Anybody here make rag rugs?

[goodwifefarm]

My mom used to crochet rag rugs but she can't do it anymore due to problems with her wrists. I knit, but can't crochet to save my life. I was wondering if anybody here makes rugs like this? Or if anybody has a loom and weaves rag rugs? I love this type of rug and the ones that you buy in the store just aren't exactly whatcha call quality ya know? Mine are getting so ratty and falling apart. I actually had to throw my bathroom one away this morning as it was beyond repair :'(
I would love to find somebody who makes this type of rug! Thanks!

sarah

[CatherineID]

There are different styles. You can made a rag rug with latch hook, crochet, weaving or braid. You don't need a loom to weave a rug. You could make a simple loom to use. You can also sew a rug by casing thick cord then sew it together.

Right now I'm working on a braided rug out of grocery sacks. I don't know how that will work out yet.

[goodwifefarm]

Thanks for the ideas :)

sarah

[MNMOM]

Years ago I made a braided rug out of old scraps of material.
My DH had an uncle that was a blacksmith and he made me a special flat type of needle for sewing it together. I still have that needle, it's about 4 inches long x 1/2 inch wide with an eye in one end. It worked great for weaving in and out of the braiding.

[homemade_mamma]

I am in the process right now of making a crochet rag rug. My husband goes through jeans like I go through coffee. (or maybe I should say like coffee goes through me) ;D anyway, so we have a lot of scrapy jeans. I cut those up into strips about 1/2 wide and am crocheting in a round.
I think crochet is an absolute breeze. If you would like to try it I would be more than happy to help you. I have made many many blankets, sweaters, hats, mittens. LOVE to crochet!
And the rug crochets up really quick since the strips are thick.

~Debbie

[goodwifefarm]

hi homemade mama!

Thanks for the offer of help. I'd love to have it. Mom said that she would teach me to do it, but we've tried that before and it just doesn't work. Maybe an outside source would help! No emotional baggage there! lol I sure do love those crocheted rag rugs. They are just beautiful and so durable.

That is cool that you make them with jeans. My mom makes huge blankets out of squares of old blue jeans. Then she embroiders (with her embroidery machine) different stuff on the squares and puts a fleece backing on them. They are waaaarm! :D

sarah

[michiganmom]

Hey homemade mamma
that is too cool. Do you sew the half inch strips so they dont frey or do you just cut the stripes and crochet them together? My husband and boys go through the jeans like nobodys buisness too LOL.
I sure would like to try that out.

[homemade_mamma]

Here is the link where I got the idea ladies...

http://newoldfashionedgal.wordpress.com/2007/11/14/how-to-make-beccas-jean-rag-rug/

She cut her strips a little wider than I did. *I found I needed to go down to about 1/2" to work with it better. *I use an N size hook. *I am doing an oval shape like hers, but I have found pictures of circular ones. *And I think square and rectangular ones would be easy , they could have fringe at two of the ends. *I'll have to try that too.

michiganmom,
Here is the link explaining on how to cut the jeans (or whatever fabric you are using) to keep the strips in one piece without having to sew the ends together. * Cut up to about 1" from the end and move over your 1/2" and start cutting back down the other way and stop again about 1" and continue in that fashion. *Go down a few pics in that link and it shows it better than I can explain it. *;) *

http://vintagechica.typepad.com/the_life_and_times_of_thi/2006/10/index.html

I like the rug in that link too, I am going to start saving all kids of old clothes for these rugs.
OH And I just cut them or rip them. *I think the fraying looks neat much faster too.

Sarah, I
have been thinking about a blanket like your mom does. *The embroidery is a neat idea! *I wish I could embroider. *Another thing I did with the jeans is to save all the back pockets. I read somewhere about using them on a kids quilt. *My next project, added to my huge list. LOL!
Oh and I know about trying to learn things from mom, just doesn't work all that well! *I am trying to teach my 8 year old DD to crochet. *Kinda working out, but she gets soooo frusterated with me. heehee
And I am no saint when it comes to patients either!

So as for learning crochet here is a good link

http://learntocrochet.lionbrand.com/

The rug uses only the single crochets and no turing needed. *Just do your first chain ( I sarted mine at about 15 stitches I think). *Then go back on itself and start following around the first chain. *The only thing you need to worry about is putting in some extra stitches around the corners. *I know that isn't a very good explaination. *But seriously, if you have any questions just send me a message and I would be more than happy to help. *

[homemade_mamma]

Oh and here is another link for a cool idea. No sew braided rug. look down to almost the end of the page...

http://www.littlehouseinthesuburbs.com/search/label/free%20patterns

I got kinda confused with it, but maybe someone would find it helpful :)

[michiganmom]

homemade momma
Thank you for the site. This really helped, i think i will try to do it.

[debidoodle]

Thanks for all the great links! I'm an avid knitter and crocheter. I also quilt which is usually where all the jeans go to in this house (3 teenage boys).
But I'm going to try that rug, it looks fabulous and would be perfect in the boys bathroom!!