by Cathy Mcclellan

Created on: January 10, 2009

Women have been making braided rugs for many years. As history indicates, pioneer women were attracted to the Native American women's designs and colors they used for their blankets and ceremonial rugs. Pioneer women made braided rugs for warmth and insulation on the floor. Since life was extremely hard in those days, not many women could afford store bought material, so anything that could be recycled was. As clothing, burlap, straw or other materials wore out or was ruined it was put in the sewing basket to use for something. When enough material was saved, it would be cut into long strips and braided using three strips at a time. It would then be stitched to another strip and continued until the desired length was reached.

This was a quick and easy way to provide coverings for the floor and to decorate a room to add color and dimension. Women taught their daughters the art and it was continued through the generations. Young girls would make their own rugs and save them for when they had their own home.

By the turn of the Century, rug braiding became mechanized which used continuous yarn. This caused a decline in the process of rug braiding at home. As less and less women braided rugs, popularity declined until the late 1900's. Then, more people bought braided rugs more for a country look than necessity. It seemed everyone wanted a braided rug which became an expensive item. They were also hard to find.

While the manufactured braided rugs were very pretty and versatile, they lacked the rustic look of a handmade rug. Hence, the resurgence once again, of the interest in making your own braided rug. Women of all ages are finding enjoyment in reaching back into our heritage in making their own braided rugs. Pattern books are now available for rug braiding and they also include different shapes other than the traditional oval or round pattern. While the braided rug is the time honored favorite, these days you can find different styles of the traditional braid.

Trying your hand and rug braiding is actually very easy. Do the same thing and save all your kid's outgrown or old clothes. Find a pattern you like and cut your strips to the indicated length, matching up the colors or pattern you like. One of my favorites is using old jeans. This makes a heavy rug that really insulates the floor. You will have a truly beautiful and authentically rustic look in your home. Plus you will be so proud of your new skill when family and visitors compliment you on your rugs. You just may even get orders to make some for others and earn extra money in the process. Braided rugs are a lot like quilting in price for sale. It could become a lucrative endeavor for you.

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