Why make cloth from cloth? Rag weaving is fast, fun, and offers amazing opportunities to play with color and design. Everyone loves rag rugs, but you can also make rags into other home décor items, sturdy bags, even fashion accessories like sakiori silk scarves. 

In this introductory video, master weaver Tom Knisely teaches you how to design and weave rag projects for every purpose, using both purchased and recycled fabric, and how the interaction of yarn and cloth can create gorgeous results.

In this video, you’ll learn:

  • The best materials for rag weaving, from purchased yardage to recycled silk scarves and blue jeans
  • How to plan rag weaving projects to get the pattern and color effects you want
  • How to prepare fabric strips for weaving
  • Tips for success, from smooth weft joins to good warp color choices
  • Hems and other finishing techniques for rag fabrics

Come along as Tom introduces you to the joy and surprises of rag weaving. You’ll have a ripping good time turning your rags into handwoven riches.

Instructor(s)

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.

Reviews

Great course with a great teacher

“This was such an excellent course, and Tom Knisely is a phenomenal teacher. He brings a great balance of inspiration, technique, and understanding of WHY you might do things one way or another. Very inspiring, practical, and FUN!” - siowoolly .

Very informative video

“Even though the demonstration was for a floor loom, I will use many of the instructions and helpful hints to weave a rug on my rigid heddle.” - Diane Lathrop

Making Rag Rugs and More

“Excellent workshop with detailed instructions, samples of project, many useful tips and clever solutions to whatever a weaver may come across. It is also full with time-saving ideas and good examples of using resources, equipment, materials and fabrics. Tom shares so much of his years of experience, in a very generous and humble way.” - Dominique Robertson

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