Rag Rug Pillows

Rag Rug Pillows

How do we make our homes? Our culture impresses upon us the value of disposable trends and knicknacks sourced at Target end caps,  but I remember growing up with elaborately embroidered dish towels and pillow cases and braided rag rugs constructed from work clothes. Traditional women’s work meant that quilts were made for warmth but also served as creative expression for their makers. These homemade items not only make a home but can also be satisfying for the maker. Furthermore, they become enduring and beloved because of their homemade-ness. 

So, with the recent rennovations at the cottage, I knew I wanted some new throw pillows. I could have easily picked something up inexpensively from Ikea or Traget, but I saw the need as an opportunity to use up t-shirt yarn (yarn made from cutting up t-shirts) and to practice my own creativity . . . to make something more special and unique for the cottage. 

Because I often get asked about how my loom works and the difference between warp and weft, I’ve included a very basic tutorial of how I made these. This is mostly meant for non-weavers to understand the process. So, if you are a weaver looking for specifics on reeds and yarn, you won’t find that here, but you probably can figure this one out on your own. 

Hope you enjoy the photos and explanation. If you are coming to the cottage soon, I hope you enjoy the pillow in your restful time at the cottage!

Winding The Warp

The warp runs length-wise through the loom. It’s the part that actually gets physically tied onto the loom. Every weaving project begins by determining how wide you want to make the piece, how long it is going to be, and how many ends (or strings) per inch is required for the fabric you are weaving. The more ends per inch, the finer the thread and therefore the finer the fabric that you are weaving. 

For weaving rag rugs, you use a fairly thick thread for durability. I used a cotton rug warp thread for this project in a variety of colors that I think matched my weft nicely.

Threading The Loom

Tying the Warp on to the Loom

Weaving the Weft

Finishing The Ends

New Cottage Decor