Twined Rag Rugs

Rug twining-which is one method of creating rag rugs from scraps of clothing and material oddments-is derived from an ancient skill that has been practiced worldwide for millennia. In Twined Rag Rugs, longtime weaver and teacher Bobbie Irwin presents the ultimate up-to-date resource for crafters of all ages and experience levels.

Twined rugs can be made with a wide variety of fabrics on many different frame types, ranging from pegged, unpegged, hoop, conventional loom, to no frame at all. In this comprehensive guide, Irwin presents step-by-step instructions, beginning with building a twining frame and proceeding to learning the basics and creating a variety of patterns and shapes. Including thoughtful discussions of fabric weights and rag material choices (which can include clothesline cord, cast-off blue jeans, sheets, wool, velour, and more), Irwin provides specific instruction on crafting nine samplers to learn different pattern techniques and test suitability for larger pieces, and ten full-size rug projects, giving dimension, technique, and estimated crafting time, all with numerous photos and illustrations.

This complete guide teaches all the skills beginners need to create gorgeous, one-of-a kind rugs, and is an invaluable reference for experienced weavers. With this book in hand you can learn to create sturdy, inexpensive, and beautiful rugs that will become treasured heirlooms. Twined Rag Rugs is the first comprehensive book on rag twining and the only resource to include the numerous variations in equipment, pattern, and twining techniques, both traditional and modern.

This book is also available from Echo Point Books as a paperback (ISBN 1648370977).

Author Biography

Bobbie Irwin has studied twined rag rugs and their history since first seeing them in 1980. A frequent contributor to fiber-art and textile journals, she is recognized as an authority on rag twining and has published articles about the craft in The Weaver’s Journal, Heddle, Piecework, and Rug Hooking magazines. (She insists, though, that the real authorities are the people who have been twining rag rugs for a lifetime!)Since 1985, Bobbie has lectured and taught classes about twined rag rugs throughout the United States and Canada. Through her worldwide research, she has worked to determine the origins of rag twining and to revive this fascinating craft for the enjoyment of future generations.Twined Rag Rugs is the first complete book on rag twining and the only resource to include the numerous variations in equipment, pattern, and twining techniques, both traditional and modern.