What does it take to knit a rug, apart from the knitting process itself? Aren't there a dozen questions you ask yourself?

My motto is to keep it simple, and then expand as you get more experience and ideas.

When using one color for each segment, the only thing to do is to join the last section to the first one and carefully pull the small hole in the center tight Then weave in a few threads and that is all there is to it. Read further if you want to know some finer details.

Designing and knitting a rug in blended colors will require some manual dexterity and some patience. Especially when you are blending these colors in different ways, you will be forever changing threads. This always takes place at the outer rim of the rug. To get a nice finish, it is important to be consistent in the manner you use to join threads. I knit the first stitch using both threads; then, dropping the old thread, I knit the end of the new thread with the next stitch. That's it. I then continue knitting with the new thread. I find that the rest is best done in the finishing phase.

As you will end up having a good number of threads along the outer rim of the rug, these threads will need to be woven in. Weaving the threads carefully in at the reverse side and towards the center will give a nice smooth edge that will not need further finishing. Be sure to pull the threads tight while weaving them in.

Traditionally such rugs were finished with a row of crochet, but it is not necessary. Yet, a row of crochet could be used as a design element. In some cases a uniform border in one color can certainly pull the design together and add a finishing touch. Let the design guide you.

Another option is to use the end of the threads as fringes. This is appropriate when many color changes leave ends uniformly around the rug. Some expert needlework and patience will make for a nice finish. Expect to spend a couple of hours doing this. If needed, some threads can be added to fill in any gaps.

If the fringe threads are left quite long - about 5 inches - it is possible to make an elaborate fringe by bundling the threads in groups of two or three. Then combine two such bundles and put in an overhand knot one inch down. Do this all around the rug. To put in another row, split the bundles again and combine each with the half of the following bundle. Do this again all around the rug. The result is a fringe with diamond shape openings.

In some decors such rugs are very decorative when used over a round hassock or as a chair back cover. They will also look good as table rugs.


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All articles copyright Iris ten Holder