Unlike more complex forms of artisanal weaving, rag rugs are traditional rugs or mats made from recycled old clothes, linen, bedsheets etc. This type of weaving is typically done on a rigid-heddle or 2-heddle loom.  Rag rug making has been seen in the past as being practiced by the poor – it was a low-income necessity. Textiles used to be very labour-intensive to make and were never thrown away – they were re-used and re-used until they fell apart.   

HISTORIC:

Carter, Harriet (1846-1928) - Formerly enslaved African-American "weaver of rugs"