How to Finger-Crochet a Rug From Scraps
PBS Digital Studio has a series called The Art Assignment, where curator Sarah Urist Green produces shows that "explore art and art history through the lens of things happening today."
One assignment was inspired by the work of artist Fritz Haeg. Fritz invites the program's audience to hand make a rug from scraps. In the video below, we get to see what some of the Art Assignment participants have made.
It's so much fun to see the different rugs that came from the same assignment, and the rug-making in process. It's also helpful to see where some participants went wrong, because that's where some of the best learning takes place.
Below this compilation video of shared assignment outcomes are several other videos. There's a video giving some background of the project, instructions for making the rug, instructions for creating strips of fabric, and a clearly explained tutorial for finger crocheting a rug.
In the video below, Fritz gives some background about his rugs, which have been shown at various museums.
At around 5:00 in the video below, he explains how to make a rug from strips of scrap cloth and fabric. Starting with a simple slip knot, you can see him using finger crocheting to create looped stitches.
Fritz's rugs have a bumpy texture. You can see how he cuts fabric into strips that create the texture he likes to work with below this video.
And, if you like the art assignment but want to use strips that give a consistent size and texture rather than Fritz's bumpy texture, you can find instructions in our blog posts How to Make a Rag Rug and How to Make an Amish Toothbrush Rag Rug.
The final video shows Chandi from Expression Fiber Arts giving a clear tutorial on finger weaving a rug. This is a great tutorial because you can see what her hands are doing as she uses big merino roving.
For Your Library
Below are some books on rag rug-making. Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you).
Well-known weaver and teacher Tom Knisely shares his knowledge and expertise in this collection of favorite rag rug patterns. This book includes color planning and design advice, step-by-step warping and weaving instructions, and 30+ rag rug products, ranging from simple to advanced.
Learn how to upcycle old and well-loved garments into beautiful rugs, pillows, artworks, bags, and other gifts, using just a few basic tools and some simple techniques. A comprehensive section at the start of the book covers everything you need to know about choosing fabrics and tools, and what the essential techniques are, allowing you to discover how to update this traditional craft with endless possibilities of color and fabric combinations.
This lost folk art comes alive with simple step-by-step directions. These durable, reversible rugs are made in a single step, which automatically forms swirling lines for big visual impact. The author walks the first-time rug maker through the process and shows how to make rugs with two, four, six and even eight strands. Directions for right- and left-handers, plus no-sew options make the directions suitable for all skill levels. With a dozen projects in various shapes, you can create your own heirloom rugs and baskets with fabrics ranging from light cotton to heavy wool.
This book shows how to turn leftover fabric, old clothes, and household textiles into beloved and time-honored rugs. The techniques are easy to learn, the cost is minimal, and very little special equipment is needed. The book includes 15 original designs from a variety of talented rug crafters - for beginner to advanced.
With gorgeous color photographs and clear, straightforward instructions, Suzanne McNeill presents 16 lovely projects to make with strips of fabric. Crafters of all ages and skill levels will enjoy using her simple crochet techniques for making beautiful rugs. Discover how to update this traditional craft with endless possibilities of color and fabric combinations. Whether the pattern is square, rectangular, hexagonal, oval, or heart-shaped, each custom rag rug you make is sure to become an instant heirloom treasure!
Having fun with new and traditional crafts, art, design, DIY, and freebies.
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