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| Seeking advice/directions for making small rugs from scrap/salvaged fabrics. Looking for any rug making info/links/ideas, actually. Thanks, Mol |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by Glen_or_Linda (My Page) on Sun, Nov 16, 03 at 0:14
| Hi Molly, I did a search on Google and found tons of sites. Hopefully someone on here will be able to give first hand knowledge. Linda |
Here is a link that might be useful: Rag Rug Sites
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| try www.craftown.com/instruction/rugs.htm i found my braiding instructions here hope this helps fbdbfh |
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- Posted by outofmytree (My Page) on Sun, Nov 30, 03 at 0:04
 This is one of many rag rugs I have made. Radd |
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- Posted by outofmytree (My Page) on Sun, Nov 30, 03 at 0:21
 These rugs are much larger than you might think! They are a great winter project as they keep you warm as you work. I use any old clothes/ fabrics. I love the wild colors! But you can do any colors you wish. |
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| Radd (Is that for radical? LOL ) I loooooooove your rag rugs! Boy they are a long way from the rag rugs that the pioneers made! Lots of fun! Ann |
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| Ohhh..those are great Rugs. How are they made? I like them better than the braided ones. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work. |
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- Posted by mollyjanea (My Page) on Sun, Nov 30, 03 at 14:42
| Radd, please share directions; we love your rugs! Do you have a certain book or ? that you reccommend? Thanks a bunch! Molly |
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| I've been crocheting rugs for years, using old t-shirts, knits etc. Mine don't hold a candle to your rugs, Radd. Could you please share with us how you make them? |
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| Beautiful work...Waiting in line for directions too....Mary |
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- Posted by outofmytree (My Page) on Sun, Nov 30, 03 at 19:37
| Hello---- Thanks a lot. It's a fun project and time consuming. But what else to do with cabin fever?? Radd is the first 4 letters of my last name. Also I thought you would all figure out how I did it. No books, just what I thought of. You are close though with the crochet thought line. I just crochet the size rug I want to make, round square, whatever. Cut fabric into strips--tie one in each hole of the crochet backing. See it's easy! I use a large hook like for rug making. You can cut a ton of strips or buy them cut already. I like to cut my own. You can cut the strips to the desired length, if you want a wild shag look like mine or cut them shorter for a tighter nap. If any more questions post here or E mail me. Have a great creating day. RADD |
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| I've looked and looked for instructions for those. They are fabulous! The closest I've come to the great look you have is using latch hook canvas and skipping every other hole / row. I'll have to try crochet for the canvas! Thanks for sharing! |
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| HUUMMM...Trying to visualize this..could just see one of those rugs being made with the scraps I had left over from making this YO-YO coverlet... Mary |
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| Thank you so much for the information. I'll definitely be making some of those rugs now. I'm going to use strips from old t-shirts to crochet the rug base and save my pretty fabric for the strips. |
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| Oh No!!!I don't know how to crochet!!What else could I try other than learning crochet??? Help Thanks so much anyway for sharing your technique. |
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- Posted by techsupport8 (My Page) on Sun, Nov 30, 03 at 22:30
| I've crocheted rag rugs and I DO NOT crochet! I got the biggest hook I could find and ripped strips from my fabric stash and just did it - any stitch I chose, any color that worked . . it was very easy and a great stress reducer! They wear like IRON. I did one 15 years ago and it now resides in front of my washing machine - it won't rip!!! It's faded and stained, but still very durable! |
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- Posted by FoxesEarth (My Page) on Mon, Dec 1, 03 at 20:13
| SunnyFL, the simple crochet stitch you need to know to make a rug is very, very easy to learn. I learned from a book, years ago when I was motivated to make something that I wanted. In my opinion, learning simple crochet would be easier than learning to make a braided rug, which requires hand stitching to sew the braids together. I've never tried latch hook, maybe somebody else could tell us how the learning curve there compares to these other two methods? RADD, I think your rugs are beautiful. Another project to add to a long list, but looks like one that could be bumped up toward the top. Thank you for sharing. Nellie
