Basic prodding instructions for making a fleece rug:

Tools and Supplies:
Prodding Tool – a special tool is not needed to get started. I use a size 8 knitting needle, but any size close to a size 8 will work.

3.75 Rug Canvas – Burlap is often used as a base for prodded rugs. I use rug canvas for the fleece prodded rugs because it’s much easier to work with.

Cutting Tools – Sharp scissors or a rotary cutter and cutting board.

Sewing Machine (optional). Sewing a binding on with a machine is much easier than hand sewing a hem. If you don’t have a sewing machine, check the links below for instructions to hand sew a hem.

Order of Work:
Purchase fleece, canvas and thread.
Wash and dry fleece twice, this will help prevent "fuzz" or "lint" building up on your rug later.
Cut the rug canvas to size and join together additional canvases if needed.
Transfer pattern to canvas if needed.
Cut and sew on the binding.
Cut the fleece pieces.
Prod!
Trim uneven pieces if needed.
Enjoy your rug!

Basic Prodding Instructions:
Start along the binding in the lower left or right corner.
Working from the back side of the canvas, using your knitting needle, take a piece of fleece and press one end into the first hole.
Pull about ½ the strip through the hole.
Again, working from the back side of the canvas, using your knitting needle, press the other end of the fleece through the second hole of the canvas.
Continue working along the same row. Do not skip any holes.
If you get to the end of the row and there is only one hole left, Push one end of the fabric through the remaining hole and the other end of the fleece through the hole above it.
After you have completed each row, turn the rug over and pull each strip so that both sides of the strip are even.
Once the rug is completed, trim uneven pieces if needed.

Correcting Mistakes:
If you place the wrong color in an area, working from the back side of the rug, pull out the incorrect color. Following the prodding instructions above, fill the area with the correct color.