Rag Rug
Traditional Braided Area Rugs
Traditional Braided Area Rugs
The craft and origin of braided rugs has been the subject of some debate over the years. It is said that the art and craft of braided rugs has roots in the Native American culture. Indigenous cultures the world over have long and well documented histories of rug making. Others contend that the braided rug came to the New World with early European settlers, originally as rag rugs. Regardless of the how the braided rug arrived in North America, the popularity of these rugs has not diminished over the years.
Rag rug making has long been considered a folk art that is still widely practiced. Like many other types of weaving, rug making was a home based craft, borne out of necessity. Frontier settlers did have the luxury of climbing into the family wagon and heading to the local rug store. If something was needed for the home, be it a warm blanket or a rug, a way was found to make it.
As the term implies, rag rugs were made from any available scraps of fabric. Like quilting, the practice of utilizing available materials meant that color schemes and patterns were a secondary consideration. In essence, form followed function. Fabric dyeing, if done at all, made use of local plants, berries and roots. Again, the practice of fabric dyeing was not limited to European settlers. For centuries, Native Americans understood the power of nature to provide beauty and color. This understanding can be seen in virtually every aspect of Native American life.
Traditional braided rugs can be found in a wide variety of weaving styles and construction. Regardless of the fabric, weave or construction, properly made braided rugs share one common feature. Simply put, a proper rug must be made to lay flat on the floor. One sure sign of a poorly braided rug is curling and bunching. A properly made braided or rag rug will have a flat braid. Flat braids are sometimes referred to as tape braids. Flat braids are made by weaving around at least two parallel center cords.
Many round braids are made by weaving around a single, round center cord. The practice of round braiding is a technique that can be found in more modern rug construction. Round braiding is a perfectly acceptable practice, though some less expensive round braid rugs have some problems. Use of a stiff center core in combination with a poor quality yarn will result in a rug that does wear very well. Cheap yarn abrading against a hard center core causes the yarn to wear prematurely, often exposing the center core material.
One of the more unique and beautiful characteristics of braided rugs is color. Makers of early braided rugs might have used whatever fabric or yarn was at hand. The result was a blend or variegation of many colors, often resulting in random patterns. The variegation in color made every rug unique much like patchwork quilts which did not rely on any particular pattern. Variegated rug patterns are perennial favorites among those folks prefer a very traditional look.
The practice of dyeing fabrics and yarns allowed weavers to create patterns of more uniform color. The choice of styles and patterns available today is quite diverse with some rugs following thematic patterns.
Quality braided rugs are easy to care for. Remember that these rugs have been around since before the introduction of such modern conveniences as the vacuum cleaner. Tightly sewn and woven braided rugs could be swept clean with stiff broom. Braided rugs are reversible and regularly turning the rug over greatly extends the life of the rug.
About the Author
Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular daybed site: http://www.daybedcovers.com. He provides informative advice on purchasing quality daybed covers and ensembles.
Basic Instructions to Make a Rag Rug – (3) FULL DIRECTIONS
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Heavy Cotton Woven Rag Rug Table Runner- Size 13×54 $12.99 Heavy Cotton Woven Rag Rug Table Runner- Size 13″x54″… |
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Strip-It Fabric Stripper $9.99 Turn fabric into knitting or braiding strips with ease. Simply pull fabric through the tool and it instantly cuts them into uniform strips. Cuts four strips at a time in 1/4 1/2 3/4 1 and 1-1/4 widths. Use scraps to make quilts rugs rag knitting and crochet braiding and more! Tool clamps securely to almost any table for easy use…. |
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SPC RAG36150 Rug,Sorbent Universal Sorbent Rug, Gallons Sorbed per Package 55, Dimension 36 Inches x 150 Feet, Recycled Materials… |
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SPC Sorbent Products 36×150′ Univ Roll Sorbent Industrial Rugs Sorbents/pads Rolls Mats – Spill Control, Containment & Storage Type: Rolls Applications: Universal Capacity: 55 Gal. Length: 150 Ft. Width: 36 In…. |
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Basic Crochet Rag Rug Instructional DVD $14.00 Basic Crochet Rag Rug Instructional DVD teaches the basics of crocheting rag rugs using fabric and a Q crochet hook. If you have never crocheted a rag rug before or you want to brush up on your skills, this is the instructional DVD for you!This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com’s standard return policy will apply…. |
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Shag Rag Rug Instructional DVD $14.00 Learn how to create beautiful thick rag rugs. You will be amazed at how easy these rugs are to create! Your friends & family will love them. Simple instructions and technique to create beautiful heirloom quality rugs for gifts or home decoration. Instructional DVD taught by the creator of the Shag Rag Rug technique.This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com’s… |
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Toothbrush Rag Rugs: Directions to Create Country Style Toothbrush Rag Rugs $14.00 This DVD will teach you how to use fabric and a toothbrush to create gorgeous country style rugs for your home. It is now easier than ever to create a country style home inexpensively. Use any fabric! You can use fabric you purchase from a craft store or fabric from old clothes and t-shirts. 100% cotton fabric works the best. You can create a gorgeous array of country style decorations spending l… |
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Making Rag Rugs (Paperback) $11.96 The techniques for making rag rugs are thoroughly explained in this useful book, which is well-illustrated with photos of the process as well as of the finished product. |
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Twist and Twine (Paperback) $16.32 “Traditional crafting and green crafting come together with impressive results in Twist & Twine. Author Bobbie Erwin guides you through the age-old art of rug twining to create beautiful, durable objects for your home, all with strips of new or recycle… |
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Welcome Home (Paperback) $18.05 Offers 11 knitting projects. This title contains instructions and templates for these projects, including designer pillows, glorious quilts, and whimsical rag rugs. |
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