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- Posted by outofmytree (My Page) on Tue, Dec 2, 03 at 2:32
| Hi all, That yo-yo is a beauty, nice work. You can do a simple chain stitch to create the rag rug backing. I too have done the hook rug thing and it's a great way to make one also. I like the crochet backing as it's more flexible. Yes use the t shirts and any fabric you find desirable. Please email me for more info as many of you have as It's not allowed on these boards for me to get into detail. Radd |
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| 'It's not allowed on these boards for me to get into detail' Really? Is that true? On garden junk we do tons of posts on the details as long as it stays in the original thread. Is this something specific to this forum? |
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- Posted by SunflowerBren (My Page) on Tue, Dec 2, 03 at 10:32
| I need more in depth directions because I am an idiot lol. I LOVE LOVE THE RAG RUGS and would love to make one. For us dummies....could you do a more in depth directions pleaseeeeeee. |
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- Posted by Sheryl_Ontario (My Page) on Tue, Dec 2, 03 at 18:36
| I have always wanted to do the braided rag rug. I've had the directions for years and just never got around to making one. Maybe this year I'll start! |
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| Wow, those are awesome rag rugs! |
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- Posted by outofmytree (My Page) on Tue, Dec 2, 03 at 23:48
| Hey It's me Radd-- Well I have already got some "friendly reminders" from the staff here about my postings. Guess they don't like my details and have assumed I'm a business owner. Which I am not. So I try to keep it simple here and details by email request. I don't mean to upset anyone as I love it here. I'm here to share and to learn. I don't want to get kicked off. |
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- Posted by Yellowhair (My Page) on Wed, Dec 3, 03 at 10:38
| I love these rugs! Just wondering if we non-crocheters could take some old sweaters--the loosely knitted ones, and cut them up---use as our base. Think I'll try one and see what happens. thanks PS Loved that yo-yo bedspread, too! |
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- Posted by FoxesEarth (My Page) on Thu, Dec 4, 03 at 17:47
| Directions for crocheting a rag rug are plentiful on the web, but I've not seen any details for putting the 'shag' onto the crocheted base. How long and how wide for the strips? Cut on the grain or bias cut to reduce fraying? Do you knot them on with a granny knot, or pull the two ends through a loop over the base? Do you start in the middle and work out, or choose a starting point along one side? Do you mix materials, not just colors? Knits with wovens? Cottons with polyester? I'm still puzzled why Radd's posts caused comment by the board administrators, unless it was taken as an offer to sell something? If I made a rag rug, it would take so many hours to finish it would be priceless! Precious! |
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- Posted by outofmytree (My Page) on Thu, Dec 4, 03 at 21:49
| It's a mystery to me. I posted wood candles I made too and got a note to email. I'm an ebay seller so just maybe they think I'm promoting my sales here. It's ok, it didn't upset me. I'm a guest here and will abide. To answer your questions: 3" wide strips--length is your call. I have knotted both ways, and knotted the tails. I start at the bottom and work up. I do mix fabrics. ( YOU COULD MAKE A SMALL "SAMPLE" SIZE TO GET THE HANG OF IT FIRST) And I cover the back ( hand sew) with a fabric I deem fit for a rug backing. It will hide all your work too and finish it up nice. Radd |
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- Posted by chinacat_sunflower (My Page) on Tue, Dec 9, 03 at 12:40
| I have a bath mat I crocheted out of old pantyhose and tights- cut the hip and toe off, and left all the tag ends loose just for the heck of it... I have used 1" wide strips of fabric instead of hook latch yarn on projects, used the Rya knot to add a huge layer of earth-tone shag to one of those tackey crocheted shawls from the 70's- makes a great costume piece for halloween! that and a long dress, and I'm Mother Nature! I've also found that you can use the latch-hook or crochet technique with that stay-put rug gris backing stuff- it's pretty sturdy : ) my grandmother used to use a hook on a burlap backing- but she also did petit point, which I jsut don't have the patience for... and I cheat with my backings (which I only use for gifts- I use iron fusible web to hold the backing on in the center, and just stitch the edge where it meets the face for a neat appearance.
