This is obviously quite a large project, but once the
items for doing it are assembled it is all very easy. This type of rag rug is
made with little loops, and is very simple - the finished effect looks really
beautiful, and is something to be proud of. It is also a very good way of using
old items of clothing, which are a shame to throw away. The project in the instructions is for a wall-hanging, but the same technique, can be used for making a traditional rag rug. I did a wall hanging because I couldn't bear the idea of anyone walking on my precious work of art, and I think you will feel the same! The pink flower wall hanging now hangs proudly in my bedroom, and you can see the one I made for my brother, Samuel, below! You don't have to do either of these designs if you don't want, you can invent one of your own - it is easier than you might imagine! |
Rag rug making is a traditional craft that people have done for hundreds of years. It requires very few tools and once the basic technique is learnt, there are no limits to the variety of things you can make – cushions, tea cosies, wall hangings, chair pads, blankets, etc.
This pattern is for a wall hanging, as it is advisable to start with something small.
These instructions are for right-handed people and need to be reversed if you work with your left hand.
You will need: 25˝ x 25˝ (64 cm x 64 cm) square piece of hessian or sacking cloth A water-resistant marker pen A wooden frame – an artist’s stretcher, or embroidery frame
Old pieces of material. For this flower design, you will need black cloth for the outline, various shades of pink for the flower, two yellows for the centre, and a large piece of blue cloth for the background. These colours can be varied according to what material you have. Scissors A hook (diagram 1, available from www.rugkit.co.uk) 8 foot (2.5 m) strip of 2˝ (5 cm) wide carpet
braid, 4 pieces of matching ribbon 1½˝ (4 cm) wide 4˝ (10 cm) long
|
Above: Oak Tree |
Note 1: A wide variety of materials can be used in rag rug making: sheets, blankets, jumpers, dresses, ribbons, leather and even plastic bags. |
|
Method:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note 2: Always work in the same direction, or you will find that each loop pulls out the previous loop. Do not be tempted to run a strip from one area to another under the fabric, as you will be sure to catch it up later – it is much easier to just snip off the material and start again. |
|
Binding the Rug
|
|
You have now finished your rug! |
Diagram 7 |