Start weaving with the main weft yarn

Start Weaving with the Main Weft Yarn

We're now ready to begin using the main weft yarn, and to start work on the main body of our rag rug.

Adding Tassels

It may be nice for the rag rug to have tassels at both the top and bottom. If you want to add these, now is the time. Refer back to lesson 8 for a step-by-step guide.

Begin Weaving Your Weft Yarn

Remember to start going in the opposite direction to the last row of weaving.

To create your rag rug, you will be using the weaving techniques you have already learnt. If you get stuck or need a refresher, just refer back to the basic weaving techniques in lessons 1 to 9.

I will demonstrate a design in which two different coloured yarns meet in the middle of the loom. It uses the same techniques as before in principle, just with a few adjustments. You can follow along with me if you like, or you can create your own design.

Weaving with Two Colours that Meet in the Middle

STEP 1: Insert the first yarn from the left, making sure to follow the appropriate weaving pattern that follows your last row of weaving.

STEP 2: Stop about halfway and pull the bundle of yarn through to the front of the loom, ensuring you leave a little excess of loose yarn at the side as normal.

STEP 3: Insert the second yarn from the other side, moving in the opposite direction but still following the same weaving sequence as the first yarn.

STEP 4: Weave the second yarn through to meet the first yarn in the centre of the loom and overlap the two yarns on the same warp string. You should also leave a small excess of this yarn loose at the side too.

STEP 5: Follow the same principles of the basic weaving technique by making a curve in each thread and pushing it down with a fork.

STEP 6: Tuck in both loose ends as per usual, weaving them through a few of the warp strings at either side and pushing the excess through to the back of the loom.

STEP 7: Start the second row of weaving. Pick up the first yarn and move in the opposite direction with an alternating weaving sequence, weaving from the centre and back to the side.

STEP 8: Repeat for the second yarn.

STEP 9: Continue this process. The point at which the two yarns meet in the centre can change for each row to create a more abstract effect. Just make sure that the two yarns overlap on the same warp string.