How to Make a Twined Rug

Make twined rugs from thick yarn or strips of fabric.

Twining is a method of weaving rugs from strips of cloth. Unlike ordinary weaving, twining uses two strips of fabric at once, wrapping them alternately around the warp thread so that the warp is completely hidden. It's not as sophisticated as most weaving, being used to make very humble rag rugs, but you can produce beautiful rugs just the same. Twined rugs are also quite sturdy and last for years with proper care. Nearly any kind of fabric can be used to make the fabric strips, but choose fabrics made from similar fibers, with similar weight. For instance, make a twined rug out of knitted cotton T-shirts, or tear old cotton and polyester sheets into strips to make rugs. Stitch strips together end to end to make longer strips.

Things You'll Need

• Loom
• Warp thread, either strips of cloth or a strong cotton string
• Long strips of fabric, about 1 1/2 to 3 inches wide
• Needle
• Thread
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Tie a string in a slipknot to the first nail at the top left of the loom. Bring the string down to the first nail at the bottom left, wrap it around the nail and bring it back up to the top. Wrap it around the second nail at the top and then bring it down to the second nail at the bottom. Continue wrapping the warp string from the top to the bottom and back up until the entire loom is warped. Tie a slip knot at the last nail on the bottom right.

2. Stitch two strips, each about 6 to 9 feet in length, together at one end with the needle and thread. Center the stitching that connects both strips at the first warp thread at the bottom left of the loom.

3. Bring one strip around the back of the first warp thread between the first and second threads to the front. Let that strip drop. Bring the other strip across the front of the first string, to the back between the first and second strings, around the back of the second string and to the front again between the second and third string. Let that strip drop.

4. Pick up the first strip again. Bring it across the front of the second warp string, above the second strip and between the second and third warp strings to the back. Bring it around the back of the third warp string to the front again between the third and fourth warp string. Let it drop. Pick up the second strip again. Bring it across the front of the third warp string. Thread it to the back between the third and fourth strings. Bring it around the back of the fourth string, and to the front again between the fourth and fifth strings.

5. Repeat these steps, weaving first one strip of cloth and then the other around the warp strings. Pull each strip tight as you pick it up to weave with it. When you come to the end of the first row, wrap the strip closest to the end across the front of the last warp string, around the back and out to the front again between the last two strings. Then wrap the other strip between the last two strings to the back, around the back of the last string and to the front again on the outside of the last string. Use this strip first to start weaving your way back to the other side.

6. Stitch on new strips as you come to the end of the ones you have been working with. Now and then press the woven rows down tightly toward the bottom of the loom. When you have woven the entire rug to the top, as tightly packed as you can make it, weave the two last strips of fabric down into the rug to hide the ends. Pull the warp threads off the nails. They should disappear into the rug so that you can't see them. Make a fringe for the ends of the rug.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick harmonizing colors and weave stripes. You'll notice a strong diagonal pattern in the rug, which will stand out more if you use multicolored fabric strips.

• Make your own loom by pounding nails 1/4 inch apart at the top and bottom of a window or screen-door frame. Make a frame from 1-inch-by-4-inch lumber if you can't find a good door or window frame to use.

References

• Twined Rag Rugs: Tradition in the Making; Bobbie Irwin
• Twist and Twine: 18 Ideas for Rag Rugs and Home Decor; Bobbie Irwin
• Twined Rag Rugs & More; Bobbie Irwin