braided rag rugs

[curiousfor5]

Has anybody made one? My daughter and I are going to try to make some this fall and there are several techniques. Braiding and sewing it together and the no sew four strand braid. I am more interested in the no sew kind but I need really clear easy directions. Any good websites or suggestions?

[Old_Grey_Mare]

My neighbors taught me to make one that is 3 strands and you braid into the edge using a safety pin in each of two strands and the third strand goes in the middle. I should video tape them making them. I used sheets cut up to make the strands. My neighbor made one out of pieces of old flannel shirts that turned out really nice. She has also made them out of blue jean pieces. It took two queen size and one twin sheet for my rug and it is about 3' x 2'.

Here is a picture of it:

[kermujin]

Here is a picture of it:

The picture isn't showing, but if you quote OGM's post you'll find the URL there. That's a great rug! Is there any way you could videotape them doing some of one? I've been fiddling around with making rugs like this, but haven't had much success. And I have a virtually endless supply of old sheets, old tshirts and other 'rags' at our local freestore...

Thanks OGM!

[HawtFrog]

My mom taught me (she learned from her grandmother how to make them).
I took an old curtain, ripped out the heavy weights, and made 3-4 inches per cut. By the time I had braided everything and knotted it all together, I had a super strong 200+ foot long rope  .
I got about halfway through when I got distracted by the presence of wild kittens so it's still waiting to be finished lol 

[kermujin]

...in between wild kitten sightings, would you care to share what happened after the 200 foot rope was constructed...?

 

[Old_Grey_Mare]

I would like to have a video of my neighbor starting a rug as that is the hardest part. I shall see what I can do.

[HawtFrog]

...in between wild kitten sightings, would you care to share what happened after the 200 foot rope was constructed...?

 

LOL!
Sorry, so easily distracted!
Basically, we laid it on the floor, flat, and started to curl it around the middle (like you're making a basket from the core, except you want it flat in a circular/oblong shape). I got it wrapped around once then with a thick needle and thick thread (there's a heavy-duty type of thread to do this, I think Wal-Mart or your local sewing store has it) and then I just started sewing the pieces together side by side stopping when I reached the end of each coil (where I had knotted the pieces together)
NOTE: Do NOT use curtains that have a 'protective plastic' backing. It's insanely hard to sew.

[Old_Grey_Mare]

Here is a link to a website with videos for a "toothbrush rug".

http://ragrugcafe.com/toothbrush-rugs-complete-video-instructions-part-1-beginners

[kymvc]

I am learning to do rugs as well and am also interested in the no sew variety. I am working with blue jeans in the standard 3 strand braid.
My Mom passed recently so I am doing a memory rug for my Dad out of her jeans.
This is my third denim and they are hardest to sew for me.
I have dial up and cannot view the toothbrush instructions. I am curious no doubt.
I iron my strips so they are as compact as possible and the dirt won't catch as easily in a smooth surface.
On the corners a person can adjust the braid to turn. A regular braid is 1,2,3, crossing each over the other. At a corner go 1,2,1,2, and pull 3tight over1&2.
This will take the bulk out of the corners so it lies flat.
I finally found a book at a second hand store with good basics for 3strand braiding.It is also on ebay. "How To Make Braided Rugs" by Sally Clarke Carty.
Oldie but a goodie.
I wanted to lace this last one but the braids do not stay lined up on the oval. I lace what I can and sew when I must.

[kmaine2]

I've got a vast quantity of jersy. some in the form of old sheets and more from the Goodwill.

I am going to use it to make a rag rug like thishttp://vintagechica.typepad.com/the_life_and_times_of_thi/2006/10/rag_rug_tutoria.html

[Old_Grey_Mare]

Lehman's catalog has a beautiful rectangular rug made on a loom from old blue jeans. I wonder how fancy of a loom you would need to make something like that?
http://www.lehmans.com/store/Natural_Goods___Recycled_and_Reusable___Tough_Denim_Rug___622784?Args=

Mary

[kmaine2]

Lehman's catalog has a beautiful rectangular rug made on a loom from old blue jeans. I wonder how fancy of a loom you would need to make something like that?
http://www.lehmans.com/store/Natural_Goods___Recycled_and_Reusable___Tough_Denim_Rug___622784?Args=

Mary

I've seen looms that can make something like that using canvas stretchers that you can buy at a art supply store. Or you can make a frame from 2X4s and nails or hooks to hold you warp in place.

[PoppyMcGee]

There is a book called "Handmade Home" by Amanda Blake Soule that has what I thought looked to be pretty good instructions. I was thinking about making one myself, but now I have to save up some clothes and stuff. I give EVERYTHING away to be donated. I guess I need to start saving some for myself!