Which Side Is Up?

Two shuttles required! With double binding rag rugs, each weft pick is double. The two wefts fall into place above and under each other, creating a two-sided fabric. The solid green that is visible on the top of this rug forms a different shape underneath. On the top side it looks like a cross from this angle. Underneath, it looks like a capital “I.” As in, “Me, myself, and I.”

Double binding twill rag rug on the loom. Karen Isenhower
Rug design is formed two rag picks at a time. Ski shuttles are an efficient way to carry the weft picks across the warp.

One interesting thing about designing double binding rag rugs is that I end up with two rugs in one. Simply turn the rug over for a different look. When the cross is up, the “I” is not seen. Flip the rug over, and the “I” is seen, but the cross remains hidden.

Pride can ruin people. The essence of pride is comparing yourself to others, and putting yourself above. Like most people, I find it hard to deny my own flattery. But being humble means refusing an inflated view of yourself. During this week when the cross of Christ is remembered around the world, I want to make sure my “I” is under the cross. The one who humbled Himself more than we can imagine leads the way. Woven in, behind the cross, my “I” finds its true identity–no more, no less.

May you show your humble side.

Isenhower with an “I,”
Karen

2 thoughts on “Which Side Is Up?

  1. Would you mind sharing the draft for this rug? I am just at the point of wanting to do a double binding rug and am wondering how to get the variation in structure on each pick. Thanks.

    1. Hi, Janie,

      The draft for this rug is from “Swedish Rag Rugs 35 New Designs,” by VävMagasinet. “Happy Weaving,” from VävMagasinet is another book that has a double binding draft. Almost any Scandinavian rag rug book has double binding drafts.

      The variation in structure happens with the threading. Basically, there are two blocks; and since there is an upper and lower layer, the two blocks “trade places” from the front side to the back side.

      I will send you an email with a little more information.

      Happy Weaving,
      Karen

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