Gullah Rag Rug Workshop

Join nationally recognized quilter and cultural preservationist Cookie Washington for a hands-on workshop celebrating the traditions of Gullah artistry. Cookie will guide participants through the rag rug technique made famous by Sharon Cooper-Murray, “The Gullah Lady.” Rooted in resourcefulness, this heritage craft transformed everyday materials into works of beauty and function, passed down through generations. 

This four-hour “no sew” class is approachable for all skill levels. Participants will: 

• Create a personal 9×9-inch burlap square to take home 

• Learn about the history and cultural significance of rag rug making 

What’s Included: 

• All materials: burlap base, pre-cut African print fabrics, and neutral muslin/broadcloth 

• Special tools for the “no sew” technique (provided during class) 

Optional: Bring scraps of fabric or old clothing to personalize your piece. 

Discover the creativity, resilience, and storytelling woven into every strip of cloth, and leave with both a finished piece and a deeper connection to Gullah heritage. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. Classes with insufficient enrollment may be canceled, with full refunds offered. 

About the Instructor  

Torreah “Cookie” Washington is a fourth-generation needleworker and Charleston-based fiber artist known for her narrative art quilts that honor the Divine Feminine and African ancestral heritage. Born in Rabat, Morocco, and self-taught in quilting, she carries forward the legacy of the women in her family—seamstresses, designers, and tailors—while forging her own path in textile-based art. 

For over 16 years, she has curated the African American Fiber Arts Exhibit for the North Charleston Arts Festival, helping the exhibition grow into a traveling showcase across the South. Cookie’s work is griot in spirit, using fabric, form, and storytelling to inspire emotional connection, cultural reflection, and social dialogue. She also teaches in underserved communities, gives school lectures, and donates quilts to support the unhoused. 

One of her proudest honors was being chosen as one of 44 Master Art Quilters to create a quilt in celebration of President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration. Her work has been featured in several documentaries, including Skin Quilt and The Wayshowers, for which she served as executive producer.