To allow as many people as possible to experience a workshop with our Artist in Residence, Tom Knisely, workshop participants who took Tom's 2023 workshop will not be permitted to register for his 2024 workshop until two weeks after General Registration opens, subject to availability.

Beginner’s Guide to Weaving Rag Rugs

Skill Level

Intermediate

Required Skills:

  • Students will need to come to class with pre-warped looms.
  • Students should have a basic understanding of how to read a draft.

Class Length

  • Friday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
  • Saturday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
  • Sunday: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Description

If you have always wondered about rag rug weaving, this is the class for you. You will weave a small version of a rag rug that you can use as a table runner. An 18" width warp will be arranged with different color patterns in a Gamp or sampler format that is balanced. You will be shown how to prepare your rag weft from washed yardage that you will bring to class. How to properly finish a rug is important. You want it to look good and last for years. I will cover several finishing techniques including how to roll a hem, a Damascus edge, and how to twist a fringe. Small floor looms, such as Wolf looms or Dorset looms are preferable, but a table loom will work also.

Fees

Registration Fee $425 Members; $500 Non-members
Materials Fee $0

Materials Fee includes: n/a

Students to Bring

  • A pre-warped loom, threaded to the draft sent several weeks before class
  • Shuttles and bobbins
  • Bobbin Winder
  • Scissors
  • Tape measure
  • 5 to 6 yards of washed cotton fabric
  • Remaining cotton thread from making the warp

Instructor Bio

Tom Knisely

Tom has been weaving, teaching and writing about weaving and spinning for more than 40 years. He is currently teaching at Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Studio in York Haven, PA. Besides weaving examples for teaching and articles, Tom loves collecting and studying antique textiles and ethnic textiles from different parts of the World. His studies inspire much of what he loves to weave.

Gallery

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