Introduction:
It cannot be denied that rag rugs serve the dual purpose of enhancing the green practice and being decorative. Their handmade nature makes them part of environmentally friendly decor in addition to adding rustic charm in the interiors. Made from pieces of textile or old garments, rag rugs are waste reducing and also enhance how the home looks. There are different kinds and styles of rugs which can match any interior style for instance modern, eclectic or bohemian. These rugs are appreciated due to their environmental sensitivity and take care hand made skill as well designing any home.
Origin of Rag Rugs
The history of rag rugs comes from necessity; however, they are now cultural elements. Most of them were primarily used in the 18th and 19th centuries in rural areas of North America and Europe. Homes would turn frayed and torn garments into thick rugs for better use and less expense. With time this frugal act progressed into a decorative art with a variety of techniques to weave the rugs. Rag rugs are appreciated even today not only for their use but also for their retro & eco-friendly design.
Types of Rag Rugs
Braided Rag Rugs
One of the most popular and defined varieties is the braided rugs, which commonly have a round or oval shape. Long pieces of fabric are intertwined and then stitched together to form a sturdy and vibrant piece. This type of rug is mainly common in rustic styled house, owing the fact that they create a warm cozy feeling. Due to its sturdy nature, this type of rugs is placed in the most used areas of the house.
Woven Rag Rugs
These rag rugs are considered woven rag rugs because they are created by the technique of wefting fabric strips on a loom. Thus are flat and lightweight. These rugs are generally constructed with different colors and textures hence can fit in different rooms. Woven rag rugs are appropriate for places including kitchens and hallways where thinner rugs are optimum. The woven texture of the rugs provides additional warmth and makes any floor more comfortable.
Crocheted Rag Rugs
The use of a crochet hook and fabric strips leads to the creation of crocheted rag rug with elaborate designs. Such rugs are mostly round or oval in shape and are a bit more bulky than the rest. Crocheted rag rug is also a way of expressing one’s creativity. As the designs can be as little or as extravagant as one desires. They are particularly suitable for enhancing beauty in the interiors of the buildings like bedrooms or drawing rooms. By providing them with an artistic, handmade feel.
Shag Rag Rugs
Beautiful shag rag rugs provide a warm, chewy, soft texture to any room as they feel great to walk on. They consist of fabric strips that are tied to a mash creating a thick pile sink surface. These are suitable for warming living and sleeping places. As well as adding a soft fabric to the decor of the rooms emphasizing comfort. The thick, and soft surface also allows them to be used as an accent in most of the modern rooms.
Knotted Rag Rugs
Knot rag area rugs fringes by wrapping strips of a rough texture of fabric around a strong core in such a manner that it gets knotted all over. Such types of carpets are so nicely done that they are rough and are ideally suited for beautifying informal areas. Such as mudrooms or the door entry. The knot would be rather fun as it enables bright different combinations of colors to come together in any one place.
Patchwork Rag Rugs
The patchwork rag rug is an aesthetically pleasing and admirable category. Since they are usually made using several pieces of fabric cut to shape. The fabric used for each part of the rug may be of a different color or bears a different pattern creating a look which resembles a window quilt. Such rugs are beautiful in removing dullness in most spaces by adding the fun pieces. Due to their thickness, creativity, and effort put into them, they tend to be the center of attention in any room.
Toothbrush Rag Rugs
Rage rugs are called that because they were originally made with an old toothbrush! In making these rugs, a looping technique similar to crochet is employed, thus making a thick and strong woven fabric. Mockup rugs come in oblong or even round forms and do not wear easily. This is what makes them perfect for use in locations that experience high traffic such as the kitchen or even the porch.
Twined Rag Rugs
Twined rag rug involve the twining of strips of fabric around a warp in the form of string or yarn and this creates a strong yet flexible rug. There is room for detailed designs and combination of colors for diversity ensuring that every rug is different from the rest. Twined rugs are mostly utilized in vast areas such as the sitting room and the dining area because of their strength and attractiveness.
Following is the twined rag rug from raggedlife.com.
Cautions About Using Rag Rugs!
Rag rugs are a very eco-friendly and attractive option in decor but there are some important factors to consider. Firstly, due to the nature of the products, they are made with some recycled materials and their strength depends on the material used. To avoid this, place them in low or medium traffic and thus avoid wear and tear taking place especially if the fabric strips are thin. It is important to wash or clean them to keep them presentable, but some will have to be dry cleaned or spot cleaned. Also, it’s a good idea to put a non-slip rug pad underneath the rug as rag rug can easily slip on even floors. Because of these measures rag rug is bound to serve its purpose of being beautiful and functional for some years to come.
Conclusion!
Rag rugs are not only floor mats; they carry with them art, heritage and green design. These crafty rag rugs are also a great way of adding style to a space without being damaging to the environment. Whatever your choice regarding braided, woven or shag styles, there is always a rag rug for everyone, every space and every taste. They add warmth and hue but they also bring a history and artistry to any room.
Who wouldn’t appreciate having an eco-friendly, cozy and beautiful hand-crafted rag rug in the house?
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Hi there, please could you credit the photo of my twined rag rug in the above article. Elspeth Jackson from Ragged Life (www.raggedlife.com)