I have always been afraid to crochet. My grandmother tried to teach me when I was young. Lol I didn't do so well. Watching your rag rug videos has given me the courage to try again! Thank you!!
These are great tips on choosing materials and laundering. I'm learning a lot by watching several of your videos before starting projects. Your instructions are very easy to understand and you speak clearly. I can't thank you enough for posting this excellent series of rag rug tutorials. (Thanks to Mr. Cameraman as well.)
love you and Mr. Cameraman! I take large items like these to the laundromat. They have some huge front load washers that are gentle and they wring out well. The cost is worth not messing with the bath tub.
My goodness such fantastic information!! I live in Canada 🇨🇦 and would dry it in the bathtub on a simple wooden clothes dryer with the heat on and the door closed! Much appreciated!! You rock!!
I love your videos, Erin! You are one of the most helpful tutorial filmers I have found. I've been crafting my whole life, but I've always wanted to try my hand at rugs. My husband and I just moved into a house with older carpet that we can't afford to replace yet. Helloooooo, rag rugs! Thanks for the help!
+Melanie Griffin My Pleasure. You might want to watch "Over 50 Rag Rugs to Inspire the Rug Maker in YOU Feb. 2016". If you watch it on a computer it will show who made the rugs. The majority of the rug makers just started after watching my videos. If you can watch my videos on a computer and not a tablet or phone you will be able to read all the extra tid bits I add to help clarify each video. Thank you for viewing and good luck.
Wow! Great info letting us know that quilting fabrics won’t hold up as good as shirts do!! That gives us even more freedom to recycle those old shirts. LOVE IT! ❤️
@@RagRugsbyErin Since I'm brand new at your channel and at making rugs, I'll have to watch & catch up to you explaining the different kinds of sheets as well bcuz I'm sure you've probably already taught on that too. Great teaching! Great channel!
Hi Erin, I'm yet another fan of yours and want to thank you for creating your tutorials. I normally get my sheets from Goodwill or other thrift shops as well as neighbors. I like to use Egyptian cotton sheets when possible, they're the most durable and soft to the touch. I've been using a crochet hook about twice the size of yours and my "sharn" (sheet yarn) is approx. 2" wide. So, they are thick and cushioney (sorry, I'm not sure if i spelt that correctly!). These make great chair throws and car seat cushions as well as rugs. When I tell people what i do they say things like, "Oh, how nice! " or " My grandma used to make them!". It's when they finally see and feel the rugs they appreciate them and they wonder why I'm not selling them on the internet. My rugs are such a personal labor of love that I tend to hold on to them not willing to part with them! I like to give some as gifts or just surprise my friends randomly with a rug or two made with their favorite colors. I have sold some (just to feed my rug making "habit"!). I'm wanting to give basket making a try next....thanks to you!
+Joanne DeMark I read your message very early this morning and did not have time to respond then. I left my central Florida home at 6:00 AM to head towards Mississippi and will be spending 3 night at a viewer;s farmhouse and teaching 2 classes of rug making. She organized the classes. I am settled in a hotel in Alabama for the evening. I will get to Mississippi tomorrow. I am very exctied to meet some of my viewers and to teach a few classes. Then on to Missiouri to meet a few more viewers. Your note made me grin and ri=ang true on so many levels. Examples: The type of sheets, I have been using 2" sheet yarn and a Q hook lately, the comments and reactions of people and the giving of rugs. I am pleased you have found some of my tutorials helpful. You have a wonderful evening and thank you for writing!!
God bless you Erin! I thank you for being so personable and responding so quickly ( as if you don't have enough going on!). Btw, i have the base of my basket done! While I was watching the tutorial it occurred to me that you look like a prettier version of Kirsty Ali, but I'm sure this isn't the first time you heard that! Now, you should kick back and enjoy your working vacation. Bask in the knowlege that you have so many dedicated fans who eagerly await your presence! I hope you have a wonderful trip, maybe next time you can come out west, to the Valley of the Sun!
+Joanne DeMark Thank you for your kind words. If you do facebook you can go to Rag Rugs by Erin and perhaps see the posts of my trip in a few days. Enjoy your love weekend.
