Hemming a rag rug may be easier than you think. I have used my classic Bernina sewing machine to hem rag rugs; but now, I hem many of them by hand. It’s easier and faster than I once thought. I plan the rug’s hem into the weaving, using half-width fabric strips for the hem area, and end it off with 1 cm of a warp thread heading. After cutting off the rug, I secure and trim the warp ends. There’s only one thing left to do. Hem the rug! (Start with Tools Day: Rag Rug Finishing Video if you haven’t seen it yet.)
Tools and supplies
- Steam iron
- Long straight pins
- Rug warp to match the rug (mine is Bockens 12/6 cotton seine twine)
- Blunt tapestry needle
May you enjoy the work of your hands.
Happy hemming,
Karen
Thanks! This was a helpful video. Sometimes fringe isn’t the ending one wants…
Hi Debbie, I’m glad you found the video helpful. Yes, fringe isn’t always the best option for a rug. I like the tidy look of a hem.
Karen
Very Nice,
Katy on Rug Talk.
Thank you, Katy!
Karen, that was a beautiful and helpful video. The photography and lighting were as excellent as the content was. Thank you for sharing this method of hemming a rag rug.
T.W., I appreciate your kind words. I have to give credit to my husband, Steve. He sets up the lighting and does the filming, and I do the editing. It’s something we enjoy doing together.
Karen