Braided Rug Art

The tradition of braiding rugs began with the impulse, and even necessity, of turning scraps of fabric and used clothing into useful objects for the home. 

Strips of fabric are braided into a continuous strand, with strips added as the strand develops.  The maker then winds the strand into shape, holding it in place with a heavy-weight thread that is sewn in and out.  The final product is very durable: Some rugs were passed down from generation to generation.  Wool is the traditional and most common fabric for braiding, though cotton and mixed fibers are used, as well.