I finished the rag rug - but it is too short. I thought I was carefully measuring the length on the loom, but I must have blinked or something. It is more square than rectangular - I probably needed to make it at least 6" longer.Otherwise it turned out fine. I have enough warp to weave a second one. Although I'm not sure I need a second purple and white rug. :-)
The warp is purple and white 8/4 cotton carpet warp. The weft is 1 inch strips of t-shirts. I cut them so that each shirt yields a long strip - essentially cutting around the body of the shirt. This weft makes a strip that naturally curls and wears very well. The last rung I wove this way has lasted around 18 years.
The weave structure is plain weave with the warp colors alternativing. To change the colors, I just place two of the same color together. The stipes of color change in the weft direction by using two shots of carpet warp instead of just one.
4 comments:
Your rug has a strong graphic look to it with your use of two colors forming blocks. I bet you will enjoy its use for many years.
I saw the t-shirt weft on another site recently but don't remember where. Years ago I was a runner and had a drawer full of t-shirts from fun runs. I've since "moved them on" but I'm sorry because that would be a useful way to keep the memories.
I like this t-shirt rug idea! What a great way to use up old, soft cotton shirts. Thanks for the inspiration!
I have to admit that I sometimes raid my husband's t-shirt drawer. But I also recycle old colored t-shirts. The rug this one - actually the longer one that I just finished - will replace is about 17 years old. The warp is what gave out after many washings.
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