Product Description

Twined rag rugs are currently undergoing a worldwide revival due to the thousands of people who are rediscovering the traditional handwork of their ancestors. Crafters of all ages and skill levels can enjoy this inexpensive, simple technique; young children learn it easily and the elderly benefit from increased manual dexterity as well as the rhythmic relaxation of the twining. And the result is an incredibly durable heirloom that can be passed through generations.

This book introduces numerous pattern and equipment options with step-by-step diagrams and photographs for nine samplers. Also included are complete instructions for building basic equipment, ten rug projects, and tips for designing heirloom rugs.

-Step-by-step instructions for 9 samplers and 10 full-size rugs.
-Simple directions for building basic equipment.
-Gallery of designs.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #442966 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 128 pages

From Library Journal
Twining, usually worked on some type of frame or on a loom, is a type of weaving that involves twisting weft strands around warp (vertical) strands to make a strong and decorative fabric. Twining done with rag strips is an effective technique for making sturdy objects like rugs, bath mats, baskets, and bags. Irwin has been studying this craft since 1980 when (as a census-taker) she met Lillie Sherwood, an 80-year-old rug weaver living on an isolated ranch in Idaho, and discovered a craft that she, an experienced weaver, had never seen before. This richly illustrated book includes step-by-step instructions for nine samplers and ten full-sized twined rugs as well as information on constructing a basic twining frame and preparing the rag-strip weft. A photo gallery of rugs and personal stories of rug twiners round out this fascinating volume. Warmly recommended for public libraries.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Great book, great craft
Rug twining is an ingeniously simple craft, very humble but potentially dazzling. Bobbie Irwin explains all the techniques in an easy and direct manner. She gives instructions for the various primitive looms you can use. I built the Salish style loom one weekend and it's just superb for twining. Materials used for the rugs range from clothesline cord to cast-off blue jeans to wool, velour, and beyond. Any fabric can be used. The end result is a very sturdy rug that lasts and lasts--and that housecats adore.

Easy to do and frugal!
I recently bought this book because as a sewer, I have so many scraps. I use a lot of them for quilts, but still have many not useable for that craft. I also have old clothes that aren't fit for charity. Not wanting to add more to the landfill I decided to try my hand at rug making. This book is very easy to understand and follow. My first rug was a great success and was quick and easy to make. The hardest part was relaying what I wanted for a loom to my husband! I would highly recommend this book to any one.

Tells exactly how to twine
I learned how to twine somewhere else, but I heard that this book had examples of how to make adjustable looms-that is the main reason why I bought the book. In the book it tells the basic way to twine and then some variations. It also tells about looms that can be made at home. It tells a little about what materials would be best to use for your rags. It has beautiful photographs of rugs twined by rag rug twiners in the USA. I did not learn the basics of twining from this book so I am not sure how helpful it would be for a beginner trying to learn strictly from the book. I would reccomend reading the whole book to get all the important hints before you start your rug.