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- Posted by lizzyanthus (My Page) on Tue, Dec 30, 03 at 10:33
| Hi Radd...These rugs of your's are just what I have spent hours looking for without much luck as far as good detailed instructions are concerned. They are beautiful. I would like to email you for info if it won't be too much trouble. Thanks in advance. You have made my day!!! |
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| Radd, the rugs are beautiful! Bren, I'm a big ol dummy too. LOL |
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| Beautiful rugs. My question is what kind of yarn do you use for the basic rug. Do you use macrame cord or regular rug yarn for the basic rug? Elliejo |
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- Posted by outofmytree (My Page) on Sun, Jan 4, 04 at 0:51
| Elliejo::::: Yes I use just regular yarn-any colors will do as they get covered up any way and not seen when the rug is complete. Let me know how all your rug projects turn out. Feel free to e mail me for complete details. |
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| I made one of these "rag rugs" several years ago. I used latch hook backing and a latch hook. I cut my strips 1" wide by 5" long and filled in each square by pulling the ends thru the loop. My rug took 60+ yards of fabric. I love the idea of crocheting the backing and might have to make another one of these.  |
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| This is my version of RADD's rag rug. It was made entirely from materials in my stash of scrap flannels and denim. Instead of yarn for a base I crocheted strips of old t-shirt material. The rug is 24 x 40 inches. |
Here is a link that might be useful: flannel and denim rag rug
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- Posted by CraftingMomma (My Page) on Thu, Jan 15, 04 at 13:47
| Grannytoo, I can't see the pic ... it won't let me into your album. Joyce |
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| Sorry about that. I'll try again with Shutterfly. |
Here is a link that might be useful: trying again - rag rug
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| Hi Grannytoo! that won't work either! lol |
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| Hi Kat. See, I am still 'puter illiterate. No changes here. lol Well heck, I hope third time is charm. |
Here is a link that might be useful: gosh I hope this works
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- Posted by outofmytree (My Page) on Thu, Jan 15, 04 at 23:42
| Hi again! Thanks all for the great emails. Sure is fun to "meet" all of you. I'd love to see your rug GRANNYTOO. I can't get it to show. Can you email me a pic? And BUZZARD-----That is a beauty. I love the colors. Great job. The perfect setting for it. Talk to you all real soon. Email anytime.........Radd |
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| Hi, I usually lurk here, didn't realise as a member of GW I could post messages here, I'm not a subscribing member - yet. Radd, I love those rag rugs. I've been wanting to make one ever since I saw one in a magazine. It was gorgeous, made all in one colour, cream. I was going to use cheap unbleached Calico. Since I've had kid's I have rethought the cream LOL, have had 2 cream rugs ..... never again. I had thought about crocheting the base but wasn't sure about what to use. Do you tear or cut the fabric? I had thought about tearing, the frayed edges would probably add to the look. Grannytoo, I can't see your picture either, I think the problem may be that you've sent the link to your personal update page not one for public veiwing. Could you please let us know what name the picture is under, we could search for that. |
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- Posted by mollyjanea (My Page) on Fri, Jan 16, 04 at 10:39
| especially love that second rug!! hints, please? molly |
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- Posted by CraftingMomma (My Page) on Fri, Jan 16, 04 at 10:57
| Grannytoo ... it was worth the wait! Your rug is awesome. Great recycling idea to use the old Tshirts too ... how did you attach the strips of material to the Tshirt backing? With a hook like a typical hooked rug? Or do you use a crochet hook? Thanks for taking the time to get a pic up for us all to look at. Joyce |
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| I use a tool for hooked rugs. I would guess that a crochet hook would work also. I'm now on my third rug. A friend stopped by last week and loved the one I'd just finished so now it has a new home. It was an oval rug with the same colors as the one in the picture. I buy bags of used clothing at a senior center thrift store for $1 each. Most of the items have stains, tears etc making the items unsaleable (is that a word) but perfect for making rugs. |
