It's pretty hard to believe that 2008 marks the 24th year since the publication of our first book on traditional rug making. Each year we have published a regular printed catalog for mail orders, but with the internet, it is now possible to provide our catalog instantly. (If you want just a listing of publications and supplies to print off, click here.)

Our Catalog has outgrown a single web-page, so it is now in seven parts:
Part 1: Rugmaking Books & Bulletins (starts just below)
Part 2: Rugmaking Tools
Part 3: Rugmaking Supplies
Part 4: Rugmaking Sets
Part 5: Rugmaking Kits
Part 6: Bargain page and Discontinued Items
Part 7: Rugmaking Fabrics

Rugmaker's Notebooks, Rags to Rugs Books, Rugmaker's Bulletins, Other Rugmaking Books

The "Rugmaker's Handbook" Series
The biggest news in years is the debut of our new "Rugmaker's Handbook" series. These are the reference books that so many of you have been asking for. Our master rugmaker, Diana Blake Gray has been busy creating these new books to cover all of the types and variations of rug making that have been requested over the years. These books are not "craft books"--instead they are true "handbooks" with a wealth of information for the textile explorer. 

 Rugmakers Handbook No 3: Crocheted & Fabric Tapestry Rugs--
                                        
This classic book has been revised, updated and expanded. It is more than doubled in size from the 1996 edition. Even beginning crocheters can make rugs with the step-by-step instructions since only the chain stitch, single crochet stitch and slip stitch are used. The book includes charted patterns for over 40 rugs. Learn to crochet rugs in round, oval, square, rectangle, heart, corner, and heelprint shapes or follow the directions for creating your own shapes including hollow and freeform rugs.  For the first time, directions are included  to modify the patterns for use with alternate materials including yarns, so it isn't limited to just rag rugs. From basic crocheted rugs, the charted patterns make it easy to transition to marvelous fabric tapestry designs including geometrics, stars, diamonds, quilt patterns and more. The patterns are classified by skill level (beginner, novice, intermediate) and instructions for how to read a fabric tapestry pattern directly from a rug expands rug making horizons. For the folk artist in every rug maker, there are blank charts to use for designing your own patterns and advice about the business of rug making.
Rugmaker's Handbook No. 3: Crocheted & Fabric Tapestry Rugs.........$18.95
ISBN 1-931426-29-5, 6" X 9" Paperback, 212 pages, color cover, B&W interior with over 230 photos and illustrations.

Rugmaker's Handbook No. 2: Fabulous Rag Rugs from Simple Frames
This long awaited book is the first ever to treat wooden frames as a unique and versatile tool for creating an amazing variety of rugs. Over forty techniques are included, most for the first time in print, including spider-web warps, the cheater's warp and twisted warps. Using simple household materials learn to make fabulous rugs, even freeform rugs, on wooden frames. This book opens a whole new world for the rugmaker! 
Some of the techniques included are: Knotted shag rugs (including the high-speed knotted shag which cuts rug making time in half); darned rugs, Amish knot rugs; Bess Chet rugs; twined rugs; locker hooking (no canvas needed!); modified taaniko, soumak and rya knots; and various weaving methods suited for frames such as flat weaving, frame braids and wagon wheel rugs. Learn to use different types of frames including pegged, flat, high-low, fifth stick, scroll and pinned frames. 

Rugmaker's Handbook No. 2: Fabulous Rag Rugs from Simple Frames
6" X 9", 196 pages, 296 black & white photos and illustrations.
Paperback (ISBN 1-931426-27-9)............... $16.95
Hardback (ISBN 1-931426-28-7) .....$24.95

Knitted Rag Rugs for the Craftsman--20th Anniversary Edition is here!
More than doubled in size from the 1996 edition, this new book covers over 30 techniques for knitting rag rugs, including the really unusual ones that have never been documented before. It has already been called an "amazing compendium" and it is. With 181 pages, 139 b&w photos and over 30 line drawings, it is the first book to completely cover the topic. Beginning knitters can start right in with recycled T-shirts to make rugs and advanced knitters will find new techniques. Even non-knitters can make spool and rake knitted rugs. 

