Anyone out there make rag rugs with a frame or without?

Question

Im just starting to use a frame & I would like a few pointers. Thanks.

Answer 1

To make your loom:
1. You need 4 straight boards (2 x 4's) or something like that
2. Cut them so that 2 are 2 feet long, and 2 are 3 feet long for a rug about 2 x 3 feet. (You can reposition one short board to make a smaller rug at another time.)
3. Nail the boards together at the ends; then reinforce the corners with corner braces.
4. Now measure across each board and make a mark at every 1/2 inch.
5. Pound small nails (1 1/4 ") on every one of these marks, all the way around the 4 boards. Nail them about 3/8" deep.

Now gather all of your material to make strips. Use the same type of fabric in one rug: ie: cotton, polyester, wool.
To make the actual strips, (cut them straight, not on the bias),
cut them 2 in. wide; sew the ends together with a bias seam. Taking a strip, fold 1/2 in. of left side in towards center, then turn right side under about 1/2 in. and then sew down that seam, folding and turning seam as you go along. This process covers all the raw edges, and your rug will look much better. When you have enough strips, take them to your loom.

Tie one end to the nail on the top left-hand side of the loom.
Then draw it down to the other nail at the bottom left-hand side of the loom. Then pull it around the second nail at the bottom,up to the second nail at the top, around the third nail at the top, down to the third nail at the bottom, etc. until you have completely covered the entire loom all the way to the right side.
Tie the end on the last nail.
(Use a firm type of cloth strip for this; it will not be visible when your rug is finished)

Now take the other cloth strips, and starting at the top and bottom ends, tie one to the left-side nail, and weave it through to the right side; then, either loop it around the next nail and continue weaving it back to the left side, or tie it off.
Match your strips to the top and bottom of the loom, and do the center area last.

While you are weaving the strips, you will need to use an old toothbrush handle to push them down tightly. At some point, you will experience the joy of artistry and the resultant euphoria as you begin to create a beautiful pattern.
Enjoy the excitement of your creation, and when you are finished the rug, slip the loops off all the nails.
Sew the 2 loose ends to the rug.

If you have changed fabric strips at every nail, you may need to finish the edges by cutting all ends even, and covering them with a narrow cloth border, or just sew them down all the way around for a more fringed effect.

Have Fun !!!

Answer 2

Hi; I truly don't know but wanted to respond. I have two, smallish in size. (24 x 36). The shreds do pull out on occasion, but they are the best "abuse" rugs I've ever had on any floor.

These may have been made on a frame since they have a base to them much like a loosely woven piece of some base material, but I suspect they were also made in China or some such. I purchased them from a Home Depot for $1 each. Hard to beat at that price.

I would think however; that having something to weave the rag strips into and through; would allow a stronger, more durable end result. Again I have no real clue as to the HOW, but might they also be made like the old loom type pot holder things? It would seem that to weave the rag strips as opposed to just stitching; might give better results. I guess the size of the rug matters; as might the size of the frame, and rag strips.

What I more enjoyed about your Q however, was the fact that you've taken up with an "ancient" type craft; and in that context it was one of the beginnings of recycling.