It's funny that you say that your first rug isn't that great because it's my very favorite. I'm looking forward to watching all of your videos and making a rug,
You are so sweet. I have over 100 videos. I have them organized on my website. Www.ragrugsbyerin.com They are all free. You don't have to login, sign or add them to your cart. Click on the blue link in the description and watch as many times as you like for free. 😊
Hi I really enjoy your videos very great information !! Please keep up the great job you are doing -your projects are so informative that I can not wait to get started !!! You mentioned you live in Florida - I and My husband and our son live in MN -I also enjoy hanging my clothes outside I think the clothes have a fresh smell to them that you can not get in the dryer but then I am a old fashion woman ! My grandma and mom taught me well ! Again THANK YOU ERIN !! You have a GREAT DAY !!!
Erin, is part of the difference in the durability of the fabrics the polyester content??? Say a 50/50 fabric as opposed to just 100% cotton. I assume polyester would help it wash and wear better, dry faster and last longer, especially in sunlight?? What about use of microfiber sheets?? And what about durability of 100% cotton t-shirt fabric in your rugs?? THX!!
The information provided in my videos are my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences that I have encountered that far into my rag rug making journey. You will have to experiment yourself and form your own opinions and ideas. Microfiber sheets do not rip well and like polyesters are more slippery on the floor. T-shirt, microfiber and polyester all grab dirt and stains more and do not come out as easily. The thread count with sheets and their tight weave are meant to wash numerous time and stand up to wear. Percale sheets are my favorite but not readily available. T-shirt or jersey SOMETIMES do not hold there shape when washed. Hope that helps!
Hi Erin , I have been watching all your video's today and I am looking forward to start making some rugs for my home as i now have lots of spare sheets as my son and husband have passed away. The only problem i am having i can not seem to find any where i can buy size 11- 15 crochet hooks . Can you help me with this please . I have enjoyed your video's so much as you make it easy is follow . Thank you so much for taking the time to show us your work and all your helpful hints to . :)
Thanks for viewing and for all you kind words. You can buy the hooks at craft stores or sometimes Wal-Mart. I have P hook, 19 mm and a 21 mm available on my website. www.ragrugsbyerin.com I have 14 mm and a 16 mm wooden hooks that I have not listed on my website. I can post pictures on my Facebook page(Rag Rugs by Erin) if you are interested.
Tracy Smith. I some how deleted your email that I had for you that I was including in my blog/newsletter. I just clicked on your profile when adding it and now I can't see your email address. Maybe you could message me on Rag Rugs by Erin FB pages with your email address or ragrugsbyerin@gmail.com. Sorry. Only contact me if you want me to include you. Have a good evening!!
What would be the problem with drying the rugs in the dryer? If we washed and dried the sheets that way, and they stayed the same size, why should we be cautious is drying the rugs? Just curious. Thank you!!
You can dry them in the dryer. I just suggest laying them in sun or laying them out before they are completely dry. The dryer is tough on your clothing or anything you put in them. Hope that clarifies my thoughts.
@@RagRugsbyErin Gtreat. Thank you so much. I figured I'd better ask bcuz you have the experience and you'd be able to tell me why you choose to not use the dryer. Thanks so much for the response. I'm so glad I found your channel today. I'm a quilter too, so it's great to know to not simply use the regular calico fabrics, as they now call them, on the rugs. I would have gone right to my stash and used them. Lol. Thanks again & God bless your channel & all you do. 👍🏼😁
You can use your stash but you need to wash and dry your materials in the dryer before using them. If you don't the finished rug might loose its shape after it's first wash. I do prefer sheets though. Have fun creating your own rag rugs.
@@RagRugsbyErin Thank you. But I really appreciated your wisdom on using better fabrics so the rugs will last. It makes total sense to use better fabrics. Same with quilting too, right? The better the fabrics, the longer the quilt lasts. If I did use my stash I’d only use the real quality fabrics I bought at the specialty shop when I made my children’s quilts. Much better then Joanns calicos. Btw, the story about your mom loving your first rug is absolutely precious!! I’ll take a look at your channel to see if you’ve made any quilting videos too. If not, I’ll be looking forward to them 😉🙌🏼
I am loving your videos and am currently working on a braid-in rag rug! My first one!! I am going to try a runner rag rug next. I was just wondering what you mean by using sheets opposed to fabric? Aren't sheets made of fabric?
