ragr:rag_rugs

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ragr:rag_rugs [2025/12/17 04:30] – created - external edit 127.0.0.1ragr:rag_rugs [2026/03/26 18:33] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
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-# Rag rugs+This topic is part of [[gt:crafts|Crafts & making]]. 
 +====== Rag rugs ======
  
  
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-## What are rag rugs?+===== What are rag rugs? =====
  
 They are traditional rugs/mats made from recycled old clothes, linen, bedsheets etc. Rag rug making was practiced by the poor - it was a low-income necessity. Textiles used to be very labour-intensive to make and were never thrown away - they were re-used and re-used until they fell apart. Rag rugs were very common in working-class homes in the UK in the 19th century, but the origins could be much earlier, although it's difficult to be accurate: as it was a low-status craft the history isn't well documented. In the 19th century, people used coal sacks or food sacks (flour, sugar etc.) as backing, then if they were lucky they could find a tool for pushing or pulling bits of old cloth through the backing to make a rug. People also improvised tools, using things like large nails, if they were really poor. They are traditional rugs/mats made from recycled old clothes, linen, bedsheets etc. Rag rug making was practiced by the poor - it was a low-income necessity. Textiles used to be very labour-intensive to make and were never thrown away - they were re-used and re-used until they fell apart. Rag rugs were very common in working-class homes in the UK in the 19th century, but the origins could be much earlier, although it's difficult to be accurate: as it was a low-status craft the history isn't well documented. In the 19th century, people used coal sacks or food sacks (flour, sugar etc.) as backing, then if they were lucky they could find a tool for pushing or pulling bits of old cloth through the backing to make a rug. People also improvised tools, using things like large nails, if they were really poor.
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-### Different techniques+==== Different techniques ====
  
 **Hooked rugs:** thin strips of fabric are hooked up through the hessian backing, so that from the front, the hessian is covered with small loops (loop pile). This is the best technique for pictorial detail, and in North America a tradition developed of rugs depicting landscapes or animals – early settlers’ lives. Hooked rugs are very popular in the US. In 1880 the speed hook was invented in Ohio. It's an articulated tool with two parts that move together, so instead of pulling loops to the top surface, they're pushed through from the back, which is much quicker. In the American Museum in Bath there are examples of early US hooked rugs, and in the Beamish Museum in County Durham there are examples of early English ones. **Hooked rugs:** thin strips of fabric are hooked up through the hessian backing, so that from the front, the hessian is covered with small loops (loop pile). This is the best technique for pictorial detail, and in North America a tradition developed of rugs depicting landscapes or animals – early settlers’ lives. Hooked rugs are very popular in the US. In 1880 the speed hook was invented in Ohio. It's an articulated tool with two parts that move together, so instead of pulling loops to the top surface, they're pushed through from the back, which is much quicker. In the American Museum in Bath there are examples of early US hooked rugs, and in the Beamish Museum in County Durham there are examples of early English ones.
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-## What are the benefits of rag rugs?+===== What are the benefits of rag rugs? =====
  
 - Recycling of fabrics - Recycling of fabrics
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-## What can I do?+===== What can I do? =====
  
 You can buy rag rugs from craftspeople, and some will take commissions for your own design. Traditionally, there was always someone in the village or neighbourhood who would make you a rag rug. That's slightly more difficult now, but you can find rag rugs online, in craft shops or at textile shows (e.g. the [Knitting & Stitching Show](http://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/)). Alternatively, you can get a book or go on a course (see resources) and learn how to do it yourself. If you're lucky, you might have a relative who could teach you. You can buy rag rugs from craftspeople, and some will take commissions for your own design. Traditionally, there was always someone in the village or neighbourhood who would make you a rag rug. That's slightly more difficult now, but you can find rag rugs online, in craft shops or at textile shows (e.g. the [Knitting & Stitching Show](http://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/)). Alternatively, you can get a book or go on a course (see resources) and learn how to do it yourself. If you're lucky, you might have a relative who could teach you.
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-## Further resources+===== Forum =====
  
 +This topic belongs to the section [[gt:crafts|Crafts & making]]. You can ask questions or add information on the corresponding [Forum section](https://forum.growingthecommons.org/t/crafts).
  
 +===== Further resources =====
  
-## Specialist curators of this topic+- [International Guild of Handhooking Rugmakers](https://www.tighr.net/) 
 +- [Museum of English Rural Life](https://merl.reading.ac.uk/collections/hemeon-maidie-rug-maker/) - Hemeon Collection of rug-making tools and thrift rugs 
 +- [Rag rugs in the 19th century – hand-made craft in an industrial age](https://homethingspast.com/2011/12/17/rag-rugs-1800s/) 
 +- [History of trasmattas - Swedish rag rugs](https://www.dorisleslieblau.com/the-history-of-trasmattas-the-swedish-rag-rugs/) 
 +- [Rag rugs in Norway](https://norwegiantextileletter.com/article/rag-rug-tradition/) 
 +- [History of rag rugs](http://www.oldandinteresting.com/history-rag-rugs.aspx) 
 +- [6 of the best video tutorials for making DIY rag rugs](https://luxeweavers.com/blogs/articles/6-of-the-best-video-tutorials-for-making-a-diy-rag-rug) 
 +- [WikiHow](https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Rag-Rug) - 5 ways to make a rag rug  
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +===== Related topics ===== 
 + 
 +- [[recl:Recycling|Recycling, reusing & repairing]] 
 +- [[craf:Craft| Craft production]] 
 +- [[weav:Weaving]] 
 +- [[rugs:Rugs|Rugs & floor coverings]] 
 +- [[eafl:Earthen floors]] 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +===== Specialist curators of this topic =====
  
  
  
  
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