The book covers strip and block rugs, bullseye, coiled and wedge-knitted rugs, winding rugs, hexagonal blocks, heart-shaped rugs, cross-woven rugs, knitted rag baskets and much more. There are lots of interesting stitches, and unique ways to cast on and off--just for rug making. Some of the brand new information in the book includes: rake and spool knitting; "idiot cord" rugs; and four methods of knitting shaggy rugs. 

The best news is that we have been able to keep these books affordable for rug makers. The paperback edition is $16.95. You can order the book from us,  or online at amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. 

Rugmaker's Handbook No. 1:
"Knitted Rag Rugs for the Craftsman" 20th anniversary edition rev.
6" X 9", color cover, 181 pages, 
Paperback (ISBN 1-931426-252)............$16.95
Hardback (ISBN 1-931426-26-0)..... $24.95

Rugmaker's Notebooks:
Our Rugmaker's Notebooks are all written by Master Rugmaker, Diana Blake Gray. They cover an entire family of rug making methods with directions for many different techniques and/or variations. Each one is a guide to making many different, but related, types of rugs from start to finish. These books will take a beginner from the very start and will expand the horizons of even the most experienced textile artist, since each one contains a wealth of information about technique that is available nowhere else. The Rugmaker's Notebooks are spiral bound to lay flat for easy use, with washable color covers, lots of diagrams, black and white photos, and vary in length from 60 to 90 pages. (8-1/2" X 11")

"Traditional Shirred & Standing Wool Rugs" (Rev. 2nd ed.) .......... $14.50
You'll be amazed that rugs that are so easy to make are such positively luxurious additions to your home! The extraordinarily rich, velvety (and reversible) texture of shirred rugs makes it hard to regard these as "rag" rugs, but the techniques lend themselves to the use of the very smallest of fabric scraps.

This is a complete guide to all of the methods by which shirred and standing wool rugs can be created, several of them appearing in this book for the first time ever in print. The book covers the simplest methods of using wools "on edge" in sewn shirred rugs with center shirring, edge shirring, awl shirring, faux shirring and mono shirring. 

All of the methods of crocheted shirring are included. From the very simple uses of the afghan hook to the more complex use of "bent" or "hump back" crochet hooks, plus the use of a plain steel crochet hook to create faux shirred rugs. Also included is how to 'sculpt' the rug surface for more textural options and how to create designs/ pictorals in shirred rugs. "Standing Wool" rugs are also covered, including the rare variation of "beaded" rugs in a newly expanded section, as well as combining shirring and standing wool. (66 pages)

5-016 Multi-Strand Braids for Flat-Braided Rugs ................ $7.95
When Great-grandmother sat down to start braiding a rug, she didn't just use three strands, she knew that the most beautiful braided rugs were made with wide flat braids of up to twelve strands. And the wider the braid, the quicker the rug goes together. Now you can learn these braids with simplified instructions and easy to follow braiding diagrams.
For the beginner or advanced rug braider who wants to make authentic flat-braided rugs up to 12 strands per braid. Included are standard braids of 3 to 12 strands, which are used for making thick rugs from thinner fabrics; and flat braids of 4 to 12 strands, which are used to make lovely wide braids with patterns and designs right in the braid. Instructions, diagrams and patterns for each braid plus five assembly techniques (including false braid joints and the colonial joint for super strong rugs).

9-014 Crocheted Rag Rugs for the Beginner ................ $7.95
Modern reliable directions for crocheting rag rugs that lay flat --even on your first project! Beginner book includes step-by step instructions for the round and oval shaped rugs and teaches the reading of time-saving charted patterns. Five rug projects plus yardages for room size rugs.
(This book is just for the person who wants to learn to do a simple round or oval crocheted rug. The full content of it is already included in the above Rugmaker's Handbook No. 3:: "Crocheted and Fabric Tapestry Rugs", so don't order both books.)

Bulletin #1: FLAT WRAP RUGS & BASKETS ......$4.00
The Flat Wrap is one of the oldest methods of rug construction, developing in ancient times on nearly every continent. It can be used for baskets and rugs which are very heavy and durable, and yet machine washable. Instructions include working with multiple strands to develop patterns and make beautiful baskets from fabric strips. If you want to get started on these rugs right away, be sure to order a lacing needle or two when you order this bulletin.

