I’m a little old man interested in arts and crafts. Worked as a blacksmith and woodwright but slowing down. Fiber arts interests me and I’ve been making rag rugs, as well as, felting and needle art. I know of four other techniques for making rag rugs and I like ant to say I like this method and will try it. Thank you for sharing.
I love that you're switching to a new creative outlet ~ I'm in my 50's and have crocheted/ knitted for 40 years... nerve damage & arthritis have begun to make both difficult. So, I'm enjoying a few different crafts that don't require so mu
This is also known as a toothbrush rug, the British made them after WW2 because of a lack of materials, any cloth that was to worn out such as dresses shirts bed sheets are the easiest to tear up into strips. The reason why they were called a toothbrush rug, back then they could buy toothbrushes that the brush part was cut off and filled down into a rounded point and there you have your rug needle. I make my own out of wood, but there are other channels that will explain this type of rug making and they sometimes have needle they make for sale. I just want to share what I've learned so far. I'm in the states, and its known locally as Amish rag rug if you look up these 2 names you will learn much more about it. Its known as one of the oldest known ways to make cloth, dating back to the Vikings and older than that the ancients Egyptians had cloth made with this technique, which was found in the burial crypts. I'm trying to find the channel that demo the technique, the first one I seen was with a Norwegian a lady, she was using a fine yard to work around her thumb and fingers to make a sock, I can't find that video But, I've found a channel with the Egyptian weaving :) name of channel is "LET ME KNOW" look up " A 1,700 year old sock was unearthed in a dump, and experts are unraveling it..." so at the 8:09 min mark it will give the name, but with my google CC it spelled it out as (now bending). I love to study techniques. I've found that looking at different cultures we all have so many things that we all know and do, that goes back 1000's of years how cool is that. OOO I found another channel, V S look up (Needlebinding a pair of socks) she is using the same kind of needle I make for myself, its easy to whittle one out of a tree branch or a scrap piece of wood, I use my needle's to make rugs. Hope this gives you ideals that are not just for rugs :) Have fun.
Invaluable, enjoyable, and wonderful information!! I'm a history buff and love all that you share it! Been trying to remember why they were called toothbrush rugs lol. Use what you have and waste nothing. As the Native Americans say take what you need and leave the rest so everybody has some. Thank you so much! Greetings from a Western North Carolina native and resident (of UK descent) of the lush green Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, US... a lifelong anglophile, part Cherokee, who lifelong misses UK ❤
@marilyndreamwalkermejorado1208 Same to you as what I said to the lady in my comment above. I feel for you and I hugely get what you're saying, chemical agents and such abuses. I won't share words about that here, those who know, know. Glad you shared that here, people need to know more openly about those happenings. May your people have strength, and hold your traditions and heart always. No matter what may come.
Very easy and hassle free. I loved this ingenious style of joining the strips instead of stitching them. I used a nappy pin instead of the tool used by you. Got the idea from another video I had watched. Works equally well.
Every few months I watch this video--and I think I have time this week to actually start a little rustic rag rug. These are so hygge! I love this style of rug! :) Thanks so much for the tutorial!!!!
I LOVED watching Nancy's Notions back in the day! My mother taught me how to sew (hand and machine) and how to use patterns as well as free-form to make much of my own clothing. Watching Nancy introduced me to many tips that made my sewing easier, as well as new craft ideas. - Clear instructions, easy to follow presentation along with not presuming that everyone is an expert while NOT being condescending.... that was Nancy at her best, and that is well-echoed here. Thank you!
I'm sure this will be so much better on my hands! I made some rugs, using flannel bought from a thrift store. So I'm willing to try this method. Thanks for showing us how to do it.
Oh, wow. Decades ago this was the type of rag rug i tried to imitate and figure out how to make (i think the two colors look so pretty together) but i ended up creating two different methods and finding several others along the way. How nice to finally find this! Thank you for sharing and teaching!
Fantastic! I hate just throwing stuff out, and I have a few sheets that have reached the end of their useful lives as sheets. I think I'll try using them to make floor mats.
