 45 days before the event. Cash payment can be made in person at the school, shop or venue. Deposits A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place on Workshops, Courses and Residentials. This deposit is non-refundable in all circumstances. Balance Due If you pay by deposit, the remaining 75% balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the start date. We will send you a reminder email with a payment link. Cancellation Policy Courses & Workshops More than 8 weeks before start: Full refund minus £20 admin fee. 4–8 weeks before: 70% refund. 2–4 weeks before: 50% refund. Less than 2 weeks before or after start: No refund.