Towel rag rug

Claudia Segal's picture
Towel rag rug
Project
Draft: 
plain weave
Project Status: 
Finished
Project Date: 
Thu, 06/09/2011 - Fri, 06/24/2011
Yarn
Yarn: Seine cotton
Color: natural
Type: warp
Loom
Number of Shafts: 
4
Number of Treadles: 
2
Sett: 
7.00 EPI
Length on Loom: 
12.00 ft
Width on Loom: 
36.00 in
Finished Length: 
38.00 in
Finished Width: 
33.00 in
Notes: 

I decided to use our old towels that had a few stains on them as weft.  Cutting them became a nightmare.  They shed everywhere.  So, I sewed lengths of towel together and tried to meet the ratio of 1.93 times the warp width so it would form a diamond pattern.  A pattern did begin to form.  It was very time consuming to sew the lengths of towels together and then cut 1" strips for weft.  

I liked the result and got rid of the towels I never cut or used and threw everything else out, except the pieces large enough to use washing the car.  An educational experience and I am back to using fabric for weft.

4
Your rating: None Average: 4 (1 vote)
ruthmacgregor's picture
Offline
Joined: 05/14/2010
Oh my gosh, Claudia, that's a

Oh my gosh, Claudia, that's a very interesting rug.  At first when I read your description, I was thinking "dish towels, oh, nice idea", but looking at the detail photo, it looks like the towels in question were terrycloth (!) -- and oh, I admire you for tackling this project!!  I've cut up some of our old bath towels here for rags, and yes, they shed everywhere (and when they don't shed, they shred). 

I salute your perseverance, and I very much admire your result.  The rug must be lovely and cushiony underfoot!

Ruth

B P's picture
B P
Offline
Joined: 02/21/2011
I like the colour and pattern

I like the colour and pattern you've woven here. Especially the way the light warp is highlighted against the dark patches of weft, and then disappears against weft of a similar colour.

Beth

 

Alison's picture
Offline
Joined: 05/13/2009
Where will this live?

Where will this live?  Bathroom?  Hall? Kitchen?  Do you ever think you'll do it again?

bolivian warmi's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/20/2009
I love it! It looks like the

I love it! It looks like the streaks of sunlight on rippled water.

Ellen's picture
Offline
Joined: 08/12/2009
Fantastic piece! Laverne's

Fantastic piece! Laverne's description is spot on!

Cathie Beckman's picture
Offline
Joined: 08/05/2010
I love this too, and you've

I love this too, and you've thought green, repurposing all those towels!
Good job!

EvaHall's picture
Offline
Joined: 04/11/2010
I have always thought that

I have always thought that towels would not work for a rag rug. I see now that I will have to reconsider my point of view.

Claudia Segal's picture
Offline
Joined: 05/13/2009
If you choose to do this

If you choose to do this project, just be prepared for lots of shedding and, as Ruth has said, shredding. The rugs are soft and warm under foot.

Thanks for all the complements. I have one more to photograph.
Claudia

ttkjohn's picture
Offline
Joined: 09/07/2011
Great Idea

Great idea for using old towels.  Love it.