+Ella Bradshaw Erin Halvorsen 18 minutes ago Sheets are in indeed fabric. Sheets have a much tighter weave and are made for long lasting vigorous use. They are designed for constant washing and use. Beside the have been washed numerous times already. Regular fabric, that you purchase from the fabric store,will stretch out of shape. You could use some cotton or cotton blend shirts or dresses that have been washed numerous times and maybe do okay. I hope that helps.
You have not added enough extra stitches as you go around the curves. You can watch my tutorial When to Add Extra Stitches to a Rag Rug. Also my playlist Rag Rug Information and Help Videos has over 35 video on questions about rag rug making especially helpful to a beginner. Hope that helps. www.ragrugsbyerin.com
I love the way you caress your rugs as you show them. I know you take pride in your work. It shows. And we appreciate it.
Thank you. I do enjoy sharing what I learn with others. Stay healthy and safe.
I have always been afraid to crochet. My grandmother tried to teach me when I was young. Lol I didn't do so well. Watching your rag rug videos has given me the courage to try again! Thank you!!
Wonderful. I hope you will share with me how you do. ragrugsbyerin@gmail.com
These are great tips on choosing materials and laundering. I'm learning a lot by watching several of your videos before starting projects. Your instructions are very easy to understand and you speak clearly. I can't thank you enough for posting this excellent series of rag rug tutorials. (Thanks to Mr. Cameraman as well.)
+D. Murray Great. It is my pleasure. I told Mr. Cameraman. He is grinning. He is my husband, Lyle, of 28 years!!
+Erin Halvorsen Teamwork! :-)
love you and Mr. Cameraman! I take large items like these to the laundromat. They have some huge front load washers that are gentle and they wring out well. The cost is worth not messing with the bath tub.
I do the the same thing with certain items. Thanks for sharing.
My goodness such fantastic information!! I live in Canada 🇨🇦 and would dry it in the bathtub on a simple wooden clothes dryer with the heat on and the door closed! Much appreciated!! You rock!!
My pleasure.
Thanks For the information Erin. Really appreciate it. Beautiful Rugs.
Thank you kindly!! Have a safe and happy holiday.
Erin, thank you. I was going to purchase a bath mat, but I started making this instead. So far so good. Thank you so much.
+Diane Moore Awesome. I am sure you will be happy and perhaps you have found a new hobby.
I love your videos, Erin! You are one of the most helpful tutorial filmers I have found. I've been crafting my whole life, but I've always wanted to try my hand at rugs. My husband and I just moved into a house with older carpet that we can't afford to replace yet. Helloooooo, rag rugs! Thanks for the help!
Thank you, Chloe. I appreciate your kind words and hope you have a great time trying your hand at rag rug making! Have a great weekend.
I have become very interested in making these rugs, I have started watching your basic videos & they are giving me great info . Thank you!
+Melanie Griffin My Pleasure. You might want to watch "Over 50 Rag Rugs to Inspire the Rug Maker in YOU Feb. 2016". If you watch it on a computer it will show who made the rugs. The majority of the rug makers just started after watching my videos. If you can watch my videos on a computer and not a tablet or phone you will be able to read all the extra tid bits I add to help clarify each video. Thank you for viewing and good luck.
I love your videos. This is how I learned to make rags. Last year. Keep them coming.
Great!!! I hope you got to see the new rug published this morning. Make a Rag Rug Dogbone Placemat. Great gift for the dog lover in your life.
Wow! Great info letting us know that quilting fabrics won’t hold up as good as shirts do!! That gives us even more freedom to recycle those old shirts. LOVE IT! ❤️
Yes. Sheets wear very well.
@@RagRugsbyErin Since I'm brand new at your channel and at making rugs, I'll have to watch & catch up to you explaining the different kinds of sheets as well bcuz I'm sure you've probably already taught on that too.
Great teaching! Great channel!
Hi Erin, I'm yet another fan of yours and want to thank you for creating your tutorials. I normally get my sheets from Goodwill or other thrift shops as well as neighbors. I like to use Egyptian cotton sheets when possible, they're the most durable and soft to the touch. I've been using a crochet hook about twice the size of yours and my "sharn" (sheet yarn) is approx. 2" wide. So, they are thick and cushioney (sorry, I'm not sure if i spelt that correctly!). These make great chair throws and car seat cushions as well as rugs. When I tell people what i do they say things like, "Oh, how nice! " or " My grandma used to make them!". It's when they finally see and feel the rugs they appreciate them and they wonder why I'm not selling them on the internet. My rugs are such a personal labor of love that I tend to hold on to them not willing to part with them! I like to give some as gifts or just surprise my friends randomly with a rug or two made with their favorite colors. I have sold some (just to feed my rug making "habit"!). I'm wanting to give basket making a try next....thanks to you!
