Short Rug – Big Splash

This colorful double-binding rag rug is going to make a big splash. At least, it will catch a big splash. It’s a bath mat, after all.

From left to right: Warp is tied on. Leveling string. Blue and white scrap header. Warp thread header. Red plain weave hem. First four rows (eight picks) of double-binding rag rug. Ski shuttle for light-color weft. Ski shuttle for dark-color weft.

I am not fiddling with the weft fabric strips. Instead of making the right side of the fabric always show on top, I am letting the fabric strips fall as they may. The resulting variance in the weft gives the rug a vintage-like appearance. Also, I am using print fabric for some of the the light color of the double binding that purposely obscures the contrast of dark and light in some places. This is to give the rug a softer, more playful appearance.

Some of the red fabric for the rug’s hem has a wrong side that is much lighter than its right side. I am letting some of that lighter fabric show on top. Besides giving the rug a vintage-like appearance, this variance also makes the rug more reversible. The front and back side of the rug will be similar to each other, instead of one dark side and one light side.
Glimåkra Ideal, with the beginning of a burst-of-color short rug to be used as a bath mat.

Home is where we make our true expression. The textiles from our hands speak without saying a word.

May your home represent you well.

Happy Weaving,
Karen

8 thoughts on “Short Rug – Big Splash

  1. Hi Karen,
    I love the look of your rug. Could you please explain what double binding is? I know of double weave but couldn’t find any reference to double binding.

    Thanks, Ginger

    1. Hi Ginger, Double binding is an easy and fun way to weave an interesting rug design. I’m glad you like it. Double binding is a Swedish weave structure that has two layers that are woven together. There is more explanation of double binding, including some book resources, in these two posts: Coverlet Rag Rug, and Tried and True: Rag Rug Block Party!

      I hope you give it a try!

      Happy weaving,
      Karen

    1. Hi Linda, Thank you! I’m sure you would enjoy weaving double binding. You can see my reply to Ginger.

      Happy weaving,
      Karen

  2. I just discovered your blog and am loving it! Can’t wait to see your finished bath mat as I love colorful woven items!

    1. Hi Judi, Welcome! It’s fun to have someone like you joining in. Colorful woven items are my favorite, too!

      All the best,
      Karen

  3. Thanks for the rag rug showcase. Glad you had time to post last week.

    We quickly put in the last of the seedlings after the Tuesday night frost warning. Today is a day to catch our breath and enjoy your post.

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