Rag rugs!

[Hattie the Hen]

I have just found these links. I'm now getting interested again......I will have to find that hook I made years ago........or maybe try the toothbrush idea........!!!!! Sounds fun.....


http://ragrugcafe.com/toothbrush-rugs-complete-video-instructions-part-1-beginners

http://ragrugcafe.com/toothbrush-rugs-complete-video-instructions-part-2-intermediate

http://www.ehow.co.uk/list_5879321_books-make-knotted-shag-rugs.html

http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/album/120136468plVKNH
***this is a page of colourful designs/ no instructions, just inspirational

Hattie

 

[Hattie the Hen]

I suddenly remembered seeing a lot of rag rugs when working in Norway & Sweden so I had a poke around on my laptop & came up with this link

http://www.sandpoint.net/~rafter4/bohbrd.htm

Then I looked around for links that showed various different techniques for turning fabrics into rugs.

I hope you enjoy looking at them -- there are masses of sites out there but I tried to choose the ones with the clearest instructions as I get confused very easily..........!! .....being &


http://www.threadbanger.com/post/11525/crochet-a-rag-rug

http://fibreartuk.blogspot.com/2010/02/thing-day-day-7-prodding-in-yarn-rag.html

http://www.btinternet.com/~aldous/page9.html

http://www.jamboree.freedom-in-education.co.uk/w's craft corner/rag rug.htm

http://raggedoldblogger.blogspot.com/2009/07/rag-rug-tutorial-though-it-doesnt.html


Hattie

 

[tortoise]

I never finished my rug. I ended up moving and then the next semester started...

Anyway, I just tore up fabric in 1-1/2 to 2 inch wide strips and started braiding. After I had a good amount of braid, I starting coiling and stitching.

Photo: http://urbanfoodchain.blogspot.com/2009/11/rags-recycled.html

Click on the photo to ENLARGE.

 

[The Vail Benton's]

I never finished my rug. I ended up moving and then the next semester started...

Anyway, I just tore up fabric in 1-1/2 to 2 inch wide strips and started braiding. After I had a good amount of braid, I starting coiling and stitching.

Photo: http://urbanfoodchain.blogspot.com/2009/11/rags-recycled.html

Click on the photo to ENLARGE.

I hope you get to finish that one of these days, it's already gorgeous! I love that blue.

 

[kcsunshine]

Hattie, thanks for those links. Now why haven't I been making some of those this winter when it was too muddy to play outside? I'm going to put it on my list of things to do.
The Vail Bentons: I had problems getting them to lay flat, too. I think that's when you need a large flat surface (like a table top) so you can keep it laying flat while you stitch. You probably need one of those thick threads like upholsterers use.

 

[Hattie the Hen]

I did upholstery & we used a finely twisted linen thread which we waxed with beeswax just before stitching. I think this would be perfect for stitching the rugs as the wax will enable it to go through the many layers with ease & it will also help strengthen the thread & protect against dirt.

Hattie

 

[sylvie]

I have made crocheted rag rugs that did not hold up well.
I made crocheted bread wrapper rugs-even worse for wear.
The braided rugs from old coats held up the longest.

 

[The Vail Benton's]

I have made crocheted rag rugs that did not hold up well.
I made crocheted bread wrapper rugs-even worse for wear.
The braided rugs from old coats held up the longest.

I know where I went wrong with my braided rug, but I wonder what I did differently with my crocheted rugs that they are holding up so beautifully? I love that I can wash them. That's a big MUST at my house these days.
I really like both techniques of rug making. I wish I'd had better skills and more common sense (to use better quality/stronger thread when sewing it together) when I made my braided wool rug.

 

[sylvie]

I have made crocheted rag rugs that did not hold up well.
I made crocheted bread wrapper rugs-even worse for wear.
The braided rugs from old coats held up the longest.

I know where I went wrong with my braided rug, but I wonder what I did differently with my crocheted rugs that they are holding up so beautifully?

In my case I made them from old fabric that would have truly made better rags. I think the rug will be only as good as the quality material used.
I also over washed my crocheted rugs and used chlorine bleach in the days before the oxy clean, so that didn't help matters. I wonder if treating with something like scotchguard would extend the life by not needing so many washes?

 

[big brown horse]

How do you wash them?