The Art of Crafts: Rag Rugs

Rag rugs have been a feature of American homes since the middle of the 19th century. Warm and hard-wearing, they can be made from recycled clothing, blankets, or any other scrap textiles. Designs and colors vary from subtle natural patterns to bold, bright compositions, all displaying the unique versatility of the craft. In Rag Rugs, Ann Davies explains the various techniques, including the hand techniques of hooky and proddy and the plethora of gadgets designed to make the job easier. Highly illustrated with 120 color photos as well as diagrams, the book includes advice on dyeing fabrics in the microwave, cutting by hand and other methods, and working with and without a frame; it also looks at various backing materials and methods of finishing edges. Providing an excellent overview of the work of modern rag rug makers, this book will also be of interest to textile artists.