Wooden rug looms and the rag rug were first used in America during Colonial times. The colonists did not waste any items especially worn fabric from outgrown or damaged clothing. The rug loom was made to be transportable and easy to use. A modern version of the wooden rug loom is simple to make.
One drawback to the modern day version of the rug loom is the size restriction. The restriction exists only after the rug loom is constructed. The size of the loom is set once the wood frame is secured together. The most common rug sizes are 2’x3′, 4’x6′, 5’x8′, 6’x9′ and 8’x10′ . Determine the size of the loom prior to construction.
Things You’ll Need:
2-by-4-inch lumber
1-by-4-inch lumber
Drill
Drill bit
4, 3-inch screws
4, Wing nuts the same size as the 3-inch screws
Tape measure
Pencil
3-inch long headless finishing nail
Hammer
Instructions:
Step 1 – Cut the 2-by-4 lumber to the desired rug width plus 6-inches. For example, the desired rug is 4-by-6-feet. Cut the 2-by-4 lumber into two sections that are 4-foot 6-inches long.
Step 2 – Cut the 1-by-4 lumber to the desired rug length plus 6-inches. For example, using the 4-by-6 foot rug example cut the 1-by-4 lumber into two sections that are 6-feet 6-inches long.
Step 3 – Place the 2-by-4 lumber parallel on a flat surface. Move the lumber apart the distance of the rug length. In this example, move the lumber apart 6-feet.
Step 4 – Place the 1-by-4 pieces of lumber perpendicular to the 2-by-4’s. Position the lumber to create a rectangular shape.
Step 5 – Mark the center of each overlapped corner. Drill through the two pieces of lumber using a drill bit the same diameter as the 3-inch screws.
Step 6 – Insert a 3-inch screw through each drilled hole then attach a wing nut. Make sure to put the screw through the 2-by-4 then the 1-by-4. The wing nut’s position is on top of the 1-by-4. Tightly secure the wing nut to hold the wood frame together.
Step 7 – Position the tape measure along a 2-by-4. Place the end of the tape measure flush with a 1-by-4 and approximately ½-inch from the interior edge of the 2-by-4. Place a mark every ½-inch. Repeat the process on the opposite 2-by-4 end.
Step 8 – Hammer a 3-inch finishing nail approximately 1 ½-inches into the 2-by-4 at each mark. The finishing nails hold the rug cording for weaving.
Once the rug loom is made, the end of the rug cording is wrapped around one of the wing nuts. The cording is then strung back and forth through the nails to form the rug base. The rug is made by using an over-under weave perpendicular to the cording.
Store the rug loom by removing the wing nuts and screws. Separate the pieces and store in a convenient location.
