Weaving Contemporary Rag Rugs: New Designs, Traditional Techniques (Hardcover)

~ Heather Allen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The humble rag rug has long been a mainstay of country crafters. Made of a weft of recycled clothing or other rags hand-woven through a thread warp, these rugs are washable and generally utilitarian. Designs are often simple stripes or "hit and miss," using the colors as they occur in the rags. Contemporary artists now weave rag rugs in patterns using a technique similar to tapestry. Allen presents all the basics of equipment, weaving, and designing through line drawings interspersed with color photographs of finished rugs by other artists. Step-by-step instructions are given for 12 rug projects. This is an excellent new look at an old favorite. For public libraries.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

The humble rag rug emerges from obscurity and, often, a dank basement to become an object of much decoration. Under the tutelage of North Carolina fiber artist Allen, crafters new to weaving will find much of the mystique dissipated, thanks to clear, no-nonsense directions and a well-defined glossary. What truly makes this a practical text is, first, the proliferation of color-photographed examples, and, second, the dozen projects. Except for the loom (which can be rented or borrowed in metropolitan areas), few of the necessary materials will break the bank--and Allen actively encourages recycling. Plus, the patterns, though somewhat complicated, are not as primitive as random rag rugs; it is clear that a bit of weaving practice could eventually add brightness to a dark floor or corner. Appended are a glossary, a listing of contributing artists, and additional resources. Barbara Jacobs

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sterling; 1st edition (December 31, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887374396
• ISBN-13: 978-1887374392
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,059,869 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for rug rug weavers, full of new ideas!, April 4, 1999

By	Sara Romfo ([e-mail]) (WWU, Bellingham, Washington) - See all my reviews

I think this book is great. She shows lots of great color photos of rag rugs, and then in the back has lots of "projects" which show the completed rug and have very good detailed instructions, like warp calculations, and tie-up and drafts, all you need to know to make the rug, just like it's pictured. But all the photos give ideas on how to customize the rug to be exactly what you want. Also the author gives a good introductory history of rag rugs chapter, and tells all about how great, beautiful, and functional rag rugs are. I also can't say enough good things about this book. The best rag rug weaving book I've ever seen.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure inspiartion, August 14, 1998

By A Customer

This is a book of pure inspiartion and aspiration. I loved the color images and the new and traditional options available to the handweaver. I can't say enough good things about this.