Hi Munirah Bakar, Glad you enjoyed the video and the bloopers! We do believe in keeping her spirit alive in all we do here a Nancy's Notions. Thank you for your wonderful comments.:)
Iike the cinematography 4 screen splitting! Great teaching! I have watched many of these videos and having a hard time focusing. There are a few styles out there! Good tips! Thank you Maria! Beautiful job on your rug!
I love the video. Does the running strip always stay hidden? If so couldn't you use most any fabric for the running strip and use your more colorful pieces for the "body" of the rug?
I like the idea of making a coaster. I had made a rug in a similar manner and found it took a long time to dry after washing it, so I think that this is more practical- at least for me. I find this exact method easier to do than the rug I had made as well.
Thank you for a quick and clear into to this technique- the bloopers were fun to watch too- gives us a peak at the process of putting these videos together.
I made a fleece blanket with fringes and I bought two of the same and made a rug. I like the way you tied them together. I will try to do a rag rug again. Thanks
Long ago I made these and was giving a tool made out of a toothbrush handle, the bristles were cut off , that end was sharpened to a dull rounded point, the other end had a slit cut out to put the thread through . You used it look a crochet needle! It worked great!
Great idea. I was thinking that at the end when you tried the knots, another thing to do would be to tie the knots and cut the material ends like a bow to look like a pretty bow on the top left corner. Pretty.
I thought the same thing...or you could cut the ends to whatever length and cut litle strips to make like fringe - or even slide & tie some beads on them.
Calm cool presentation. The knots being made are the exact same that are done when making friendship bracelets. You're just using fabric instead of string, and your set up and finish for the knotting is different, but pretty darn close. Nifty little tool, pretty sure people could make one too with old yogurt pots, or even a wide popcicle stick. Very cool!
So easy! Great explanation. Thank you this was so easy to understand. I have tons of scrap fabric and I need rugs. Definitely making these. Happy crafting from Dee in NM
great video .. best I have seen .. Question . Could one use inexpensive muslin as the anchor strip ? it seems that one doesn't see it .. so use your "fancy fabrics " for the top strips . It also seems that batik being a finer fabric works better ,..
Fantastic I will definitely give this a try, I want to make a few rugs , to help Keep the lounge carpet clean near the entrance , and also I can pop them in the wash machine for easy cleaning, now I have said it, it sounds like a lot of work so I best get started. Thank you 😊 for the inspiration.
That was interesting to watch. I've been making rag rugs for years, mostly with old sheets, but by crocheting with a large crochet hook. I'll have to give this method a try.
I so glad you made this toothbrush rug. I’m making a flag wall hanging but didn’t like the holes look I was getting with crochet. Great teacher, thanks.
Very clear and helpful video for the rag rug process. Your explanation of how to make this is the clearest I’ve found on TH-cam. BTW, I think you are a fabulous addition to the new Nancy’s Notions staff and team, bringing that site into the 21st century. Your soft, mellow voice is peaceful to listen to as I learn. I think you’re a wonderful addition to that website. Thank you very much!
Hi... that was easy n wonderful as well...I m not sure about outcome but I will surely start it tomorrow.. thanks....love from India for a sweet lady.....
thank you for this video!!! it is helping me a ton and i need a long rectangle rug and this is helping me to see how to do it. you are great at explaining it :)
Thank you so much it was easy to follow ,will be starting one.sharing knowledge is such a beautiful way of making the world into a community.keep it up and continue to share your blessing.
Hi Claudia, What a wonderful way to explain what we are trying to do hear on our TH-cam channel! Thank you so much for being apart of our community! :)
I’m a little old man interested in arts and crafts. Worked as a blacksmith and woodwright but slowing down. Fiber arts interests me and I’ve been making rag rugs, as well as, felting and needle art. I know of four other techniques for making rag rugs and I like ant to say I like this method and will try it. Thank you for sharing.
I love that you're switching to a new creative outlet ~ I'm in my 50's and have crocheted/ knitted for 40 years... nerve damage & arthritis have begun to make both difficult.
So, I'm enjoying a few different crafts that don't require so mu
I believe in you!!!
I like this method
I like this method
I want to use old t-shirts to make a comfy rug for my aging dog to help her navigate my slippery wood floors. This is exactly what i needed!
