Owens Corning
Latch Hook a Rag Rug
Rag RugDon't make rags out of your discarded clothes, make a rug! This rug is made from scraps of lightweight fabric from old shirt, skirts, shorts and material remnants. Old string, neckties, ribbons, even shoelaces can become part of a rug. When you're finished, it can't bear to have someone walk on it, so hang it on the wall like ours.

This is not an overnight project, but its easy work that can involve all members of the family. Kids of all ages can participate. Along with cast off clothing you need a latch hook and a piece of 3-count rug canvas the size you want your rug to be plus about 2 inches for a border.

Cut your fabric into strips 1/2-inch wide and 5-inches long.

Use a variety of colors, textures and patterns. To get a rough idea of how many strips you need to this: Multiply the number of squares along the length by the number along the width. Than double the number.

Put masking tape on the rough edges of the canvas to prevent it from fraying.

Use the latch hook to "knot" a rag strip along each lengthwise strand of the rug canvas. Vary the color and textures of the strips as you work.

Step 1.

Hold the hook by the handle and wrap a fabric strip around the shaft. Hold the ends between your fingers so they are even and slide the strip back to the handle. This takes a little practice because it feels awkward at first, but youll get the hang of it.

Step 2.

Push the point of the hook under a horizontal strand of the canvas and up over the strand above it. Flip the latch back to expose the hooked tip. Then wind the strip over the shaft and hold it so when you begin to pull the hook back out of the canvas the strips are caught by the hook. As the shaft moves back, the latch flips forward and locks the strip into the hook so it cant come loose when you pull.

Step 3.

Pull the hook towards you. You might have to wiggle it to get the fabric to come back through the loop especially if the material is thick or stiff. When most of the strip is through the loop, remove the hook and pull the rest out with your hand. Then pull the knot tight.

When the rug is completed, remove the masking tape from the edges of the canvas. Cut rug binding so it covers the perimeter of the rug plus about six inches. Fold the binding over the edge of the canvas and sew it to the canvas as near to the hooked stitches as possible. When you get to the corners, wrap it around and continue sewing.







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