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Wagon Wheel / Hoop Rug

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   To make a rug on a hoop is called wheel weaving.  It was done by the pioneer women crossing the prairie in covered wagons.  They used the extra iron rims that were taken along on their journey.  When they got to there homestead  they would have a new rug.
  The warp is stripes tied across the center of the hoop.  Use and uneven number 5 or 7  stripes to start. Make a cross going both directions.   Start to weave in the center(pin with safety pin).  Go over and under just like weaving the bottom on a basket.
  You must add spokes to your wheel as you progress out from the center.  This is done by adding a stripe in the shape of a V tying the ends to the rim, same as you started.  You will need to keep weaving in more stripe till the rug is filled.
  Do not sew a ball of stripes.  Just have a box or basket of stripes ready to be added as you weave.  The stripes are joined by  what is called slash and loop or button hole. This method of joining fibers was taught to us by the Indians.
  To end untie and cross over and weave back into the rug body, or Tie  two ends together,  or lay fringe out flat and sew on sewing machine.  Lots of ways to end.
  I teach this to a lot of 4-H'ers. Had 7 children last Friday.  They each took home a completed project ready for the Missouri State Fair.
  There are few books on this method of making rugs.  But check your local library there might be one.
  Don't get your weaving to tight or you will get a hat just like crocheted rugs.  Even a rug made on a loom  will  curl if they are to tight.

Jane in North Missouri
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  I use an old trampoline frame for making circular/octagon rugs.  It is the small frames for one, and I don't think you could ever find one any stronger then this.

Rosie46
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  Here is a suggestion from someone a while back.  They used one of those circular racks that are used to hold firewood.  It is plenty sturdy, has feet so it will stand up on it's own, and therefore can be set up on a table for a more comfortable working height.

Rod, t.f.c.
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Try a welding shop.  My brother is a welder and he made me a 5/8" steel rod hoop (very sturdy) about 45" diameter.  He said the rod is cheap and he could make me any size I wanted.  Probably would have cost me $5 to go to the shop and order it.  He also made me a very elaborate stand that positions the hoop at a nice working level if sitting on a 3 foot high stool and formed a tray or basket holder in front for me to have scissors, rags, etc. right in front of me while I work.

Annie SW Wisconsin
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http://www.oocities.org/rugtalk
(It was done by the pioneer women crossing the prairie in covered wagons.)
(He also made me a very elaborate stand that positions the hoop at a nice working level ...)