This is also known as a toothbrush rug, the British made them after WW2 because of a lack of materials, any cloth that was to worn out such as dresses shirts bed sheets are the easiest to tear up into strips. The reason why they were called a toothbrush rug, back then they could buy toothbrushes that the brush part was cut off and filled down into a rounded point and there you have your rug needle. I make my own out of wood, but there are other channels that will explain this type of rug making and they sometimes have needle they make for sale.
I just want to share what I've learned so far. I'm in the states, and its known locally as Amish rag rug if you look up these 2 names you will learn much more about it. Its known as one of the oldest known ways to make cloth, dating back to the Vikings and older than that the ancients Egyptians had cloth made with this technique, which was found in the burial crypts. I'm trying to find the channel that demo the technique, the first one I seen was with a Norwegian a lady, she was using a fine yard to work around her thumb and fingers to make a sock, I can't find that video But, I've found a channel with the Egyptian weaving :) name of channel is "LET ME KNOW" look up " A 1,700 year old sock was unearthed in a dump, and experts are unraveling it..." so at the 8:09 min mark it will give the name, but with my google CC it spelled it out as (now bending). I love to study techniques. I've found that looking at different cultures we all have so many things that we all know and do, that goes back 1000's of years how cool is that.
OOO I found another channel, V S look up (Needlebinding a pair of socks) she is using the same kind of needle I make for myself, its easy to whittle one out of a tree branch or a scrap piece of wood, I use my needle's to make rugs. Hope this gives you ideals that are not just for rugs :) Have fun.
“Nalbinding”
Invaluable, enjoyable, and wonderful information!! I'm a history buff and love all that you share it! Been trying to remember why they were called toothbrush rugs lol.
Use what you have and waste nothing. As the Native Americans say take what you need and leave the rest so everybody has some.
Thank you so much!
Greetings from a Western North Carolina native and resident (of UK descent) of the lush green Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, US... a lifelong anglophile, part Cherokee, who lifelong misses UK ❤
@marilyndreamwalkermejorado1208 Same to you as what I said to the lady in my comment above. I feel for you and I hugely get what you're saying, chemical agents and such abuses.
I won't share words about that here, those who know, know. Glad you shared that here, people need to know more openly about those happenings.
May your people have strength, and hold your traditions and heart always. No matter what may come.
The technique by the Norwegian lady is probably needle binding, in case you are still searching.
Very easy and hassle free. I loved this ingenious style of joining the strips instead of stitching them. I used a nappy pin instead of the tool used by you. Got the idea from another video I had watched. Works equally well.
What thrill to find what looks like a unique new idea. No sewing, no loom, no crochet hook or knitting needles. I can't wait to try!
Your voice is so pleasant. It does not create stress for newbies
Every few months I watch this video--and I think I have time this week to actually start a little rustic rag rug. These are so hygge! I love this style of rug! :) Thanks so much for the tutorial!!!!
I LOVED watching Nancy's Notions back in the day! My mother taught me how to sew (hand and machine) and how to use patterns as well as free-form to make much of my own clothing. Watching Nancy introduced me to many tips that made my sewing easier, as well as new craft ideas. - Clear instructions, easy to follow presentation along with not presuming that everyone is an expert while NOT being condescending.... that was Nancy at her best, and that is well-echoed here. Thank you!
Thanks for these! I'm doing them to teach my 7 yo daughter who *loves* art and crafts. I'm enjoying learning this stuff with her as well.
I'm sure this will be so much better on my hands! I made some rugs, using flannel bought from a thrift store. So I'm willing to try this method. Thanks for showing us how to do it.
Oh, wow. Decades ago this was the type of rag rug i tried to imitate and figure out how to make (i think the two colors look so pretty together) but i ended up creating two different methods and finding several others along the way. How nice to finally find this! Thank you for sharing and teaching!
Fantastic! I hate just throwing stuff out, and I have a few sheets that have reached the end of their useful lives as sheets. I think I'll try using them to make floor mats.
Nice, clear, concise tutorial. Great production without too much boring talk. Didn’t have to forward ahead to get the idea. Thank you!
Like you, I, too don’t like the “chatty” TH-cam videos - wasting time and saying nothing. This woman’s video , on the other hand, was worth watching.
