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  • From: SJC <indexer AT localnet.com>
  • To: homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [Homestead] Braided rugs
  • Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:21:55 -0500

EarthNSky wrote:
.... One good thing is that thread color at this point is not
important, so I am able to use up a lot of old thread as the bobbin and
top thread colors don't need to match. All I have to do is to keep the
strips from raveling until they can be tightly braided.
It's find to use old thread there but when you go to sew the braids one to another you'll want something heavy, and new. There are threads made for just that purpose called 'lacing' thread or yarn, but come to think of it I haven't seen any for 20 years or more, so maybe that's not the case anymore.. In any case, you'll want something both very pliable (so it doesn't show) and rather 'soft' in feel (so it doesn't cut into your rag under stress). I have always found enough at yard sales to hold me, but short of that I might look at some of the lighter weight braided fishline.

They make special needles for the job (not surprisingly called lacing needles), too, and they are worth the price. Business end is flattened and bent, eye is large. Just thought about this place: http://oxfordmillendstore.com/sub-category.asp?cID=8 I've bought from them in the past, almost forgot they were there. There are a lot of braiders here; that Verna Cox who the book they have listed just lives over a ways from here.
Has anyone here actually made a rug or something similar from
sheets/scrap material?
Many, woven mostly, one crochet (last time I ever do that!), one knit (last time I ever do that, too!), several small area rugs that I braided when we lived in VA. Now I'm where there is more scrap wool I generally use wool, as it is easier on the hands to handle, more durable, dyeable, and holds it's shape better, although I do still weave a lot of rag of all sorts. Many a winter hour is still spent by the stove taking out seams, putting zips in one pile, buttons in a jar... For kitchen or porch rugs cotton is best, throw in washer and over line and you're done. I have a couple of floor looms and keep one warped up for wool and the other for cotton.

SusanJane, up here in the gray drip, drip, drip....






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