Rag Rugs: Contemporary Projects in a Traditional Craft

In Rag Rugs, Juju Vail presents the simple and versatile craft of rag rugmaking with verve and style. With 20 original projects using traditional techniques, beginners and experienced crafters can make beautiful and useful objects for the home. How-to illustrations provide instruction, and dozens of full-color photographs of handmade rugs offer inspiration.

Rag rugmaking has a place in the very heart of American history. Practiced by homemakers for generations, this easy craft was a practical answer to the need for warmth, decoration and color in the humblest of home settings. Vail describes the evolution of rag rugs and the four traditional techniques - hooking, prodding, braiding and appliqué - and then shares her experience and skill in design, techniques, preparation and finishing. Tools, materials, basic stitches and the practical methods of mounting and lining are all described in detail.

At the center of Rag Rugs are Vail's unique designs. An artist with an energetic style and superb command of color, her projects appeal to a wide variety of crafters. From a primitive-style rug for a traditional setting to a contemporary rug for an avant-garde home, readers will find abundant choice and inspiration. Except for materials, Rag Rugs provides everything needed to get started:

• 20 original templates hand-drawn by the author
• complete materials lists
• suggestions on personalizing projects
• how-to instructions from preparation to completion
• direction on unusual techniques, such as How to Felt Wool Fabrics
• special Notes to help avoid mistakes and problems
• North American sources for rag rugmaking supplies
• plus, listings of where to view rag rug collections in the U.S., Canada and Great Britain

Projects such as Hen in the Garden Rug, Angel Bench Cushion and Flying Gardener Children's Rug are inspired, and Vail's versions of the traditional Braided Rug, Fire Rug and Hearth Rug are vibrant and welcoming.

Juju Vail is a textile designer, illustrator and author. She lives in London, England and is also the author of Quick Kids' Quilts.