Bulletin #2: AMISH KNOT RUGS ...............$4.00
The "Amish Knot" has also been known as the 'Navajo Knot'. This is a very simple needle stitched knot for round or oval rugs (or you can use an old toothbrush handle modified for rugmaking, or a toothbrush tool). The Amish Knot can be worked with multiple strands of fabric strip to create patterns on the rug surface. Instructions include how to prepare fabric strip, making rugs and also baskets with the technique. If you want to get started on these rugs right away, be sure to order a lacing needle or two (or a toothbrush tool) when you order this bulletin.

Bulletin #3: BROOMSTICK RUGS .............$4.00
Yes, these really are made with a broomstick as the main tool. The rugs appear woven on one side and knotted on the other. The technique is traditionally done with fabric strip for both the 'warp' and the 'fill' strands, but can be made with yarns, or fabric and yarn in combination. Instructions include how to prepare fabric strips and make your own simple 'broomstick' tool from a dowel. Once you understand the basics of this technique, you can make rugs of any size.
 

Bulletin #4: CHAIN BRAID RUGS ............$4.00
If you've ever wanted to make a braided rug, but the thought of having to stop and sew on more strip constantly has discouraged you, try the 2-strand chain braid. It is made with long continuous strips of fabric (wool or cotton), so you can make any size rug. This rug method appears to be the grandmother of several other rug types including toothbrush and swedish and bohemian braids. And it is VERY simple to learn. The chain braid makes a softer and 'spongier' rug than traditional flat braids, and because it is done with only two continuous strands, they are quicker to make than other types of braided rugs. This bulletin covers the 2-strand detached type of chain braid only. (See other bulletins for other types of chain braids.)

Bulletin #5: WAGON WHEEL RUGS ...........$4.00

This is a positive classic rug. It is woven-in-the-round on a wooden frame (which can be either square or round). Originating in the Scandanavian countries, it is easy to make wagon wheel rugs from wools or cotton flannels which are quite striking, and still very durable and practical. Instructions include frame construction and weaving for the traditional round, and the novel oval shape. Once you know the traditional 'trick' of weaving these rugs, you can make rugs of any size. (Wagon wheel rugs are  included in  Rugmakers Handbook No. 2 "Fabulous Rag Rugs from Simple Frames" so don't order both books.)
 

Bulletin #6: ANCHORED LOOP RUGS (American Locker Hooking with Rags)...$4.00
This bulletin covers the American Anchored Loop technique for making these wonderful traditional rugs on burlap or rug canvas. Step by step instructions and photos from preparing fabric strip for rugmaking to creating and finishing your own Anchored Loop Rug. Use either the traditional rug hook and lacing needle for these rugs or a locker hook with rug canvas.

Bulletin #7: BODKIN RUGS ......... $4.00
Learn this "impossible" technique for making superthick, supersoft wool rugs very easily. With a shaggy, reversible texture, there is just no other rug like it. Bodkin rugs can be made on rug canvas or burlap using a bodkin (see tools and supplies ).

Bulletin #8: WRAPPED FALSE BRAIDS FOR RAG RUGS......... $4.00
This bulletin is includes directions for making six different false braids and their major variations. Included is the "candy cane" false braid and the amazing "squared" false braid pattern, which will let you make a rug that is a different color on each side. Each braid is illustrated with line drawings, in step by step fashion, so you can quickly master the pattern. False braids are much quicker than standard braided rugs since they all use long, continuous strips of fabric--so you don't have to stop and sew on more strip-- and several are easy enough for youngsters.
 

Bulletin #9: INTRODUCTION TO TAMBOUR BRAIDS..... $4.00
This is the bulletin to get you started with these fantastic, and easy to make rugs. This is an introduction to tambour braids done on rug canvas and covers the basic two-strand tambour braid (which is the easiest tambour technique and the best place for beginners to start). The tambour edging shown in this bulletin is also very compatible for edging anchored loop rugs.