Crocheter here, the end result really puts me in mind of my double crochet stash busters made from leftover yarn.
Thanks for the video, bloopers and all! Let's keep Nancy's spirit alive!
She was a wonderful teacher. I hope we can continue learning from what work she left us. Thank you Nancy, God bless you!
Hi Munirah Bakar,
Glad you enjoyed the video and the bloopers! We do believe in keeping her spirit alive in all we do here a Nancy's Notions. Thank you for your wonderful comments.:)
Wait. What?
Nice method for the little rug! Thanks!
What a cute little rag rug mat you made. 😊 Thanks for the video and instructions.😊
Thank you, took a class at hobby lobby years ago and I couldn’t remember how to do it! Thanks again 🙏
Iike the cinematography 4 screen splitting! Great teaching! I have watched many of these videos and having a hard time focusing. There are a few styles out there! Good tips! Thank you Maria! Beautiful job on your rug!
I love this! I am looking forward to making mats for my bathroom and a rug by my bed!
Love this! Ordered supplies, lol. Thank you!
Hi.
I'm so in love with your work.
Thank you for the lovely video.
Very pretty and sturdy 🌿👍🧡
Great product. I love it!
So easy looking, definitely going to try it👍🏻
I have the tool and need to cut more strips and get started. Thanks for the video
I love the video. Does the running strip always stay hidden? If so couldn't you use most any fabric for the running strip and use your more colorful pieces for the "body" of the rug?
This was fun to watch! I feel like I could give this a try!
I like the idea of making a coaster. I had made a rug in a similar manner and found it took a long time to dry after washing it, so I think that this is more practical- at least for me. I find this exact method easier to do than the rug I had made as well.
This is very helpful! I need to make a square rug for my basement and this seems very easy to follow.
Love the great rug -- mug sample shown.... beautiful 😂
This is great! Your demonstration is so easy to follow.
So awesome! Rag rug!
Very nice. Going to try and make a rug for my kitchen floor. Thank u.
I love this technique! I could do this sitting in my chair! ❤️
Thank you for a quick and clear into to this technique- the bloopers were fun to watch too- gives us a peak at the process of putting these videos together.
Thanks Juanita! Glad you enjoy the video and the bloopers.:) Thanks for the watching and commenting.
I really liked this video-very clear instructions thanks
O idee foarte bună! Mulțumesc! S-auzim numai de bine
Easy and looks nice.Great tutorial.Thanks
Really nice and clear demo. It answered a lot of questions I had
will definitely give this a go. Thank you
I made a fleece blanket with fringes and I bought two of the same and made a rug. I like the way you tied them together. I will try to do a rag rug again. Thanks
Long ago I made these and was giving a tool made out of a toothbrush handle, the bristles were cut off , that end was sharpened to a dull rounded point, the other end had a slit cut out to put the thread through . You used it look a crochet needle! It worked great!
I really enjoyed your video.
Great idea. I was thinking that at the end when you tried the knots, another thing to do would be to tie the knots and cut the material ends like a bow to look like a pretty bow on the top left corner. Pretty.
I thought the same thing...or you could cut the ends to whatever length and cut litle strips to make like fringe - or even slide & tie some beads on them.
Calm cool presentation. The knots being made are the exact same that are done when making friendship bracelets. You're just using fabric instead of string, and your set up and finish for the knotting is different, but pretty darn close. Nifty little tool, pretty sure people could make one too with old yogurt pots, or even a wide popcicle stick. Very cool!
I love this and I was not sure about the colors at first but I really like it all together and done love it. Thanks I am going to try this
So easy! Great explanation. Thank you this was so easy to understand. I have tons of scrap fabric and I need rugs. Definitely making these. Happy crafting from Dee in NM
That is so pretty and cool ! Thank you for making this video. Liked and subscribed!
Thank you! You are an excellent teacher!
Thanks for the tutorial! I have wanted to make rag rugs for a while!
Very clear tutorial for any sewing newbie like me.Looks very doable for me.Thanks for sharing!!!
Love it! Clear, easy to follow and inspiring. Clever using the mat's handle to anchor your rug...Thank you!