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- Posted by kitticruiser (My Page) on Mon, Jan 26, 04 at 19:28
| Ok, I need specific directions. How long are your strips? I have been doing 5" strips and they seem to long, but I have only started so maybe with them all on the foundation it will look better. Any more specific insturctions would be greatly appreciated. kitti |
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- Posted by outofmytree (My Page) on Mon, Feb 2, 04 at 1:08
| Grannytoo and Hi to all, WOW! Great rug. Looks fantabulas. Yes I too use whatever I can get for fabric. I do like something with a bit of a stretch to it so it has that wild look. Thanks for sharing. Radd |
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- Posted by bulldinkie (My Page) on Tue, Feb 3, 04 at 9:59
| I made a big oval rug I got all materials bought a huge crochet hoo and crocheted it.It was a job but cute. |
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| I cut the strips 7 inches long which results in about 3 inches after they're pulled through the backing and tied. |
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- Posted by Carolina_pig (My Page) on Wed, Feb 4, 04 at 6:48
| Do you tie a knot (tying it twice) . . . like you'd be tying your shoestring into a knot?? Or do you just tie it one time? Carolina . . . who doesn't know the names of knots!! |
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| I use one of the latch hook rug tools. I double the strip, reach through the loop on the backing and catch the center of the strip, pull it through the loop, then pull the strips through the center part. Not sure I'm explaining it right. I'll try to take pics of the process later this evening and post them. |
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- Posted by Carolina_pig (My Page) on Wed, Feb 4, 04 at 20:03
| Ohhhhhhhhh . . . I gotcha! Thanks! Carolina |
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- Posted by cheermyselfup (My Page) on Wed, Feb 4, 04 at 23:21
| I have been at this computer for 8 hours trying to find instructions for dumb ol me and this is what I got, from a professional who answers questions for free. I expected a partial answer or atleast spotty any way. Not here. HERE YOU GO---- It is really simple to make the shag rugs. There are soooooo many tutorials out there to help you with visual steps on how to make the loop stitch, then it it just cut to make the shag look. Here is simple instructions on how to do the loop stitch: Begin with foundation chain the required length using an number of stitches plus 1 chain. Row 1) Sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc to end of row. Ch 1 and turn. Row 2) Sk first st. Repeat the following procedure to end of row. *insert hook in next st, to determine length of loop, place yarn around middle finger of left hand. Draw yarn through stitch, put yarn over hook and pull through 2 loops. Slip long loop off finger. Continue keeping loops the same size*. Chain 1 and turn. Row 3) Skip fist st, 1 sc in each stitch to end of row. Ch 1 and turn. Repeat row 2 and 3 until work is completed. In order to get the round or oval shape, you would just crochet the shape you want in single crochets and do every other row in the loop stitch until desired size is accomplished. To determine the conversion from yard to pounds..just remember it takes 4 yards of flat fold to make one pound of fabric. Just do the loop stitch, then cut the loops to make it the shaggy look with any size or shape. I also have a very dear friend that has a wonderful video that helps bunches if you would like to contact her at: I use a P or Q hook to do my shag rugs. If you are interested, I have a rag crochet group that you might enjoy being a part of. If you would like to join, just go to: http://groups.*****.com/group/RugCrocheter/ we have a large group of ladies that love to share and help, so we would be happy to have you join |
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- Posted by nadastimer (My Page) on Thu, Feb 5, 04 at 15:29
| Don't know if this helps anyone but I bought a denim rag rug at Wal-Mart last night to go in our bedroom (I have Americana/country stuff with a quilt that has a few denim patches in it). The rugs were marked down from around $9 to $3! I decided to get it. DS wants one now and I think by the time I get there they should be down to $1. Can't beat that price! They had some funky colors, also in chartreuse and magenta. |
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| I just love Radd's rugs. I cant crochet, have bad arthritis but try to keep active so my hands stay mobile, can I use a bought backing? and if so what can I use? Thanks Nan |
