Articles
Please note that there are a lot more articles to come--please be patient as they upload
RAG RUGS TOUR--our most popular feature describing the major types of rugs. Click the link or scroll down to the bottom of this page for a complete list of the articles
WHAT'S NEW--the latest additions, events and changes
A BRIEF HISTORY OF RAG RUGS--how they came about and how so many got lost
LETTERS ABOUT RAG RUG HISTORY--questions and answers
1871 RAG RUGS--a rare period article about several types of rugs made at that time
1885 to 1929 RUG REFERENCES--an assortment typical of period rug making instructions
1907 RUG MAKING INSTRUCTIONS-- crocheted, braided, knitted & loom woven rugs
TWO 1932 BRAIDED RUG INSTRUCTIONS-- Braided chair seats made with children, a "gunny sack" braided rug
HOW TO IDENTIFY ANTIQUE RUG HOOKS--the complete article that appeared in Rug Hooking Magazine in 2011
WAYS TO JOIN FABRIC STRIPS WHEN MAKING RUGS--sewn, friction and knotted joints
NOVELTY AND FAD RUGS, 1920 TO 2010--Nineteen strange and occasionally useful types of rugs, some with basic directions
CROCHETED RAG RUG PATTERNS--how they work and why some don't
THE RUGMAKERS EXCHANGE--stories and photos from all around
PART 1: Knotted shag rug looms (2), anchored loop, sewn shags, braided-in, string crochet, hooked, bohemian braid
PART 2: Naalbinding, extra-large pieced crocheted rug, crocheted shirring, wagon wheel rug
LETTERS, LETTERS, LETTERS--Seven pages of rug related questions and answers
LETTERS 1. Cleaning, rescuing, preserving old rugs & rug wool
LETTERS 2. Old woven rugs, bread bag rugs, folding rug strip
LETTERS 3. Folding, choosing which rug to make, overstitched rugs
LETTERS 4. Rugs to make with children, rugs from roving
LETTERS 5. Cutting T-shirts, braiding with denim, estimating fabrics, cutting machines, rugs from old nylon stockings
LETTERS 6. Rugs from old jeans,T-shirts, pegged frame, joining strips, shaggy cotton rug, alternate fabrics for hooked rugs, rugs from old towels, painted on backing, identifying rug, crocheted yarn rug
LETTERS 7. Help for sore hands, sore muscles, selling rugs, appropriate fabrics, making rag balls, rugs men like, hints for a new rug teacher, history rugs, memory rugs from childrens clothes
AMISH KNOT RUGS--traditional, canvas and frame variations
ANCHORED LOOP RUGS--on canvas or frame, plus locker hooking
BOHEMIAN BRAID RUGS--modern and traditional, how to identify
BRAIDED-IN RUGS--braided rugs made in a single step
BRAIDED RUGS--standard and flat braids
BROOMSTICK RUGS--a pioneer technique
CHAIN BRAIDS--ancient methods with 1 and 2 strands, pjonging
CROCHETED RUGS--types and shapes
FABRIC TAPESTRY RUGS--multi-strand patterns in rugs
FALSE BRAIDS & LADDER BRAIDS--forgotten rug braids
FLAT WRAP RUGS--an ancient method, sturdy, ideal for baskets
FRAME-MADE RUGS--varieties, textures, knotted shag, twining, cheaters warp, etc.
HOOKED RUGS & RELATIVES--punched, poked, prodded, bodkin & shuttle rugs
KITCHEN TABLE RUGS--woven without a loom or frame
KNITTED RAG RUGS--shapes, stitches, varieties
KNOTTED SHAG RUGS--2-string and frame varieties
LOOM WOVEN RUGS--techniques, historical perspective
NEEDLEWORK RAG RUGS--techniques for rag rugs adapted from yarn rugs
PATCHED & PENNY RUGS--varieties of traditional techniques, including sewn shag rugs
SHIRRED RUGS--reversible, luxurious wool rugs with gathered strip
STANDING WOOL RUGS--intricate patterns with wool strip
STRING CROCHETED RUGS--unusual heirloom method
STRUNG SHAG RUGS--rugs using tiny pieces of scrap fabric
SWEDISH BRAID RUGS--a lost method with unique swirling texture
TAMBOUR RUGS--versatile technique used alone or in combination
TOOTHBRUSH RUGS--traditional naalbinding, etc.
TUFTED RUGS--raised texture on cotton base
TWISTED CORD RUGS--a forgotten technique for worn fabrics
WAGON WHEEL & FRAME BRAID RUGS--two methods of unusual shapes, patterns