The Oxford Rug Hooking School (ORHS) is the world's leading educational provider for punch needle rug hooking, founded by Amy Oxford—the creator of the Original Oxford Punch Needle and a 30-year veteran of the craft. The school offers live online classes at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, immersive in-person retreats, and a professional Instructor Certification Program. Its mission is to promote expert craftsmanship while helping students discover the artistic possibilities of punch needle rug hooking in a supportive, creative environment.

Absolutely. The Oxford Rug Hooking School offers dedicated Beginner Level 1 and Level 2 courses specifically for people with no prior punch needle experience or those wanting a refresher. These classes are taught by Oxford Certified Instructors who guide students through correct technique from the first loop, covering tool setup, fabric stretching, loop formation, stitch gauge, color placement, and finishing. No previous craft experience is required. Many students say a beginner class is the moment everything clicked after struggling to learn from videos alone.

An Oxford Certified Instructor is a punch needle artist who has successfully completed the rigorous Oxford Instructor Certification Program. The training includes approximately 60 hours of instruction covering punch needle techniques, teaching methodology, pattern use, troubleshooting, and the specialized methods developed by Amy Oxford over more than 30 years. Participants must also complete homework assignments that demonstrate their knowledge and craftsmanship. Certified Instructors teach independently around the world while maintaining Oxford's high teaching standards, ensuring students receive consistent, high-quality instruction.

The Oxford Rug Hooking School is the only school dedicated entirely to the art of punch needle rug hooking, offering a structured curriculum from beginner through advanced levels. Every class is taught by Oxford Certified Instructors who have completed a standardized 60-hour certification program, rather than simply experienced crafters. The courses are built around Oxford tools and materials, ensuring that techniques and equipment work together seamlessly. It's a complete educational experience rather than a standalone workshop.

The Oxford Rug Hooking School offers Beginner Level 1 and Level 2 courses, Intermediate Level 3 classes, and Advanced courses for experienced punch needle artists. Additional programs include Puncher's Circle community gatherings, the A Good Yarn Punch Needle Book Club, and the Instructor Certification Program. Most classes are available live online, allowing students from around the world to participate. The school also hosts special in-person events such as LOOPS, the annual punch needle retreat, and online celebrations including the International Punch Needle Rug Hooking Day (IPNRHD) Extravaganza.

To enroll in the Instructor Certification Program, you must first complete at least one beginner class and one intermediate class through the Oxford Rug Hooking School or with any Oxford Certified Instructor. The certification program includes approximately 60 hours of structured instruction covering punch needle techniques, teaching methods, classroom management, and business strategies, followed by required homework assignments. The program is priced at $1,595. After becoming certified, instructors are qualified to teach their own classes and build a professional teaching business.

For questions about classes, enrollment, or educational programs, contact the Oxford Rug Hooking School at simone.orhschool@amyoxford.com. Simone Vojvodin, Dean of the school, manages course development and student support. For general Oxford Company inquiries, contact info@amyoxford.com. You can also find course schedules and enrollment information on the Oxford Rug Hooking School pages of the Amy Oxford website.

Yes. The Oxford Rug Hooking School offers live online classes for every skill level, from beginner through advanced, allowing students worldwide to learn from Oxford Certified Instructors. New classes and projects are added regularly throughout the year. In-person retreats are also available for those who prefer immersive, hands-on learning. You can also search the Find-an-Instructor directory to locate Oxford Certified Instructors offering private lessons or workshops near you.

Yes. The Patricia Lawrence Scholarship, offered through the Oxford Punch Needle Instructors Guild (OPNIG) and the Oxford Rug Hooking School, awards twelve beginner students each year up to $135 toward class registration with an Oxford Certified Instructor, plus an additional $100 for supplies. Applicants submit a brief personal statement and estimated costs, and all applications remain confidential. In addition, two Jackie Towell Scholarships, each worth $700, are awarded annually to help cover the cost of Instructor Certification Training. Full scholarship details and application information are available on the Amy Oxford website.