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| Nan, I would think you could use the base material that is for latch hook rugs. |
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- Posted by KoffeeKupz (My Page) on Wed, Feb 25, 04 at 12:42
| gee, your rugs are all awesome and the ideas for making them would have never crossed my mind. all i do is simply take a heavy (denim or the like) backing, cut my strips as long as the fabric remnants are at about a 2"-3" width and sew them onto the backing on my machine. i fold the strips for a bit of a pucker as i go along, and just keep sewing untill i run out of strips. i sew the strips right down the middle, through a pucker i make into it and then the next strip is sewn as close to the first one as possible (fluff up the edges and make your sewn lines as close to each other as possible) they make awesome rugs and last for too many years to count. you will be tired of it before it ever wears out. |
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| KoffeeKupz your rugs sound neat. Do you happen to have a picture of a completed rug? I just washed some crocheted rugs today. They were made from strips of old blue jeans sewn together into long strips. I made them over ten years ago and they still look great. |
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- Posted by KoffeeKupz (My Page) on Wed, Feb 25, 04 at 17:37
| no pictures of them ..... but I am working on one right now to go with my totally rag quilt squares I am working on at this moment as well. When I get this rug done I will try to post a picture of it. (if I can find something strong enough to hold it up, its made entirely of fortrel so it is going to weigh a TON LOL ) |
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| I know what you mean about the weight of the rugs. My crocheted denim rug is really heavy also. I have an old one that I use on the back porch and even with almost gale force winds it stays put. |
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- Posted by outofmytree (My Page) on Thu, Mar 18, 04 at 1:58
| Hi again all, Have my new page up. Just click on the RAG RUG link to view some others I have made. Happy Rugging! Radd |
Here is a link that might be useful: rag rugs
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- Posted by outofmytree (My Page) on Thu, Mar 18, 04 at 2:04
| opppppppppssssssss, sorry, left out a .com so try this link below. Radd |
Here is a link that might be useful: rag rugs
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- Posted by mollyjanea (My Page) on Thu, Mar 18, 04 at 6:10
| link not workin for me-help! |
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| hey, maybe it got lost in the shuffle, but i did see an idea for an easy backing- that mesh stuff you put under throw rugs to keep them from sliding around! cream color, sort of rubber coated, 1/2 inch mesh. works good to keep your chair cushions from sliding around, too. |
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- Posted by outofmytree (My Page) on Wed, Mar 24, 04 at 12:32
| BDNBAMA thanks for the link help. I appreciate it. That was very nice of you. I heard you can use the netted bags that produce comes in for a backing. Like oranges, onions and the such. Any one ever try it? Radd |
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| Hi there! I have been using a loom for my rag rugs. The edges are looped around a dowel, and the finished rug has loops all the way down the side. Like those old potholders we used to make... how should I finish the edges?? They look wrong.. |
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| How in the world I've never seen this section of Gardenweb, I'll never know. Wowzers! I LOVE rag rugs! The funny thing is, I've purchased books, books, and more books, even as recently as last week having ordered two more books from Amazon.com. I've got enough rags and old clothes to keep all of us But why can't I make myself sit down and make one?? I've got rug canvas, burlap, denim and so much more for backing. I even bought a rotary cutter, pad and a fabric stripper. I've searched the internet for looms, and quite frankly am obsessed with rag rug making, but yet I've not made one. Am I nuts or just afraid to commit, knowing I'll fall head in heels in love with making them and thus ignoring all my other hobbies? Does anyone else do this? Sigh. I'll just keeping oohing and ahhing over your works of art. Nice! |
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- Posted by mollyjanea (My Page) on Sun, Apr 4, 04 at 8:18
| wuvie-go to this forum and read "i give up". It will help, i think! and remember, you are not alone! lol, hugs, mol |
Here is a link that might be useful: i give up
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- Posted by Lbjnflower (My Page) on Tue, Apr 13, 04 at 23:55