+Joanne DeMark I read your message very early this morning and did not have time to respond then. I left my central Florida home at 6:00 AM to head towards Mississippi and will be spending 3 night at a viewer;s farmhouse and teaching 2 classes of rug making. She organized the classes. I am settled in a hotel in Alabama for the evening. I will get to Mississippi tomorrow. I am very exctied to meet some of my viewers and to teach a few classes. Then on to Missiouri to meet a few more viewers. Your note made me grin and ri=ang true on so many levels. Examples: The type of sheets, I have been using 2" sheet yarn and a Q hook lately, the comments and reactions of people and the giving of rugs. I am pleased you have found some of my tutorials helpful. You have a wonderful evening and thank you for writing!!
God bless you Erin! I thank you for being so personable and responding so quickly ( as if you don't have enough going on!). Btw, i have the base of my basket done!
While I was watching the tutorial it occurred to me that you look like a prettier version of Kirsty Ali, but I'm sure this isn't the first time you heard that! Now, you should kick back and enjoy your working vacation. Bask in the knowlege that you have so many dedicated fans who eagerly await your presence! I hope you have a wonderful trip, maybe next time you can come out west, to the Valley of the Sun!
+Joanne DeMark Thank you for your kind words. If you do facebook you can go to Rag Rugs by Erin and perhaps see the posts of my trip in a few days. Enjoy your love weekend.
It's funny that you say that your first rug isn't that great because it's my very favorite. I'm looking forward to watching all of your videos and making a rug,
You are so sweet. I have over 100 videos. I have them organized on my website. Www.ragrugsbyerin.com They are all free. You don't have to login, sign or add them to your cart. Click on the blue link in the description and watch as many times as you like for free. 😊
I love your videos on rag rugs
Thank you for your kind words. ☀️😊
This video talks about choosing the proper materials for making a rug that will last and last, as well has how to launder a rag rug.
.j
I enjoy your videos. I'm brand new to this. You are very clear and easy to listen to😊
+Angie Roufs Thank you. I hope make a rug and enjoy yourself. Perhaps even find a hobby. Thank you for your kind words.
Hi I really enjoy your videos very great information !! Please keep up the great job you are doing -your projects are so informative that I can not wait to get started !!! You mentioned you live in Florida - I and My husband and our son live in MN -I also enjoy hanging my clothes outside I think the clothes have a fresh smell to them that you can not get in the dryer but then I am a old fashion woman ! My grandma and mom taught me well ! Again THANK YOU ERIN !! You have a GREAT DAY !!!
+Gerry Woltjer Thank you for your kind words. It is my pleasure. Keep me posted on your progress if time permits!! Enjoy your weekend!!
O my goodness, i so did not wash on gentle in cool water for my first rug. Gratefull for the tip❣
Certainly.
Thank you for the washing and drying information. 👍🏻😉 Vickie
My pleasure 😊!
how wonderful to use sheets you never want to put on a bed again but hate to throw away
+Belinda Wiggins To me this hobby is so inexpensive, fun and practical. Thanks for viewing and I hope you find rag rug making enjoyable.
A plunger works well cleaning rugs and clothes in a bath tub
Good idea. As long as it's not been used in the toilet 😂 first. Lol
Erin, is part of the difference in the durability of the fabrics the polyester content??? Say a 50/50 fabric as opposed to just 100% cotton. I assume polyester would help it wash and wear better, dry faster and last longer, especially in sunlight?? What about use of microfiber sheets?? And what about durability of 100% cotton t-shirt fabric in your rugs?? THX!!
The information provided in my videos are my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences that I have encountered that far into my rag rug making journey. You will have to experiment yourself and form your own opinions and ideas. Microfiber sheets do not rip well and like polyesters are more slippery on the floor. T-shirt, microfiber and polyester all grab dirt and stains more and do not come out as easily. The thread count with sheets and their tight weave are meant to wash numerous time and stand up to wear. Percale sheets are my favorite but not readily available. T-shirt or jersey SOMETIMES do not hold there shape when washed. Hope that helps!