Bulletin #10: KNOTTED SHAG RUGS......... $4.00
With some stout string, and tiny scraps of fabric, you can make wonderfully shaggy knotted shag rugs. This bulletin covers two very different ways to make knotted shag rugs. The "two string loom" method is so simple it is ideal for children's rug making projects--and even the "loom" is so simple they can make it themselves. The "frame" method isn't that much harder, and will let the textile artist have a great new medium for design.

Rugmakers Bulletin #11: PJONGING & SINGLE STRAND CHAIN BRAIDS ......... $4.00
This bulletin includes both the attached (Pjonging) and detached, single strand chain braids. Both are very simple constructions. For light cotton fabrics a rug hook or crochet hook is used. With heavier fabrics, such as wool, these can be made using your fingers. The detached braids are made separately and laced together to form the rug. The attached braid makes the rug in a single step.

Rugmakers Bulletin #12: HOOK "BRAIDED" RUGS: The two-strand attached chain braid for rag rugs.......... $4.00
These rugs really are interesting because the "braid" is a chain braid made with a hook (rug hook, crochet hook, button hook or what have you), for making the interlocking loops of the chain braid. Made in a single step, each round of "braiding" is made through the previous rounds so the rug goes together in a single step. These unique rugs appear braided on one side only.

Rugmakers Bulletin #13: "KITCHEN TABLE" RUGS......... $4.00
These are the absolute simplest of woven rag rugs to make, since not even a frame is needed-- just a flat surface to work on which is why they were called "kitchen table" rugs. Almost any fabric can be used from light cottons to heavy denim or wool and they go together very quickly.These make a wonderful family project. The bulletin covers each step from fabric preparation, to weaving and finishing your rug.

Rugmakers Bulletin #14: STRING CROCHET RUGS......... $4.00
String Crochet (or "Baling Twine") rugs are a delightfully simple way to get a rug that looks like it was woven on a loom, but you make them with a crochet hook instead. The bulletin covers the techniques for making long runners and for making oval rugs in various fabrics for either light or heavy rugs.

Rugmakers Bulletin #15:
PRIMITIVE RUG HOOKING, AN INTRODUCTION...$4.00
Traditional rug hooking done with wider strips is known as 'primitive' rug hooking. The method is ideal for a first time rug hooker, since primitive rugs are quicker to make than 'fine' hooking. The bulletin covers the basics of hooking technique on a burlap base and designing and finishing a 'primitive' hooked rug.

Rugmakers Bulletin #16:
SNOW-ON-THE-MOUNTAIN SHIRRED RUG ..... $4.00
This bulletin covers the technique of crocheted shirring with an afghan hook and assembly with a shirring needle. This is the easiest method of crocheted shirring-- ideal for the beginner--and creates a wonderfully deep, rich, reversible rug. The Snow-on-the-Mountain rug with its flecked ebony/ivory design is only one type of rug that can be made with the technique, any other wool fabric can be used! To avoid duplication, do not order this bulletin if you are also ordering the book "Traditional Shirred & Standing Wool Rugs"

Rugmaker's Bulletin #17:
"BEADED" RUGS, A UNIQUE STANDING WOOL RUG ..... $4.00
Wool "beaded" rugs are a unique type of standing wool rug, made with simple stitching, but creating a mosaic of color with tremendous patterning options for the textile artist. The bulletin covers the simplest 2-step method for the beginner, or a family-project rug and the more advanced 1-step process which makes elaborate rug designs possible. The "beaded" rugs are reversible with the deep velvety texture of all standing wool rugs. (This technique is covered in the book "Shirred & Standing Wool Rugs".)

Miss Rosemary's Stick Rug: A Naalbinding Rugby Carolyn Carlson.......... $12.00
Finally everyone who has waited for good Naalbinding instructions doesn't have to wait any longer. Carolyn Carlson has done a wonderful job of explaining these traditional "toothbrush" rugs in instructions and color photos. She includes directions for both left and right-handers, and tips on these wonderful, traditional toothbrush rugs! The cover is plain, but the color photos are inside where they count. 8-1/2" X 11", 17 pages