Have you ever wondered if you could create your own woollen rugs? Well, if you enjoy knitting or crocheting, then you need wonder no longer!
1. The three pictures below show a crocheted rug in progress using 3 small balls of wool (each approx. 60cm in circumference) using a 21mm diameter hardwood crochet hook 30cm in length (available from our shop at £13). You will also need a blunt needle with a large eye and a pair of scissors. A crocheted rug is denser and tighter than a knitted one and uses more wool. The crocheted rugs are more suitable for the floor and tend to keep their shape better than the knitted ones.
Stage 1: one of three balls of has been used and the rug measures 50cm x 33cm; to join in the next ball, overlap the ends by about 3cm and sew them together using a matching strand from the wool.Stage 2: two balls have now been used and the rug now measures 50cm x 60cm; join in the next ball as before.Stage 3: all three balls have now been used and the completed rug measures 50cm x 90cm. To finish off, wrap the end a few times round the first and last rows, fold it over and sew it in, using a matching strand from the left over wool.
2. The three pictures below show a knitted rug in progress using one large ball of wool (approx. 100cm in circumference) and a pair of 21mm diameter hardwood knitting needles 60cm in length (available from our shop for £18 if bought with a large box of wool). As with the crocheted rug, you will need a blunt needle with a large eye and a pair of scissors. The knitted rugs are looser than the crocheted ones and don't use as much wool. They are also cosier and more versatile (e.g. for wrapping around your legs) than a crocheted rug.
Stage 1: 20 stitches were cast on and a few rows have been knitted.Stage 2: half an hour later, the rug is growing and the ball is getting smaller!Stage 3: the rug is complete. To finish off, sew the ends in - as with the crocheted rug.
Once it has been completed your knitted or crocheted rug should now be washed, preferably in a washing machine on a WOOL wash at either 30 or 40 degrees (NB not a delicate wash). A wool & silk liquid detergent and fabric softener may be used. As with any wool product, do NOT tumble dry!
