Have you ever seen those fun rag rugs and rug weaving and wondered how they are made? Explore just a little bit about making a rug using sheets and fabric scraps. This may become your next hobby.
I took a class locally where I was taught the basics of weaving the rug. I’m no expert here, but thinking that this may become a new hobby for me.
It’s something you can do while watching t.v. in the evenings or giving yourself a break from quilting.
I have found it to be a mindless activity and one that really is forgiving.
A quick look at my experience with rug weaving so far
I bought the loom from the teachers of the class. So right now I don’t know how to make them, but you can find info here on making your own.
The first class was all about taking your ball of strips, joining them and then getting started. By the end of the first class we had a few rows done and understood the process of weaving the fabric strips.
We then took them home and had to work on them on our own – making progress slowly, but getting the hang of it!
The second class was all about finishing up your rug and removing it from the frame or loom. Exciting!
I’ll be putting together a new video showing you how to get started and the process of weaving a rug – but for now, here’s a quick step by step.
Step 1- cut your fabric / sheets into 2″ strips
Step 2- join your strips at the ends using this process for the warp
Step 3- make a slip knot on the first nail to begin the warp
Step 4- weave your warp up and down hooking on the nails, at the end – do a second slip knot to secure. Pull the warp tight throughout and make adjustments if needed at the knot.
Step 5- begin your weft with your fabric strips taking the left strip, going over the right strip and then under the warp. Continue this process till you are at the end.
Step 6- at the end of the row, the strip that went under the last warp goes under the side bars (this bar keeps the rug in the correct shape) then loops on top of the bar to return in the opposite direction
Step 7- going the opposite direction your right strip goes over the left and under the next warp. Continue this till then end of the row again going under the side bar and back the opposite direction.
There are more tricks and tips to this but this is the basic movement.
I am excited to give this a try and see what happens!
Where to buy a Rag Rug Loom
How to make your own rag rug loom
This is similar to what I am using. Full video on making a rug loom here.
What width strips for rug weaving?
While the strips that I used are 2″ x whatever length. You can easily use any width ranging from 1 inch to 2 1/2 inches. For my project I simply cut 2″ strips from large sheets, which have a lot of yardage.
What fabric do you use for rug weaving?
I used sheets. They give you the largest amount of yardage. Begin with cotton sheets with little to no stretch. Later, when you become better at the tension and process, you can explore additional fabrics.
Fabric scraps are great as well. Feel free to cut strips from yardage leftover or fabric that you are simply not going to use…ever. They get mixed in with other fabrics, so being a mish mash and scrappy is perfect.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can you weave a rug on a loom?
The advantage of the high warp loom is that while you can weave the same length of rug as you can on a low-warp loom, you can see more of your design as you weave.
How long does it take to weave a rug?
It depends! I have found that the rate of my weaving is about 1 1/2 rows per hour. The more you do it, the quicker you become at the motion of braiding or weaving.
What kind of loom do I need to make rugs?
You can use both upright looms (also known as high warp looms) and floor looms (or low warp looms) for weaving rugs.
How many yards of fabric do I need for a rag rug?
Depending on how large you are going for you’ll need up to 10 yards of fabric in strips. This is for both the warp and the weft. Because they are rag rugs… you can easily add new fabric and it will fit in just fine with the design.
Can you wash your rag rug?
yes! They are really simple to toss in the washer and give a good wash. Feel free to dust them outside as well prior to get rid of the dust hanging about. To dry your rug- hang it outside to air dry. It will make your rag rug last longer.
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
Follow me here: Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube
Leave a Reply