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Rug Braiding Instructions
The addition of a handsome, handmade article
to the home is always a cause for pride. To be able to accomplish this easily
and with satisfying results every time, is almost unbelievable. But such is the
case when you follow these simple instructions for braiding a rug.
Selection of Fabric—Fabrics most adaptable
are wool and cotton. Colors of rug may be chosen to accent room color, using
three of four different colors, or many colors for a bright multicolored effect.
Condition of fabric determines how long rug
will wear; therefore, use new or almost new material.
Proper preparation of braiding strips is very
important. Cut material into strips one to three inches wide— weight of fabric
determines width. The heavier the fabric the narrower the strips. Sew strips
together diagonally so that when folded for braiding there will not be a
thickness at seam. Make sure that each strip is same thickness, otherwise
finished article will buckle or ripple. Take each strip—fold each side to
center—then fold strip in half. You may slip stitch these strips to prepare
for braiding. Wind strips around a discarded cardboard roll.
Braiders for strip folding may be used. These
are usually metal cones, through which strips are threaded, folding in raw
edges, forming round even braids for easy and fast braiding.
Braiding—The braid described here is
called three-strand braid. It is very simple, but here are some tips for getting
best results. Take three strips of material that have been prepared. Sew them
together at ends. Sew only eight or nine feet of strips together at one time or
braid will become tangled. Join end of braid to something stable. Mentally
number strips from one to three, from left to right, then begin braiding. Pass
strip three over center strip two and under strip number one. Continue this same
procedure until three of four yards are braided, then begin sewing or lacing rug
together.
Shape of Rug—For an oval rug, begin
with center braid which measures as long as the difference between width and
length of finished rug. As an example: a 6 x 9-foot rug would require a 3-foot
center braid. An 8 x 10-foot or 4 x 6-foot rug would require a center braid of
two feet. Turn braid and fold back an equal length in hairpin shape. Lace (see
sketch) or sew these two together side by side. Lacing together makes rug
reversible. Sew round and round this core with a large needle and carpet thread.
Be careful and do not pull or stretch braiding strip when sewing or lacing.
The directions for a round rug are similar
except that you begin rug in form of a spiral.
To make a rectangular rug, make beginning
braid more than twice as long as finished length or rug. As this length is
measured for beginning braid, allow at least one inch per foot extra which may
be lost in first lacing. Pin braid at mark indicating length of first braid and
cut braid near pin. Lift second braid to beginning of first braid and lace first
and second braids together, being sure to match loops of braids to achieve
pattern effect desired. It is best to lace third braid to opposite side of first
braid and continue to lace to alternate sides as braids are added. This will
result in a straight flat rug if braiding is firm and even. When desired size is
reached, stitch across each end to secure braids. Stitch rug binding tape across
both ends.
Lacing: Along straight sides of rug the loops of each braid are side by side
to form an open "V" or chevron. Using a curved needle or bodkin and
carpet (linen) thread, lace through alternate loops of adjoining braids ( see
sketch). When rug begins to curve another method is used. To allow fullness
needed to keep rug flat it is necessary to increase by lacing thread through 2
loops on new braid and continuing to lace through alternate loops on rug (see
sketch). Be sure to increase enough at each curve to allow rug to lie flat.
After rug is complete, it may require light pressing with a damp cloth
and a hot iron. Now you may relax, sit back and admire your handiwork.
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