Rag Rugs.....

blossomhill_2

I did one years ago - would say to keep to one weight of material otherwise it doesn't lie too flat and is easier to wash
Pinking shear the edges of the strips
When I lived in Northumberland I was told it was a "proggy mat"

[Deleted User]

I grew up rag rugging as they were the only floor coverings we had, could do from 4. We used any old rags in any colours. About 5" long, try a patch first to get the hang of it. Leave enough sacking on edges to turn over. Fabrics then were cotton and about the same density ie dress, skirt etc

zippychick

As this has dropped down the board, i've merged this with our rag rug thread for you

Zip

April_Showers

Hi, long time lurker here but I would like to make one of these (my mother still has some made by my grandmother - and mum is in her eighties!). Does anyone use a frame? I've been looking online but can't see where to buy one. Would a tapestry frame be suitable? TIA - I'm not usually 'crafty' type person but for some reason I'm keen to try this.

PipneyJane

Hello. Can I add my voice to April Showers? I've been collecting old shirts for what feels like forever, to make a hooked rag rug. I did a class on progging rag rugs several years ago (still have the kit), but I already had the canvas and latch hooks for mine before I took that course.

No mention of frames on the course I took but I was given one piece of advice - make sure you have a table at a suitable height to take the weight of the rug because they get very heavy!

April_Showers

Thanks Pipney Jane, I never thought about the weight! I've looked at Heather Ritchie's YouTube video and she says a frame isn't necessary but makes things easier to work with it on your lap whilst watching tv (which is what I have in mind!).

My mum tells me grandma used to fix the hessian to a wooden frame at one side with tacks and then roll it tight on the other side of the frame so the hessian was taut and easier to work with. She seems to think she has grandma's original hooks somewhere - I hope she finds them, I like the thought of using the ones she used all her life.

PipneyJane

April_Showers wrote: »

Thanks Pipney Jane, I never thought about the weight! I've looked at Heather Ritchie's YouTube video and she says a frame isn't necessary but makes things easier to work with it on your lap whilst watching tv (which is what I have in mind!).

My mum tells me grandma used to fix the hessian to a wooden frame at one side with tacks and then roll it tight on the other side of the frame so the hessian was taut and easier to work with. She seems to think she has grandma's original hooks somewhere - I hope she finds them, I like the thought of using the ones she used all her life.

Good luck. I hope your mum can locate them.

My plan is to sit close enough to the coffee table for it to support the weight of the rug. (I say "plan". I've been planning this for at least 8 years, if not 9. How sad is that?)

rachil_2

Yes, people do make rugs from carrier bags but I have seen that they are not durable. The links generally open up once heavy foot work is exposed to them.