Welcome to 'Old Time Rugs'
Old time rugs, Hooked Rugs, Penny Rugs and Penny Rug Pattern Store. Old time rugs to buy and patterns to make your own.
Cottage Crafters kept busy all winter long making one thing or another. One of the more favored by both men and women, was hooking and braiding. Knitted rugs were once a good way to use up scraps of yarn, but quickly turned into an art form for rug making.
Contrary to what you read, folk Art Penny Rugs were indeed used for rugs, but scenic ones were normally turned into pillows or wall hangings. I remember seeing one placed over the back of my grandmothers couch for a touch of decoration. Were they really penny rugs if full of figural appliqués?
Old time folk art penny rugs were made using wool fabrics recycled from old woolen clothing or scraps left over from garment making or recycled from old woolen clothing. The woolen fabrics are shaped into circular medallions in three sizes, and then hand stitched onto a base. The largest medallion first, middles size on top of the large one and finally the smallest is stitched to the middle medallion. A blanket stitch is the preferred style of stitching.
Penny Rug Patterns
We found a wonderful selection of modern day handmade Penny Rugs for sale,and have also included patterns and supplies so you can easily make modern rug projects yourself. Penny Rug Patterns Many times those finished rugs or throws would actually tell a story about the farmer or his family. The joining of penny rug medallions and folk art woolen appliqués could be joined to tell a story, or identify the family.
Braiding rugs is not hard to do, but it does take working with the right materials and tools. Wool fabric works the best because it does not fray. Knit fabrics and sweat shirt fabric make great looking rugs too, but you must make sure that there is no stretch to the fabric when using knits or your rug will end up all puckered and ruffled looking. Cotton fabrics in strips work very well, but be sure all the raw edges are turning in like bias tape, or the first time you wash it you will have a lot 
of frays everywhere. We used to recycle the old cotton sheets and curtains into braided rugs, hot mats and seat cushions. They had nice long strips of fabric and you could make several small projects. Bedspreads also work great.
They may look a lot like a braided rug from a distance, but they are actually crocheted. These are very common and a favorite among many. Easy to maintain and fun to sit and while away the evening hours using up old cloth scraps.Antique Rug Beaters
Antique rugs rarely saw a good wash. The homemaker took them outside and hung them over the clothes line and beat them until the dust stopped flying. Many antique beaters have stood the test of time and still can be found for around $20 on Ebay. These still make excellent beaters for your old braided rugs. Many times the rug is not really that soiled, but as with any fiber, it collects dust. A healthy beating will not hurt the fibers as much as a washing will, so don't be afraid to give your rug a good whack!
Hooked Rugs
Hooked rugs are probably best know as wall hangings by modern day hooking enthusiasts. There are many wonderful hooked rugs, patterns and designs in the store. Old time settlers often used hooked rugs to keep their feet warm and at the same time add a touch of decoration. It was a wonderful way to recycle old woolen clothing. An additional 'Hooked Rug Guide'that is quite interesting to read also gives you instructions for storing a hooked rug.
Many who are just starting out find using a Hooked Rug Patternmakes learning this craft a much more enjoyable experience.
A source for Hooked Rug Patterns
Weaving Using Looms-A perfect work at home job that anyone can do
Rag rugs are a preferred rug for keeping up with those muddy shoes, but they also are a method for stay at home mom's and dad's to earn plenty of spare cash. As a rug weaver myself, I can attest to the fact that people want rag rugs and if you are willing to custom make them, you will not have to worry about a work at home job. To better show you rag rugs and the tools you would need, we have a side site that will help you locate many different looms for weaving. They include lap looms for afghan work, to table and floor models used for place-mats, rugs, runners etc. Visit the Rag Rug Shop for more information on loom weaving. 