Friday, January 19, 2018

HALF ROW WEAVING: A New Rag Rug Pattern and Tips on the Technique


This was the coldest January we have had in years. There have been days that we were colder than Alaska . .No venturing from the warmth of our home for way too many days. . .Because of cabin fever. . .and boredom. . .I started weaving my latest RAG RUG, working on a new pattern that only my mind's eye could see. . . Now I'll share it with YOU. . .It's been so long since I have shared RAG RUG WEAVING with you, I figured I owed you one. . .


The FIRST STEP is to weave a number of rows from the right-hand side, with the same technique as the regular rug. . .Right over left along the warp and to the left. . .But instead of weaving all the way across, turn back somewhere along the way and return to the right side again. . .left over right. . .I varied the rows to give it a streaked look. . .
I only went about a third of the way down, so that I could start on the left side to see how this pattern would work out. . .
The SECOND STEP was to begin the first row on the left-hand side and weave left over right, meeting at the first right-hand row. . .I was patting myself on the back by now, liking what I was seeing. . .When I had several rows filled in, I could see I had a problem. . .so. . .let me warn you. . .


Where I was simply turning around on a warp as I had done on the right-hand side rows, it left a gap (see above) when I wove back to the left. . .DON'T SIMPLY LOOP AROUND THE WARP WHEN TURNING FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. . .


Instead. . .I fixed the problem like this. . .


STEP THREE. . .Take a large hair pin (or crochet hook), catching up the fabric strip and threading it through the loop on the right (purple) when you meet that row . . .


The row you just wove will then be turned around correctly to begin STEP FOUR. . .weave back to the left. . .right over left. . .


The row now fills in correctly . .The loop over the warp from the right side (purple) is a little too tight but I can go back and ease it up a little later. . .And, it's another lesson learned. . .DON'T WRAP THE WARP TOO TIGHT from the right. . .


And here you have it. . .No gaping hole like the rows above. . .


This is actually a fun pattern to make. . .I hope I haven't confused you. . .It's a pattern for the advanced weaver maybe but as long as you follow the photos, you should have no problem. . .I'm using John's ADJUSTABLE RAG RUG LOOM. . .I can make just about any size I want and am thinking I may weave some placemats in this pattern and use shades of white and tan. . .but I want to finish this rug first. . .If we get anymore snow and ice days, it won't take long. . .

 



3 comments:

Connie said...

Oh my goodness . . . what a great tutorial . . . Thank You!
I want to learn to do this.
Connie:)
Today is the last day to get in on my 6 year blogging Give-A-Way
Please come join the fun:)

Unknown said...

I love it. Thanks for sharing. I would love to see a pic when it's finished. Just finished another rug on the loom i bought from you guys so I'm ready to start a new one. I might use this pattern.

Tmouse said...

Hi driu,
thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us. I live in the uk and have been making rag rugs forever, but using your technique for about a year now. I have to say it makes the best, most solid and hardwearing rugs of all.
I would like to share with you my latest project.
Just before Christmas my favourite niece, aged only 40 died suddenly. Our family and particularly her partner were devastated. I can only deal with such stuff by “ doing”, so I set to work and made a rug using the fabric from her extensive and beautiful wardrobe. The rug is made of, “ the dress she wore to....and the pretty top she bought in.....and her beautiful, soft favourite nightie”, truly made of memories.
It was a reL labour of love, the fabric smelt of Nikki, and I shed many tears. Her partner, Daley, was blown away, he absolutely loved it. It made him cry too, but he was so thrilled to have something that could go quietly with him wherever his life takes him. I was so happy to bring him some small comfort for his loss.
There is plenty of fabric left and other family members have asked to join the queue, so Nikki will not only live in in our hearts, but also in our homes.
And all thanks to you for making it possible by sharing.
Bless you
Regards teri

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