All orders to US addresses ship for a flat $5.00 shipping charge, no matter how many items you order.

                                                    Part 1: Rugmaking Books & Bulletins (starts just below)                                 
Part 2: Rugmaking Tools
Part 3: Rugmaking Supplies
Part 4: Rugmaking Sets

The "Rugmaker's Handbook" Series
These are the reference books that so many of you have been asking for. Our master rugmaker, Diana Blake Gray created this series to cover as many of the types and variations of traditional rug making as possible. These books are not "craft books"--instead they are true "handbooks" with a wealth of information for the textile explorer. 

Rugmaker's Handbook No. 4: Traditional Shirred and Standing Wool Rugs

The new edition of Traditional Shirred and Standing Wool Rugs is more than doubled in size from the 1996 edition and not only includes more information about the traditional techniques but also never-before-published techniques and variations. The book's instructions include:
Standing wool rugs, including beaded rugs and milleflore beaded rugs. 
Three varieties of faux shirring are included: sewn, crocheted and awl faux shiring.
Four varieties of center shirring: sewn, Snow-on-the-Mountain, two-hook and the bent hook method.
Edge shirring and mono-shirring, plus two bonus chapters on Postage Stamp rugs and Caterpillar Rugs. The Handbook section has been completely revised to include recycling clothing from t-shirts and jeans to sweaters and socks into fabulous, reversible rugs. Like all of the Handbooks, it is not a "craft" book, but a true handbook for the textile explorer. (Preview the Book)

Rugmaker's Handbook No. 4: Traditional Shirred and Standing Wool Rugs.....$18.95
ISBN 1-931-426-31-7, 6" X 9", paperback, 204 pages, Color cover, black and white interior with over 260 black and white photos and illustrations.

                                        
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. (Preview the Book)

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. (Preview the Book)

Rugmaker's Handbook No. 2: Fabulous Rag Rugs from Simple Frames

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. 

Preview the book contents and a sample chapter.

Rugmaker's Handbook No. 1:

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).

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

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 #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

  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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PRIMITIVE RUG HOOKING, AN INTRODUCTION...$4.00

Catalog: Part 2-- Rugmaking Tools LACING NEEDLES  For all of the rugs made with folded cotton strips (crocheted, bohemian braids, chain braids, knitted, etc.) there will always be tag ends of fabric strip that have to be worked back into the rug at the finish. Lacing needles make the work easy. For cotton braided rugs, the needls can be used with fabric strip to join the braids for a super-strong construction. Lacing needles are also the primary tools needed to make Flat Wrap and Amish Knot rugs, and can be used as "toothbrush" tools for naalbinding and related rugs. Shown is the 6-inch plastic lacing needle threaded with our 1-1/2 inch prefolded rug strip. 6" Steel lacing needle with curved, blunt tip..........$5.50 each. The eye will take 1-1/2" cotton strip for lacing and the curved tip makes lacing cotton braided rugs much easier than using straight lacing needles.  6" Plastic lacing needle...............................$.80 each, limit 2 per customer, limited to stock. We've carried these needles for years and though the needles are plastic, they do stand up to use for quite a long time. The eye is large enough for 1-1/2" fabric strip. LOCKER HOOKS FOR "ANCHORED LOOP" RUGS..........$7.50 each Steel hooks with crochet hook at one end and eye at the other. 6.2 inches long, made of heavy stainless steel from England. 5-inch, blunt tipped, SHIRRING NEEDLE .................... $1.95 each For years we looked for just this needle. It is long enough to shir efficiently (5 inches long), and without the sharp tip which can split warp threads. It is ideal for center and edge shirred rugs, standing wool rugs and even patched rugs. 2 mm AFGHAN HOOK for Crocheted Shirring ............. $4.00 ea. The aluminum hook is a full 10 inches long for the easiest type of crocheted shirring. The end opposite the crochet hook is pointed so that fabric strip can be shirred from that end too. The cap on the pointed end can be removed for shirring, and put back on to hold the folds in place. These hooks are ideal for your first rug with the wonderful softness of crocheted shirring. (See Rugmakers Handbook No. 4: Traditional Shirred & Standing Wool Rugs.) 2.5 mm AFGHAN HOOK for Crocheted Shirring ............. $4.00 ea. Slightly heavier than above. METAL BRAIDING CONES (set of 3)..... $9.00 or Single cone...........$3.50 ea These are the old fashioned metal cones for folding wool strips when braiding rugs. These "Braidmaster" cones are the same cones illustrated in the "Braidmastery" pamphlet and in the "The Braided Rug Book" by Norma Sturges. These cones will also work with up to 5 strand braids fairly easily-- more if you work at it. BRAID LACING TOOL ...................$3.00 These are flat, steel lacers with a curved tip designed just for lacing braided rugs together with linen cord. They look like little skis. These are the lacers that the Braid-Aid company sold for many years under the name "Braidkin." HANDY HOOK (for Bohemian Braids) Size N……….. $2.50 ea. This is a plastic crochet hook, 6-1/2 inches long with a broad handle and curved shank. If you've looked at the Bohemian Braid, you know that one of the traditional tools for making it is a button hook, which is hard to come by these days. This 'Handy Hook' has the same feel as a button hook when working the Bohemian Braid, and is stout enough to last. Also, we're told the design is easier on the hands and wrists if you do a lot of crocheting, and it is also a good size for crocheted and fabric tapestry rugs. Choose Size N to work with light to medium cotton strip. HANDY HOOK (for Bohemian Braids) Size Q……….. $2.50 ea. Choose Size Q  if you are a beginner to crocheted rugs or tend to crochet tightly; also to work with heavy cottons and pre-folded wool strip. STEEL CROCHET HOOK, Size 8 ………………..$2.00 ea. These quality hooks are just the right size for crocheted faux shirring. Also, use these hooks for the wool stadium blanket or Christmas tree skirt projects. RUG PUNCH NEEDLE........... $3.50 ea. For making punched rugs with 3/4" unfolded fabric strip or 1-1/2" prefolded strip of a calico or broadcloth weight, on burlap or monkscloth. This is a fixed needle with a removable depth gauge so that the loops can be made very high for clipping. Also use with bulky yarns. Wooden handle.

Catalog: Part 3-- Rugmaking Supplies BAROQUE COTTON (White/ Ecru) …………. $4.25 each. For years, this is the cotton we've most recommended for shirred rugs, strung shag rugs, cotton string crochet, and patched rugs with cotton stitching. It is 100% cotton, tightly spun, 4-ply, super-mercerized to stand up to wear, and handles like a dream. The appx 2 oz. skeins have about 400 yards each and are available in white or ecru. Baroque Cotton, White....................$4.25 Baroque Cotton, Ecru.......................$4.25

Money-Saving Rugmaking Sets! We've put together these sets to help you get started with rugmaking. They include all of the books, tools and supplies to get started at the best possible price. Just add your own fabrics for wonderful rugs!

S-3: BOHEMIAN BRAID SET …. $9.50

S-7: SHIRRED AND STANDING WOOL SET …. $28.50

S-10: TAMBOUR SET ..... $9.99 (while canvas supplies last)

Designed to get you started making the easiest of the tambour braids with your own cotton strip. The set includes Bulletin #9: Tambour Braids; a traditional rug hook; a 6-inch lacing needle; and an 18" X 24" rug canvas. Separately these are a $12.05 value.