• On Demand

    This course is self-paced and is available immediately after you enroll.

  • All Levels

    Great for weavers of all levels interested in exploring this technique.

  • Free Preview Available

    Try before you buy, with a free preview lesson from this course.

Weave Rags into Rich Rugs

Renowned weaver Tom Knisely is back with a new and expanded course on weaving rag rugs. If you were captivated by Tom’s first video on weaving with rags, you’re in for an even bigger treat when you watch this one.

From plain weave that’s anything but plain, to warp- and weft-faced rugs that beg a closer look, Tom Knisely will inspire you to create one-of-a-kind rugs for every room. This course is packed with the advice and tips Tom is known for, along with in-depth information and techniques to help you grow and build on your rag rug weaving skills.

 As you watch, you’ll learn about:

  • How to estimate the amount of rags you’ll need to weave your rug
  • Preparing rag strips from all sorts of clothing and fabrics
  • The best setts for warp-dominant or weft-dominant rugs
  • How to use colored warps and wefts to weave unique rugs
  • Starting and ending rag strips and changing colors
  • Calculating for shrinkage and take-up
  • Weaving tips, finishing techniques, and more!

Weaving your own rag rugs can be deeply satisfying. And when you see how quickly you can weave one, they may earn a permanent place in your weaving plans. From rags to rich rugs, join master weaver Tom Knisely as he shares his knowledge and love of weaving rag rugs.

An Introduction from Instructor Tom Knisely

Materials and equipment:

  • A sturdy loom with 4 shafts*
  • A boat shuttle for headers, and rug shuttles, ski shuttles, or rag rug shuttles for weaving
  • A metal temple (optional but highly recommended)
  • Warp yarn, such as 8/4 cotton carpet warp
  • Fabrics and rags
  • Scissors
  • Rotary cutter, mat, and guide ruler are optional but helpful

*Note: Though a sturdy loom is recommended for rug weaving, you can use smaller, portable looms and the techniques learned in this video to weave other items, such as rag placemats and scarves.

Included in the course:

  • 10 video chapters, totaling more than 2 hours of video
  • Notes and resources
  • Two bonus articles on rag rug weaving
  • Two bonus rag rug patterns by Tom Knisely


Prerequisites:

While this technique is beginner-friendly, you should know how to follow a basic pattern and warp your loom before beginning this course, as these topics are not covered. 

Instructor

Tom Knisely

Tom Knisely has been teaching handweaving for more than forty years. In addition to teaching, Tom weaves professionally and is a frequent contributor to Handwoven magazine. Voted Handwoven Teacher of the Year, Tom is renowned among his weaving students for his kindness, good humor, and seemingly infinite knowledge on the subject of weaving. He teaches at the beautiful Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Center in York Haven, Pennsylvania.

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome!

      FREE PREVIEW
    2. Meet Your Instructor

      FREE PREVIEW
    3. Workbook

    4. Technical Support

    1. Looms and Equipment

      FREE PREVIEW
    2. Materials for Rag Rugs

    1. Preparing Rags for Weaving

    2. Planning a Rag Rug

    3. Take-up and Shrinkage

    1. Warping and Weaving Tips

    2. Finishing

    1. Conclusion

About this course

  • $39.99
  • 17 lessons
  • 2 hours of video content