Erin, TY for your time, info and shared experience. You're an EXCELLENT teacher! I'm anxious to experiment. :))
Hope you enjoy your own rag rug creative process.
Hi Erin , I have been watching all your video's today and I am looking forward to start making some rugs for my home as i now have lots of spare sheets as my son and husband have passed away. The only problem i am having i can not seem to find any where i can buy size 11- 15 crochet hooks . Can you help me with this please . I have enjoyed your video's so much as you make it easy is follow . Thank you so much for taking the time to show us your work and all your helpful hints to . :)
Thanks for viewing and for all you kind words. You can buy the hooks at craft stores or sometimes Wal-Mart. I have P hook, 19 mm and a 21 mm available on my website. www.ragrugsbyerin.com I have 14 mm and a 16 mm wooden hooks that I have not listed on my website. I can post pictures on my Facebook page(Rag Rugs by Erin) if you are interested.
Thank you . the only problem i live in South Australia . thank you i will go into facebook and do that . Thank you so much
I believe I can mail a crochet hookm to Australia for $16.75 postage plus the price of the hook.
Tracy Smith. I some how deleted your email that I had for you that I was including in my blog/newsletter. I just clicked on your profile when adding it and now I can't see your email address. Maybe you could message me on Rag Rugs by Erin FB pages with your email address or ragrugsbyerin@gmail.com. Sorry. Only contact me if you want me to include you. Have a good evening!!
Tracy Smith
What would be the problem with drying the rugs in the dryer? If we washed and dried the sheets that way, and they stayed the same size, why should we be cautious is drying the rugs? Just curious.
Thank you!!
You can dry them in the dryer. I just suggest laying them in sun or laying them out before they are completely dry. The dryer is tough on your clothing or anything you put in them. Hope that clarifies my thoughts.
@@RagRugsbyErin Gtreat. Thank you so much.
I figured I'd better ask bcuz you have the experience and you'd be able to tell me why you choose to not use the dryer. Thanks so much for the response.
I'm so glad I found your channel today. I'm a quilter too, so it's great to know to not simply use the regular calico fabrics, as they now call them, on the rugs. I would have gone right to my stash and used them. Lol.
Thanks again & God bless your channel & all you do. 👍🏼😁
You can use your stash but you need to wash and dry your materials in the dryer before using them. If you don't the finished rug might loose its shape after it's first wash. I do prefer sheets though. Have fun creating your own rag rugs.
@@RagRugsbyErin Thank you. But I really appreciated your wisdom on using better fabrics so the rugs will last. It makes total sense to use better fabrics. Same with quilting too, right? The better the fabrics, the longer the quilt lasts.
If I did use my stash I’d only use the real quality fabrics I bought at the specialty shop when I made my children’s quilts. Much better then Joanns calicos.
Btw, the story about your mom loving your first rug is absolutely precious!!
I’ll take a look at your channel to see if you’ve made any quilting videos too. If not, I’ll be looking forward to them 😉🙌🏼
I am loving your videos and am currently working on a braid-in rag rug! My first one!! I am going to try a runner rag rug next. I was just wondering what you mean by using sheets opposed to fabric? Aren't sheets made of fabric?
+Ella Bradshaw
Erin Halvorsen 18 minutes ago
Sheets are in indeed fabric. Sheets have a much tighter weave and are made for long lasting vigorous use. They are designed for constant washing and use. Beside the have been washed numerous times already. Regular fabric, that you purchase from the fabric store,will stretch out of shape. You could use some cotton or cotton blend shirts or dresses that have been washed numerous times and maybe do okay. I hope that helps.
Erin Halvorsen Thanks Erin! Very helpful
REALLY U DID SUPER ...
Thank you for your kind words. 🌞😉
Oo oo. Okay!
🙂
Why does my rugs jump up in the middle and not lay flat.
Is it a oval or a runner?
Erin Halvorsen oval
You have not added enough extra stitches as you go around the curves. You can watch my tutorial When to Add Extra Stitches to a Rag Rug. Also my playlist Rag Rug Information and Help Videos has over 35 video on questions about rag rug making especially helpful to a beginner. Hope that helps. www.ragrugsbyerin.com