RUGS
Note: Before marking design lines on burlap, you will need to finish the raw edges of the burlap to prevent the edges fraying while you are working. You can use tape to finish the edges, as described below, or with a sewing machine, stitch a few rows of zigzag around outside edge.
Preparation
To prevent fraying, bind the outside edges of burlap with strips of painter's tape, wrapping the tape over each edge.
Using marker and ruler, and referring to diagrams, mark design lines onto burlap. Be sure to mark lines along grain lines (the threads in the fabric) of the burlap.
Nine-square Rug
Use larger burlap piece. First mark an 11 in. (28 cm) square centered on burlap piece. Mark a 9 in. (23 cm) square centered inside 11 in. (28 cm) square.
Divide this center square into 9 squares, each 3 in. (7.5 cm) and mark these lines onto burlap.
Mark a 1 in. (2.5 cm) square centered in each 3 in. (7.5 cm) square.
Radiating Squares Rug
Use larger burlap piece.
First mark a 9 1/2 in. (24.5 cm) square centered on burlap piece. Mark a 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) square centered inside larger square. Mark progressively larger squares around center square as follows:
Mark a square about 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm) larger around small center square.
Mark another square about 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm) larger around than last square.
Mark next square about 1 in. (2.5 cm) larger than last square.
Mark last square about 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm) larger around than last square.
Secure burlap into frame or hoop. The frame is used to keep the burlap taut while you're working, you will need to reposition the burlap within the frame to reach all areas. Cut strands of yarn about 36 in. (91.5 cm) long.
Hooking
You will be filling in the marked areas on the burlap with loops of yarn. Follow the diagram for which color yarn to hook into each area.
To hook, hold the strand of yarn beneath the burlap, with the strand looped over your index finger.
Hold hook above the burlap. Push hook down through the burlap, catch the strand of yarn and pull up a loop of yarn about 1/2 in. (1.3 cm) high.
If it's difficult to pull up a loop of yarn, use your hook to enlarge the hole in the burlap a bit.
Try to keep the loops all the same height. If you pull up too large a loop, keep the hook in the loop and gently pull the strand from beneath the burlap to shorten it.
Make your loops close enough together so that burlap doesn't show through.
When starting a new strand of yarn, use your hook to pull yarn up through fabric, pulling end out completely. Do the same for the end of a strand. Trim these yarn ends even with the rest of the loops when finished.
Hook the outline of each color area first, then fill in each area, working in a counter clockwise direction, with yarn loops. For Radiating Squares Rug, outlines for each section are marked as one row on diagram.
For outer border of each Rug, fill in remaining marked area of burlap piece.
The unhooked burlap remaining on each side will be used in Finishing.
FINISHING
Carefully remove painter's tape and trim burlap around hooked area, leaving a 1 in. (2.5 cm) border of burlap.
Fold this burlap border to the back of the Rug, turning the raw edge under. Secure folded border with binder clips or clothespins.
Thread blunt needle with a doubled strand of yarn, the same color as the outer border and whipstitch around the entire outside edge of the Rug, encasing the outer hooked row and the hem.
Weave yarn ends from whipstitches into back of Rug.
Spray Rug lightly with water and gently flatten into shape. Allow to dry. |
