How I Got Started

The first time I saw a crocheted rag-rug, I knew that someday I would make one of my own. I was immediately impressed with the rug's elements of beauty, practicality, service, industry, endurance and comfort. I'm not sure how much time passed before I found someone who could show me how to do it. But, the kind instruction from a friend, during an evening of hospitality and fellowship was enough to get me started on what is now a life-long hobby.


The timing of this newly found craft couldn't have been better. Our 5 year old son was having sessions of seizure activity that would last for 2 to 3 hours, after which he may sleep for just as long. Rag-rugging became my "worry stone", giving me something constructive to do with my hands, while prayerfully watching over him.

A Method to My Madness

The selection of fabrics for a rag rug is of utmost importance. I learned the hard way what happens when you use fabrics of differing weights and content. The end result is a gnarly, warped, uneven rug that will easily trip the trespasser. I've found that used sheets make consistently crocheted rag rugs. I usually choose at least 5-7 twin flat sheets for a medium-sized rug, ( approx. 2 1/2 ft x 4 1/2 ft. oval) or the equivalent in $1/yard fabrics. I've found a thrift store in our area where I can find sheets in good condition for as little as 99 cents a piece. I prefer flat sheets to fitted, because they usually aren't as worn or stained and I don't have to work around or waste the corners. I'll begin with a print that incorporates all the colors that I plan to include, then tie-in the other sheets with that one, using combinations of prints and solids. More will be said on this in "Philosophy".

The next step is what I call "Snip, rip and roll". Along the selvage edge of the fabric, snip 1/2" (or so) every 3" with scissors. From these snips, tear the sheet into long strips. Then, roll these strips together to form a roll, which becomes as a "skein of yarn". Repeat this procedure with all the colors that are to be used in the project. Now for the rather tedious part of sewing strips from these seven rolls together, to form one, large, variegated roll, from which the rug will be crocheted. These may be sewn randomly. Note: I prefer to use a variegated pattern, rather than try to make rings of color around the rug; but that's just me.

Sizing the rug is as simple as deciding the approximate length and width desired, and subtracting the width from the length to determine the length to make the initial "core" of the rug. For example, a 3' x 4' oval would need a "core" of 1'.

Ready to begin crocheting! Fold the raw edges of the strip into the center, then fold in half, enclosing the edges completely. I finger press a 6-8" section, then hold it in place with a clothespin. Form a slipknot in the end of the folded strip, leaving a "tail" of about an inch. Insert a large, plastic or wooden crochet hook in the loop of the slipknot and chain until the "core" is the desired length, keeping the stitches even and loose enough to crochet into from both sides. I use a single crochet method , adding an extra chain when necessary to keep the corners from curling up, smoothing and stretching as I go around and around. Finger press the seam allowances open as you come to them to avoid extra bulk. I've found that finishing the project just around the left side of a corner is the least conspicuous, pulling the strip through one loop, instead of two, the last several stitches, and finally pulling it through to the back and slip stitching in place. Also, slip stitch the initial "tail" in place. Voila! It is finished. I hope to add little pictures of these steps as I have them available.

Philosophy

I have this tendency to symbolize everything, and my rag-rugging is no exception. I've decided that rag rugs are an analogy of our lives...an interwoven tapestry of busy times (prints), quiet times (solids), joyful times (bright or light colors) and sorrowful times (dark colors). The overall blend of colors may reflect personality, events or locality.

Opportunity

This is one of my favorite words. The primary opportunity that rag-rugging affords is that of prayer time and meditation, whether in general or specifically for the person for whom the rug is being created. Secondly, rag-rugging provides an outlet for creativity. And, of course, a lasting gift of comfort and beauty is being produced.

Conclusion

In addition to the aforementioned benefits and blessings, this craft is a highly transportable, affordable, practical, pleasurable form of creative expression, requiring little talent, few tools, minimum strength and mediocre eyesight. These rugs are also machine washable. I hang mine on a rail to dry. Barring severe arthritis, I hope to continue rag-rugging until I expire.

P.S. I wrote this while rolling strips of fabric for a bathmat. :)