We love making rag rugs. Trying to make one with square corners is a challenge without a good loom. Watch this video for step by step instructions on how you can make a loom to weave a rag rug.
Materials Needed:
Attach Corner Brackets
Mark and Drill Nail Holes
Mark in 1/2″ increments on short ends for the finishing nails. Pre-drill the holes and then pound in nails. These nails do not need to be the same height.
Metal Rods
The secret to making the rugs square is having 1/8″ metal rods on the edges. These rods are slipped down through eyelets on each of the long edge of the frame.
Finished Loom
The looms are not adjustable in size. So we have made two sizes for me to make rugs with. The larger loom makes a rug 23″x40″ and the smaller loom makes a rug approximately 17″x30″. You can make them whatever size meets your needs.
Learn How to Weave a Rag Rug
Our next video shows how to weave the rug using this loom and scrap fabric. Checkout our YouTube Channel for more videos.
Love that you have shared how to make this loom. Hopefully after hubby finishes my greenhouse project, he will make this too. I make rag rugs but could not get them perfect so this will be great!
CAN YOU EMAIL ME THE MATERIAL LIST ON LOOM??
THANK YOU SO MUCH
1×3 wood, length depending on the size loom.
4 ‘L’ brackets for the corners
4 screw in eyes to slide rods
approx 75-85 finishing nails
1/8″ rods for the sides
I think that is it! Hope that helps!
Wanted to say that I agree with your video regarding the “screw in eyes” which you mentioned having three on each side for support… Your rugs are so beautiful and so well made! Thank so much for your tutorials! I am excited to try soon!
We appreciate that! Hope you have as much fun as we do making the rugs!!
So is the rod 1/8″ as stated in this comment or 3/8″ as stated in the blog post? It does look smaller than 3/8″
Great catch! I just went and measured my rods, they are 1/8″! Thanks for pointing that out. If you have questions while making the loom, let us know!
Dear Kara;
I was so glad that I subscribed to your helpful Tutorials. The Looms will be built next week as I am starting a Sewing Klatch and Crafts in my Church at Calvary Chapel. The rugs will go to the Mexico Mission that benefit Homeless Children in the Dump in Baja California.
That is fantastic!! What a great idea! Enjoy — let me know if you have any questions! Funny …. I see your email address is Jerry and Joanne — I had an Uncle Jerry and Aunt Joanne!
Kara where can I buy the great rug loom from. Tried to make it but it didn’t come out right.
glassmartha19@gmail.com
Sorry it didn’t work right. I did see a seller on ebay at one time. Another view said they hired a handyman to build theirs. If I find a better source, I will let you know.
Can I purchase these looms from you? I cannot make it.
Sorry, we don’t sell them. But we do have a video coming out in a couple of weeks on how you can take a from from art work and make a loom.
Kara, I’ve been looking for a loom to make a ruana. I’m thinking the only thing I can do is make a regular loom. I just made 2 shawls from a tri-loom. Just happened to find your video on google. I knew your name, as I am Dutch. When we watched your video, my boyfriend saw your Iowa shirt. I am also from Iowa, originally from Pella. I just sent you a friend request on facebook, to my surprise I saw you were friends with my sister. Just thought it would be cool to connect with you. Also, have you made a ruana, poncho, etc ?
Bizarre!!! Yes, my husband is originally from Sully! We go back and visit often (we are going back in June for a wedding). This is going to get even more bizarre, your sister is married to my husband’s cousin! James Mom is my husband’s Mom’s sister!! I haven’t tried a tri-loom – that would be super cool! Thank you for connecting – this is super cool!
My husband just made me the 1 x 3 loom and I’ve watched the tutorial and I’m excited to get started! Thank you! I have skeins of nice thick wool yarn and bulky soft yarns and a wool blanket I plan to cut for rag. Is there any concerns about using these?
GREAT!! I am excited for you! No concerns at all on yarn or wool – I have found most everything works well. The only time I have skipped using a fabric is if it frayed too much with strings everywhere. If you want, send me pictures, I would love to see your finished product! diyonthehouse@gmail.com
I think this would be an awesome idea to make memory items. Using a loved ones (whether or not they have passed), and making items to remember them by. My boyfriend is 64 and has a closet full of his old western shirts and plaid shirts. I think I’ll get him to weed some out for me and I’ll make a rug for his son and daughter! Thank you so much for your ideas and instructions!