Handcrafted Rugs

To British designer Hardy, handcrafting encompasses much more than the actual making of the rug. She incorporates dyeing and recycled fabrics into each of her six patterns, always assuring readers that "ready-made" is not a swear word. Six different techniques--braiding, felting, needle pointing, prodding, hooking, and weaving--are showcased, including information on materials, equipment and tools, design considerations, working instructions, finishing, and variations, accompanied with good how-to illustrations and plenty of photographic examples. The six projects suit any decorating scheme, from a Scandinavian-like cream-paneled rug to a blue-and-purple abstract tapestry. The final chapter on edges and binding features different ways to add unusual touches-- fringes, tassels, and covered and shaped fabric edges. Barbara Jacobs
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Any rug maker will tell you that there is nothing more satisfying than turning a pile of fabric scraps or yarn into a beautiful, durable rug. In addition to weaving and hooking rugs, at least 18 other rug-making techniques are available. Hardy and Hubbard take somewhat different approaches to the subject. As the title implies, Making Rag Rugs deals only with rag rugs and is a project book with step-by-step instructions for 15 rugs that are hooked, prodded, clipped, or braided. Handcrafted Rugs is broader in content, covering both rag and yarn rugs made by braiding, felting, needlepoint, prodding, hooking, locker-hooking, tufting, knitting, and simple weaving. Hardy also touches on other techniques such as peg-loom rug weaving, crochet, weaving stick rugs, pieced applique rugs, and strung or knotted rugs, and she also includes general information on designing rugs, dyeing, and finishing touches such as edgings and bindings. Yet while it is a good introduction to the many rug-making techniques, this book includes only six projects. These books complement each other, so if your budget permits, consider buying both. Smaller public libraries should consider the practical Making Rag Rugs, while large public libraries and textile collections may prefer the more comprehensive Handcrafted Rugs.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.