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You can make a lot of different rugs with cotton fabric strip, and they will all be machine washable, as long as the rug isn't too large for your washing machine. I usually suggest under 3 feet round if you want to use a home machine. The larger machines at laundramats can be used for larger cotton rugs.
If you want to make a rug that can get wet/sit in water (like near a pool), I suggest you look for fabrics that are at least half polyester (or all synthetic) to minimize mildewing.
Now for the type of rug... Crocheted rugs are much quicker to make than braided (or chain braided rugs), since they are done in one step, instead of two. If you want a 'hefty' cotton rug, try the Bohemian Braid which is stouter than either, and goes together in one step. You can also do 'naalbinding' rugs, amish knot, flat wrap, etc., so the choice is really up to you. Hope that helps, Diana
My question is regarding double folding the fabric strip. I have a bias tape maker that puts the first fold in the tape, with my iron. Then, I fold that strip in half and carefully roll balls so that the tape lies flat. This seems so tedious and takes so long to do. The folder I saw on your site looks like there is another tape maker behind the first one, is that true? Does that make both folds in one swell foop?
Yes, the two folders used together make a double-fold in a single step, and you'll find it isn't nearly so time consuming as the way you've been doing it.
Also, do I have to be so careful about rolling the balls with the tape lying flat, or can I just roll it up any which way, even if the strip ends up twisted?
Roll it up any old way as long as you don't 'unfold' the strip when it is balled up. The strip gets twisted around when making the rug anyway, so don't make more work for yourself in making perfect balls.
Thanks for the great books, I am really having fun, in spite of my small frustrations! You are right, it sure is different working with fabric strip instead of yarn! Another question, should I be washing my 100% cottons before I cut them into strips? All of mine have been washed already that are in my stash, but I intend to buy more over the next few days, there is a store nearby that has a whole room full of discount fabric, and I CAN wash it if I buy some, but would be nice not to, if you know what I mean.
Your 100% cottons will do just fine as they come, and the sizing that is in them actually makes them easier to handle in the folders.
COMBINATION FOLDERS
I am thoroughly enjoying your site! It is very informative and I plan to order some tools to begin
a braided rug this winter. I have a couple of questions I hope you can answer.
My mom gave me a couple of old, (and from what I can tell) out of print 1980's "Braid Craft" books by Shirley Botsford which included instructions for braiding not only rugs, but many other craft items.
The fabric folding tool in the book looks like a cross between the cones shown on your site, and a bias tape maker similar to your "smooth strip folding set". It's not as round as the cone, nor as flat as the small strip folders. Is the only difference between the results how flat the braid will lie when completed? Do both types allow feeding of fabric strips without any pre-folding?
Thank you for your consideration! Cheryl
Hi Cheryl, So glad you are enjoying the site.
The 'braidcraft' sets and their folders are still being sold, and the booklets are still available from Distlefink Designs in New Jersey, I believe. You are right that the folders are a sort of a cross between the old-fashioned braiding cones and the folding sets for cottons. Unfortunately, as happens sometimes, in trying to make something that works with both, the folders ended up not working very well with either fabric.
If you're using wool or any other heavy fabric, there is just nothing else that works like the old fashioned braiding cones to turn the edges of the fabric strip under securely (that's why they've been around so long). And with light cottons (like calicos) you have to have folders that are flat enough for the fabric to take and hold a crease, so there just isn't one single type of folder that will work for both types of fabric.
When working with wools or heavy fabrics for braiding, the braiding cones are held right with the work, but with cottons, it is just tremendously easier to fold/crease the fabrics first, and then do the braiding.
Hope that helps, Diana
I have access to large amounts of both medium and heavy weight cotton and would like to use it to make rugs. I have never done any rugmaking although I have a lot of experience with needlework, knitting and crocheting. Your web site is great but now I am more confused than ever as to which technique would be best to learn. I want a rug that will be functional (although not abused). Techniques that appealed to me in your tour (for appearance) were broomstick, chain braid, anchored loop, hook braided and kitchen table but I was originally looking for information on crocheting rugs which still appeals to me. Secondary factors in my decision would be size possible and, of course, time needed. If you could advise me on which techniques would fit my needs then I could order instructions and try them out! Thank you.
Good morning, You are right that there are a *lot* of rug methods to choose from, and with all of your textile experience you shouldn't have any problem with any of the techniques, so that doesn't help to narrow things down either. For the medium weight fabrics, I'd recommend crochet/fabric tapestry, knitted, broomstick, and chain braid. The anchored loop and hook braided actually work the best with fairly light cottons (like a calico). For the heavy cottons, the kitchen table rugs, chain braid. And for rugs using both, the broomstick rugs can be made with fabrics of two different weights.
There really isn't a size limitation on any of the techniques, but if you want to wash the rugs in a home washing machine, to keep them to 3 feet or less.
As for the time needed, the ones you'll make the quickest would be the techniques that you are already familiar with (crochet/knit). Of the others you list, the quickest would be the chain braid and kitchen table rugs. Longest would be anchored loop and hook braided. Hope that helps, Diana
WITH TWO-INCH STRIPS
i have a very large quantity of yardage that i have
cut into 2 inch strips. i want to make a round rag rug. what method would you suggest? any help would be greatly appreciated. thank
you. Darlene in Washington state.
Hi Darlene, There are so many ways you could use your strips, a lot will depend on what sort of rug you want to end up with and the kind of hand work you like. If your strips are already sewn together, there are the crocheted, modern bohemian braid, chain braids etc. The bohemian will make a stiff stout rug, and the others are a bit softer. If the strips aren't already joined, the flat wrap will make a very heavy rug or the traditional bohemian braid also has a lot of body. Short strips are also used for the traditional toothbrush (naalbinding) rugs which are of a softer texture. Hope that helps, Diana
OVERSTITCHED
RUG
I have seen a rug before that I will describe like this: It was made from a large piping, covered with a decorator fabric. It
was then coiled and sewn into a rug. What kind of rug is this, and do you know where I might have one made? Thank you for your help.
Debbie
Hi Debbie, The rug you saw is a type of overstitched rug. A few years ago, a company marketed the cord as a craft item for making rugs and baskets, but I don't recall the name of the product. Not too long ago I was in a quilt shop that had the cording and some baskets on display, so my best suggestion would be to check your local quilt and/or craft shops and they might be able to put you in touch with someone who is making the rugs. Local craft fairs would also be a likely place for a contact.
Hope that helps, Diana