Rag Rugs.....

foxybabe

Hi, do any of you know how to make rag rugs? I want to make one for my bedroom but I havent a clue where to start. Both getting the stuff to make one and how to do it. Any pointers would ber much appreciated.

many thanks everyone

charlies_mum

Try looking at this website https://www.4ormore.co.uk/projects/ragrug.htm

bellsbells

The basics you need for a rag rug are:

a hook thingy (not sure what the proper name is, but it is the tool that allows you to hook the rag through the hessian)
a piece of hessian
lots of rags cut into strips
wood to make a frame

My grandma used to make them all the time - we always sent her all our old clothes. She would get my dad to fasten a piece of hessian onto a wooden frame so that it was nice and taught - this makes it easier to punch the holes through. You make the frame the size you want the rug to be. You then 'hook' each piece of rag through one at a time and tie off in a knot. It is one of those things that is very difficult to explain, but if shown you would pick up in a minute! You can vary the length and thickness of the rags - longer means more of a shag pile effect:rotfl:
My grandma was a real dab hand and could make beautiful patterns and everything - my efforts have always been a bit more hapdash!
These rugs were OS through and through - even the hessian that my grandma used came from old grain sacks (we lived on a farm). I can remember many a saturday afternoon cutting out rags and watching her make rugs - boy was she fast:j

You can however get kits from hobby shops. These contain wool usually cut to the correct length, a hessian style piece of backing with holes already in it and a pattern painted on. You then just follow the pattern and build the picture. My first effort was one of these kits when I was about 8. I am sure you will be able to buy hooks by themselves as well, and probably someone to demonstrate to you how to use it.

HTH

bellsbells

glenstan

remember my mother making these when i was a child, she would use strips of
the good bits of our worn out clothes, I recall a home made wooden frame, across the frame would be an old sack that had been washed and dried. the pattern was drawn onto this sacking, the bits of material were small oblongs cut to be about 4 ins by a half inch.

amyandoli

ive had a go at these, not hooking through material though. from a book i bought and sold on amazon, cant memo name sorry!

take long 2in wide strips of material and tie in strips of equal lengths - do this x3.

then platt them and tie both ends in neat knots.

then on a flat surface, wind them against each other to make a flat circle.

use thick thread/cord and a big needle or hook tool to 'stitch' platt stitches together.

hope this helps-im awful at explaining, better at showing!
-my friend made one out of shredded plastic bags as a joke gift

foxybabe

amyandoli wrote:

ive had a go at these, not hooking through material though. from a book i bought and sold on amazon, cant memo name sorry!

take long 2in wide strips of material and tie in strips of equal lengths - do this x3.

then platt them and tie both ends in neat knots.

then on a flat surface, wind them against each other to make a flat circle.

use thick thread/cord and a big needle or hook tool to 'stitch' platt stitches together.

hope this helps-im awful at explaining, better at showing!
-my friend made one out of shredded plastic bags as a joke gift

This one sounds interesting, I might have a go at this one. cheers

poohbear59

I started making a rag rug last year and its not quite finished yet. I went for the simplest version. Use hessian and hem the edges first. Then cut strips of fabric (the guide we use is the same size as the long thin edge of a 'swan' match box-I was taught by an elderly lady). The 'proggy' tool is made from one 'leg' of a dolly clothes peg whittled to make a point. You work from the back and push one end of the fabric through half way then about 1cm away push the other half through. I usually pull through from the back to make sure its through properly. I work in rows to make it easier. Make sure you cut up lots of fabric before you start and mix it all up to get a more even distribution of coplour if making a random pattern. The fabric needs to be sweatshirt/ fleece thickness for best results or if using tea shirts double the width of fabric to give correct thickness.I hope this helps and is not too confusing.

LittleVoice

My grandfather (born in late 19th century) was a tailor and made rag rugs by using odds and ends of fabric left from making men's suits and overcoats. They lasted for years and years.

Topher

I make my rag rugs with a rag rug tool which enables me to pull the strip of rag through two holes (that I've first pushed the tool through) The tool is sprung and has a handles which when squeezed, opens the end out so that it can "grab" the end of the rag. That way its easy to pull halfway throught he two holes, which anchors it in place. A similar result to the one described with the sharpened peg, only with the tool you've kind of made a single stitch, I understand the peg to push the rag into place.
I pick up the tools regularly at car boots, and second hand sales. Someone who knows what they're selling can get around £8 on an Antiques stall, but I've paid pence for mine. The spring do eventually go, but I understand they can be mended. (None of mine have broken yet)
T.

Topher

I make my rag rugs with a rag rug tool which enables me to pull the strip of rag through two holes (that I've first pushed the tool through) The tool is sprung and has a handles which when squeezed, opens the end out so that it can "grab" the end of the rag. That way its easy to pull halfway throught he two holes, which anchors it in place. A similar result to the one described with the sharpened peg, only with the tool you've kind of made a single stitch, I understand the peg to push the rag into place.
I pick up the tools regularly at car boots, and second hand sales. Someone who knows what they're selling can get around £8 on an Antiques stall, but I've paid pence for mine. The spring do eventually go, but I understand they can be mended. (None of mine have broken yet)
T.