Hi Marge,
Thank you! We are so glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for watching and commenting! :)
First time watching this video and you have motivated me to want to do this project.
Could this work with denim old jeans cut up
I am going to have a go at your rag rug, thank you for your video
Soo creative. Thank you
What a great project so many possibilities! Thank you for sharing your time and talent.
Great video. Going to try your method.
Thank you for sharing this is so very lovely and I sure will give it a try 👍
great video .. best I have seen .. Question . Could one use inexpensive muslin as the anchor strip ? it seems that one doesn't see it .. so use your "fancy fabrics " for the top strips . It also seems that batik being a finer fabric works better ,..
Nancy's notion' s, easiest, coolest, neatest & prettiest rag rug making tutorial I have Ever seen! Got to try!
Fantastic I will definitely give this a try, I want to make a few rugs , to help Keep the lounge carpet clean near the entrance , and also I can pop them in the wash machine for easy cleaning, now I have said it, it sounds like a lot of work so I best get started. Thank you 😊 for the inspiration.
That was interesting to watch. I've been making rag rugs for years, mostly with old sheets, but by crocheting with a large crochet hook. I'll have to give this method a try.
Absolutely fabulous!
Wonderful use of left over bits of fabric
Very well explained! Thank you! 💙
your video is the best and clearest and easy to follow, thanks!
This looks great and yet so simple 🧡
I do raffia weaving and this as great for flat pieces, very similar to how I was taught and easy to translate in different media, cheers.
I cant waitto try this. I have many old t shirts from and old job i want to make a smal rug from or something from the cats to scratch up.
I so glad you made this toothbrush rug. I’m making a flag wall hanging but didn’t like the holes look I was getting with crochet. Great teacher, thanks.
Thanks for posting this. Ill wish for a tool like that next Christmas.
Very clear and helpful video for the rag rug process. Your explanation of how to make this is the clearest I’ve found on TH-cam. BTW, I think you are a fabulous addition to the new Nancy’s Notions staff and team, bringing that site into the 21st century. Your soft, mellow voice is peaceful to listen to as I learn. I think you’re a wonderful addition to that website. Thank you very much!
I have a bunch of scraps of fabric that I was wondering what to do with- definitely going to give this a go!
Hi PoiPoi Party,
That's wonderful! We are so glad we could inspire you :) Thanks for watching!
Y66.
You really do explain the steps Clearly, thank you.🙋♀️🇨🇦
Great video! I'm going to make chair cushions :)
Oh this is lovely! Thank you for sharing :)
Beautiful creation, explained well. Thank you from Mumbai, lndia.
I enjoyed it! Thank you! I want to try it!
Looks good 👍
I loved your video!!
Excellent, very precisely explained
Thank you. Can’t wait to make one of these
Beautiful 🙏
Great video! I can't wait to get started!
I want to do a rug for my bathroom. Looks very easy to learn and do.
Wow I’ll have to try this little rug
This is so cool!!! Thank you for teaching us!!
Good Tutorial. Thanks for the post
Hi... that was easy n wonderful as well...I m not sure about outcome but I will surely start it tomorrow.. thanks....love from India for a sweet lady.....
Thank you for showing this to us.
I have been looking for a no sew rag rug and I love this, thank you for sharing. How would you do a half circle rug?
Thank You for sharing! Woth your simple instructions, I look forward to trying it myself!
This is the one I'm going to use to make my rugs! I have scoured TH-cam and this is the ticket! Thankyou so much for your easy to follow instructions.
Great instructions...thank you!
Great Nancy Thank you
thank you for this video!!! it is helping me a ton and i need a long rectangle rug and this is helping me to see how to do it. you are great at explaining it :)
Is it just me or does this look just like blanket stitch? This looks fun. Thanks for the upload.
Love your pattern, I have to try it some day. Thanks so much Nancy.
Hi Leah, glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for watching
Thank you so much it was easy to follow ,will be starting one.sharing knowledge is such a beautiful way of making the world into a community.keep it up and continue to share your blessing.
Hi Claudia,
What a wonderful way to explain what we are trying to do hear on our TH-cam channel! Thank you so much for being apart of our community! :)
Nancy's Notions welcome....
Great craft for kids💖