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Woven Rug / Braided Effect

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  I was fortunate enough to get over 20 yrs. worth of "
Handweaver and Craftsman" magazines.  They are a delight to go through, and I found a very  short article on making a "different" type of rug.  I found it intriguing,  and for what it's worth, here it is, for people looking for an unsual project.  Directions are paraphrased.

Set strong warp @ 8 to the inch.  Warp does not go through harnesses, but  from warp beam through reed to cloth beam. Treadles are not used.

Wool strips 3/4" or 5/8" strips in 3 different colors used. Strips are sewn together and folded; cut sides are always underside.

With warp at high tension:

1st strip - Over 2 warp threads, under 1 - repeat across, beat in
2nd strip - *Under 1, over 2 * across, beat in
3rd strip - *Under 2nd thread, over next 2, under next 1* across, beat in

Repeat, from other side with same strip sequence (1, 2, 3).

Supposedly, this gives the appearance of a braided rug.  It sounds as it would be slow work but perhaps you would pick up speed as the pattern became  established.  If nothing else, the edges would be pretty with a braided look  of their own.

Hope someone enjoys the theory, in any case.

Maplesy
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   Handweaver and Craftsman is an excellent publication and has oodles of info for weavers of all kinds, you are fortunate to have the series.

This "different" rug could easily be woven using treadles to speed up the operation.  It is a simple twill which reverses every three picks.  When beat firmly, the appearance will show sideway's "V" shapes, giving the appearance of a braided piece of cloth.  Could be done on three shafts with three treadles. Thanks for sharing this inspiration.

Su Butler :-)
http://www.oocities.org/rugtalk
Supposedly, this gives the appearance of a braided rug.
Could be done on three shafts with three treadles.