What Are Rag Rugs
The term rag rug covers many different types of rug making techniques mostly due to not knowing exactly
what else to call a rug made of recycled fabrics. The ragbag is what we refer to when tossing out our old clothing. That old clothing, linens, blankets, and other fabric items are the materials that make up the body of some terrific rag rugs. Two styles most frequently know as rag rugs are the loom woven rug, and the strip rag rug.
Loom Woven Rag Rug
One rag rug type is the loom woven rug. Many refer to it as the colonial rag rug. Loom woven rugs are made one at a time by locking fabric strips between heavy-duty warp. The strips are sewn together and wrapped onto a shuttle. The shuttle is moved back and forth between the warp and locked into place.
The rug weaver can make the rug any size that is required. The most popular width is around 27 inches wide by around 45 inches long. A second size, which I personally sell many of are the narrower and shorter rugs. They are only 24" wide and 36" long. This size fits in front of the sink, stove and narrow areas. Smaller rugs allow you to wash them more easily in a home wash machine.
Rag rugs need plenty of room when washing so as not to put undue stress on the warp holding the rug together. Commercial machines or laundries work best when washing a colonial style loom woven rug. A loom woven rag rug should be air dried if possible.
Strip Rag Rug
A second type of rag rug is exactly what it sounds like. Rectangular strips of rag bag fabrics sewn to a canvas backing. Some of these rugs are made very much like a hooked rug. A net backing is used and the rectangle strips knotted on the netting. Knits work great for both of these rugs. There is no fraying on the edges of the strips, so they work up very quickly. Old knit slacks can be found at thrift stores for little of nothing, and make many strips for a rug. You simply cut a strip of the fabric and stitch it to the backing in the middle. The height or thickness of the rug is up to you. Many prefer a nice high tufted mat, but they do pose a problem for anyone who has problems walking across rugs. A shorter tuft will work better.
Other Rag Rugs
The term rag rug is often used for crocheted rugs and hooked rugs too. In this case, it is simply a casual term used to classify a hand made throw rug that was created using those ’rags from the rag bag’. Rag rugs may include several different techniques to create one, but their fillers are straight from the ragbag. A rag rug adds a dimension of useful charm to any home.