| radd i would love to have your instruction on the rag rugs or any one else that may have them thanks belinda lrjnf@aol.com |
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| Wuvie, I sometimes do similar things when I get tooooo many ideas and can't decide which to do! Joyce |
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- Posted by still_undecided04 (My Page) on Sun, Jun 13, 04 at 16:20
| Hey Ladies and Gentelmen if there are any... I have been looking for rag rug direstions and I cant find any... The link Radd poasted isnt working for me, if anyone has any advice on how to make a rag rug, please help. Jennifer |
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| Jennifer... I don't know how people make them these days but several years ago when I made mine I just cut 2" wide strips of fabric. The same fabric I used in a quilt so that the rug would match it. Trying to keep the good side of the fabric showing, I simply crochet the strips into an oval shape. I used a huge plastic hook. I'm a stickler for neatness so I sewed the strips all together rather than adding a new strip just before the end of a current strip. The edge of the rug was already finished looking, but in keeping with the girly design of the room my granddaughter stayed in when she visited, I crochet a scalloped edge around it. I then weaved a 4" strip of complimentary fabric through the last straight row (before the scallops began) and tied a bow. Because the hook is so large I think the entire rug only took two days to complete... obviously not working on it full time :) Just lettin' Wuvy know it's a relatively quick project! |
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| Is there a size limit to these? They're gorgeous rugs, but most look relatively small. Is there a reason they're kept smaller? I'm thinking weight on the backing maybe? |
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- Posted by thunderrose (My Page) on Thu, Apr 7, 05 at 19:25
| One way that you can obtain "yarn" for your rugs is to buy old wool sweaters and wash them in really hot water with a good amount of detergent and strong agiatation. In other words, ruin them! This will felt the wool and it can then be cut into strips that will not unravel. The wool gets really thick when it felts. For the best felting, it should be 100% wool. The best sweaters to use for this are the finer guage ones. Avoid the ones with a lot of yarn changes, the ones that have designs embroidered into them or knit into the rows. I use these old sweaters to crochet rugs. I have one rug that is all cashmere wool! I crochet them in continuous rounds and place a stitch only through the upper yarn on the previous stitch. Usually, when you crochet, you put the hook under the two threads. I only use the top one. The result is a stitch that has the appearance of a braided stitch. I call them a "East Texas Spiral" rug because I learned to crochet rugs from my old family members. I also make them from any and all old clothes and sewing scraps. I have made a few of them from denim, but it is very heavy and is a workout to wrestle with. Cutting woven fabric stips on the bias will help them not to fray. Usually, though, I just render the old garment into strips in any direction that will yield a strip. Instead of sewing the strips together, I use a cutting method where I cut the strip just to about one inch of the end. I, then, turn the piece around and cut down the other direction for the next strip, thus, leaving a small square of fabric that holds them into one long strip. I used to sew the strips together and it took forever! The little square hinge is just incorporated into the crochet and there is no bulk of seam allowances or double thickness. The felted sweaters are cut up using the same method as the woven fabrics. I find that cutting along the directions that the rows of knitting are running is best, as opposed to cutting across the rows of knitting. But, really, once it is felted, it is pretty sturdy. You can also use wool worsted woven to make rugs. Wool is really durable! I have several made from cut up wool pants and discared wool garments. The only thing is that sometimes the felted wool is so pretty that it is a shame to cut it up! When I cut up the old felted sweaters, I save the seam allowances that I cut off. They look a little like noodles. It takes a lot of cutting up old sweaters to get a basketfull of them, but they are just too good to throw away! They are all wool! |
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- Posted by shwetagarg (My Page) on Thu, Feb 15, 07 at 17:51
| outofmytree wht is ur email id as i wud love to have instructions mine is shwetz27@yahoo.com thanks |
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