American Hooked Wool Runner Dated 1941
A grid of striped blocks gives this American hooked wool runner its lively geometric character. Narrow black lines divide the colourful compartments, while a broader black surround frames the elongated design. A hooked “1941” panel and small American flag motif distinguish one end.
The palette combines muted purple, forest green, ochre, cream, brown, grey, blue and soft rust red. Alternating stripe directions create movement within the regular grid. Each compartment contributes its own texture and colour balance.
Geometric Blocks and Alternating Stripes
Horizontal stripes sit beside vertical bands throughout the field. Some blocks contain broad areas of colour, while others combine narrow contrasting lines. Cream sections provide quieter intervals between the darker greens, purples and browns.
The black divisions keep these varied patterns clearly separated. Their consistent outlines give the arrangement a quilt-like appearance without making it a patchwork construction. The design comes from the hooked surface rather than joined fabric panels.
Several compartments combine mottled dark and pale strands. Others use simple pairs of colours, such as green and cream or purple and grey. These differences give the long composition a varied rhythm.
American Flag and Hooked Date
A small flag motif occupies one corner of the field. Pale and rust-red stripes sit beneath a blue canton with small light marks. The motif forms part of the hooked design rather than a separately attached decoration.
At the opposite corner of the same end, rust-coloured numerals read “1941”. A blue inner outline surrounds the cream date panel. Narrow coloured bands connect this feature with the neighbouring striped blocks.
The date panel gives the runner a distinctive focal detail. It also adds a personal element to an otherwise repeated geometric composition. No maker’s name is included in the design.
Hand-Hooked Texture and Runner Proportions
The wool surface has closely arranged loops with visible differences in height and texture. These variations soften the straight divisions between the blocks. The black border follows a slightly irregular handmade outline.
Measuring approximately 208.2 × 76.2 cm, the runner has a long, narrow format. It can add colour beside a bed or through a connecting passage. The graphic design also works well against plain flooring and simple furniture.
The combination of muted colours and dark outlines gives the pattern clarity without a bright overall effect. Warm wood and neutral textiles complement the cream, brown and rust passages. Green and purple blocks introduce cooler accents.
Condition
Vintage condition with uneven surface wear, localised thinning and areas of exposed foundation. Loop height varies across the patterned field. Some blocks show more pronounced loss and worn lines than neighbouring sections.
The edges have waviness, small projecting loops and irregular sections along the black surround. The date and flag motifs remain legible. Detailed photographs show the texture, worn areas and border condition.
Key Details
Date: 1941, incorporated into the hooked design
Origin: United States
Material: Wool
Technique: Handmade, hand-hooked
Design: Geometric grid of striped blocks with American flag and date panel
Colours: Purple, green, cream, ochre, brown, grey, blue, rust red and black
Shape: Rectangular runner
Border: Black surround
Dimensions: Approximately 208.2 × 76.2 cm / 6 ft 10 in × 2 ft 6 in
Condition: Uneven wear, localised thinning, exposed foundation and irregular edges
SKU: 1B1050
Why It’s Special
The hooked date and flag transform a repeated block pattern into a memorable individual textile. Alternating stripes give the long field its changing rhythm. The dark grid brings the many colours into a coherent design.
