The Techniques of Rug Weaving

Learn from a Master How to Create the Most Beautiful Rugs’With inventiveness and a trained scientific mind, this great weaver has designed his way out of the slow, traditional methods . . . Through research and discovery he has broadened the whole range of rug techniques. It is the sharing of these discoveries that makes this book so important . . . . Mr Collingwood writes-and illustrates-with the same grace, with the same brilliant organization with which he designs and weaves.” Jack Lenor Larsen

Peter Collingwood continues to exert an outsized influence in the art of weaving beautifully intricate and textured rugs; a master weaver, he created complex patterns and textures which gave his rugs an unmatched richness and depth. This classic guide shares Collingwood’s knowledge, experience, and innovative methods.

The Techniques of Rug Weaving begins by discussing various yarns, the selection and assembly of equipment, and the use of specialized tools and techniques. This guide showcases his abiding interest in the structure and texture of rugs, and he describes in detail the vast variety of techniques, some not widely known outside of professional circles, which can be employed to broaden a weaver’s repertoire and skill set. These are explored in chapters on plain-woven wetface rugs, blockweaves, pick-up weaves, warp and weft twining, warpface rugs, and all types of rug finish. In addition to well over 500 diagrams, the guide contains more than 150 illustrative photographs in black-and-white and color.

In his preface, Collingwood plainly states that this book is written from the point of view of a professional rug weaver, but he goes on to say that he sees no reason why hobby weavers should not benefit from and aspire to the beauty and quality created by those who weave rugs for a living. This book, clearly written and thorough in every aspect of the craft, embodies Collingwood’s philosophy and will help weavers of any experience improve their skills and develop their craft.

This book is also available from Echo Point Books as a paperback (ISBN 1648373321).

Author Biography

Peter Collingwood (1922-2008) began his career as a doctor, eventually working for the Red Cross in Jordan before returning to Britain to pursue his passion for weaving. After studying in the workshops of Ethel Mairet, Barbara Sawyer, and Alastair Morton he set up a workshop in London in 1952, eventually moving to Nayland, Suffolk, where he spent the majority of his working life. Collingwood was known for being highly inventive in developing new techniques which broadened the design possibilities and increased efficiencies-a key factor in allowing weavers to make a living at their craft. He wrote five highly influential books of which the first, Techniques of Rug Weaving (1968), is probably the best known. In 1974 he was awarded the prestigious Order of the British Empire.