Gray is a useful color in all-wool rugs and makes an effective centre for a bright-colored border.
The Fire Rug
is a beautiful blending of reds and yellows giving a flame color. The ends are dark red, and, by degrees, the red runs into orange, which, in turn, melts into dark yellow, growing gradually lighter until the centre of the rug is a pale, soft yellow.
Tack on a Piece of Paper Samples of the Rags Used.
Pale tones of yellows and greens are sometimes combined, also yellows and browns.
Before taking your rug to the loom tack on a piece of paper samples of the rags used in the order in which you wish them woven, and write opposite each sample the width the stripe is to be made, as shown in diagram. Give this to the weaver that no mistakes may be made by him in the placing of the colors.
The Weight
To calculate how much you will need of each color, remember that it requires about two pounds of woollen rags to the yard; therefore, if you want half a yard of one color, one pound will be required; for a quarter of a yard, one-half pound. Do not make your calculations too closely, with a little over-weight in each case no harm is done and it is better than falling short of the required amount. The narrow, or once-across, stripes require an inch or two over the yard for each stripe.
How to Cut and Sew the Rags