My two daughters (aged 14 and 12) are planning to make rag rugs this year. They have never done it before. Actually, our whole family is quite uninformed on the subject. We've perused your lovely website, but still wonder what would be best for them. I did read an answer you gave to another mom whose daughter wanted to start such a project, but I'd like to know if any of your kits would be "doable" for them, rather than making one from strips of sheets. Also, is most of the work done by hand? Thank you! Linda
Hi Linda, As for your daughter's rug making project, yes, I think they are old enough to handle many different types of rugs, and the kits would be a good starting place for them. The only technique I wouldn't recommend for them at this point is the Bohemian Braid, since it is a bit more complex, and might frustrate them (which we don't want to do!)
I would recommend any of the crochet kits, especially if you know the basics (single crochet) and can supervise, or the shirring kits. The patched rug kit would also let them make their own shapes and stitch them for sewing experience, and will go the quickest. The 50 yard package of cotton braiding strips is especially designed for youngsters to learn to braid (see the patterns for the dog leash and the placemat on the website), and the book 5-016 Multi-strand braids. They can use the braiding patterns for belts, handles, hatbands, etc, which are quickly done and kids love doing them.
But you really don't need a "kit" for the girls to get started, just reliable directions. The two-string knotted shag rugs are ideal for youngsters and all you need is some stout string or cord and sewing scraps of leftover clothing. Kids do get a big kick out of making rugs from their outgrown clothes and they become memory rugs. Another simple method you can make with household supplies include kitchen table rugs.
Hope that helps, Diana
do you offer a book that covers the Strung, Knotted and sewn Shag rugs, and maybe even the broomstick? Basicaly what I'm looking for is some easy to learn techniques for beginners, my 13 year old daughter and I, we neither crochet nor knit. Francine
Hi Francine, We do have a bulletin on the Knotted shag rugs, which is a big favorite with the younger set--they do the knotting and Mom helps with sewing the long knotted sections into a shaggy rug. The broomstick rugs are a bit more complicated, and I really wouldn't recommend them as a joint project at this age. There are a couple of other ones that would work though, the kitchen table rugs which are woven, go together quickly and make a good project working together, and the flat wrap rugs bulletin which covers basket making, since the technique is quite simple but makes very substantial baskets. The basket projects are done fast enough to keep the interest of the youngsters. Hope that helps, Diana
Hello! I really enjoyed your website. We are a homeschooling family interested in handicrafts. I am wondering if making rag rugs would be something that elementary aged children could learn to do. Do you have any information?
Thank you for your time, Lily
Hi Lily, Children were often involved in rug making, and there are several methods that even very young children can participate in. With the very young ones, there is usually part that they do and they part that a grownup does to finish the rug. The method that I have found is the most popular with young ones, even at kindergarten age, is the 2-string method of the knotted shag. The kids are fascinated with the knots, and they make long strings of them, and then an adult makes sure the knots are snug on the string, and sews the strings side by side to make the rug. Because the knotted shag uses such small pieces of fabric, they can recycle their own clothes as well!
Also, on the website is a braiding project for kids which introduces them to a 4-strand braid to make a dog leash (or belt/handle). You might start them out with that.
There are other types of rugs which can be done as a family project as well. If there is a particular method you're interested in, just let me know, and I'll be able to tell you if it is suited for a kid's project. (It also would help to know the ages/skill levels you're working at with them.)
Hope that helps, Diana
Hi there, I have a lot of sheep's wool that I had processed into thick roving for rug braiding...however, I do not know how to braid rugs. My Mother-in-law braids beautiful rugs with wool fabric. She taught me how to braid with fabric but I can not braid the wool roving... I've tried but the wool sticks together and I get frustrated. My friend told me about rag rugs and thought that maybe I could kind of weave the thick roving. I don't own a loom... is there any way I can make a loom or frame inexpensively. If so, how do I make one? Also do you have any other suggestions on what else I can do with the roving? Keep in mind that I'm not all that gifted in artistic creativity.... I'll appreciate any ideas or suggestions you may have. Thanks, Sharon
Dear Sharon, The problem you've got with the roving is the technique you're trying to use (regular braiding) just isn't suited to the roving. But don't give up on it! There are two methods for making rugs with roving like you have that will work very well. If you want a soft-ish rug, try the two strand chain braid. Unlike regular braiding you use continuous strands to make the braids (no splicing), and because you don't have to cross over & under, the roving won't stick to itself. The other method which I would highly recommend is the "Modern Bohemian Braid". It is also made of a continuous strand, and makes up with a lot of body. This is the one if you want a rug of about the same weight as the braided rugs your Mother-in-law makes.
While you can weave with roving as the weft, it really works best on a regular loom, so there isn't a frame weaving method that is a good substitute. Another thing you can do with roving is to combine it with a 'rag' strip, and work the two together as if they were a single strand, in many types of rag rugs such as crocheted rugs, knitted rugs, etc. You *can* get nice rugs from your roving! Best, Diana
Hi Diana, In your advice about rovings, you mentioned "Modern Bohemian Braid". How is that done? All my sheep have black wool. What are the problems and pleasures of having an all black rug. Can a roving rug be felted? How can you tell before a project, how much roving you need? Thank you for the time you spend with me and others. You are a great teacher. Regards, nbs
Hi Niki, The Modern Bohemian Braid is a series of loops laced into loops, and really ought to be classified as one of the chain braids, but because it so closely resembles the traditional Bohemian Braid in appearance, it shows up on the Rug Tour with the toothbrush rugs. Your black sheep's wool should do fine for a rug. The only problems with black rugs is that they tend to show all of the light colored lint, dust or pet hairs, but if you can get some light colored (especially gray) wool to work into the roving in small flecks that problem will be minimized. Yes, you can felt a roving rug which would make it extra sturdy.
As for how much roving you'd need for a project, the only good way to know is to make a small sample up and calculate from there. There are so many variables (size of roving, size of tool, technique and personal touch) that there isn't really any good general guideline that you can rely on. Glad you're enjoying the website. Hope that helps, Diana
Hello , I just ordered a book from you on braided rugs and now have a question for you . I saw on your rug tour that someone asked a question about using wool roving to braid rugs with , you suggested the modern bohemian braid to do it with , this really interests me as I raise long wool sheep and also am not very interested in the sewing part of putting braided rugs together . Could you please just tell me a little about this process so I can decide which way to go before ordering some more books and supplies? What size hook and what size roving works the best do you think for these type rugs? I would really appreciate it . Thank you for your time . Drin
Good morning Drin, I've heard from quite a number of gals with their own sheep/wool who have wondered what sort of rug could be made with the roving, and have recommended the "modern" bohemian braid to each one and they have been quite happy with the results. The mbb rugs are done in a unit working with interlaced loops, so there is no sewing of the braids. Because the technique is so 'structural' the rugs have the heft and body of a braided wool rug, even though the roving itself is soft and pliable. The mbb really isn't like anything else in being able to generate so much body in the rugs.
Because the technique is so different from anything else, it is difficult to describe (which is why there are so many line drawings of each step in the book). I only have one size roving (about 3/8") around the house, so that is what I have used, both by itself and in combination with other yarns. I used the N with that size, and the rugs are a nice weight for me. Another gal I've corresponded with has used 3/4" roving and she really likes the heavy weight it made up, but was some surprised at how much wool went into a single rug. So I really can't say that one size works better than another--- it's really a matter of how thick and heavy you want the rug to be.
And yes, if you want a heavier rug, the Bohemian braid rugs can be wet felted easily. The roving will tend to felt by itself when the rug is in use anyway.
Hope that helps, Diana