Knitted Rag Rugs for the Craftsman, 20th Anniversary Edition (rev.) Paperback – September 25, 2005

This is a really great reference book written by a professional rug maker. The amount of information packed into this book is astounding. It gives charts and instructions on how to make an exceptional rug. The author gives detailed instructions on how to prepare your strips of fabric for rugs using tips and techniques she developed in her professional life. These time intensive techniques are not for shabby shic rugs that are so popular with crafters now. That being said she also gives instructions for the more casual rug knitter using fabric scraps or tshirt yarn. This is the book you will turn to when you want to figure out how to make an oval rug in a custom size. Need to make a heart shaped rug for the girl's bathroom? This book will give you the tools to design your own. She has included patterns for these rugs but the great thing is that it includes instruction to make the patterns for any rug you want.

If you want a book that gives you credit for being a creative, intelligent crafter, then this book is perfect. If, like the previous reviewer, you want a book with pretty pictures and begins with "pick up your knitting needles" and continues with instructions so you can duplicate the pretty picture, do not buy this. There are plenty of other books out there that can give you that. The approach the author takes is so refreshing I felt compelled to counter the other review. I will be ordering all Ms. Gray's books as I master one approach and am ready for another. The key is that you are given the information you need to create what YOU want. My only caveat is that you do need basic knitting skills. But, if you can knit a scarf, which most new knitters can do, you can make one of these rugs. Of the hundreds of knitting books I have bought, borrowed, and read in the last 50 years this, by far, is one of the most useful.

I was really looking forward to this book, having recently been bitten by the "rug bug." It certainly is complete when it comes to the history of rugs and how handmade rugs differ, but I have to say my biggest disappoinment was in the total lack of color illustrations inside. The rugs really would have "come to life" had they not been in black and white. I'm not sure if it was a budget problem or what, but I would have been a lot more inspired to see how the fabrics and yarns looked in color. This was more like looking at a black-and-white video....very mediocre and not what I was hoping for.

I liked the ideas and suggestion in here, a lot. My only complaint is the illustrations. If I could, I would revise it with some clearer photos and better line drawings. Some of the knit patterns are stodgy and could be more contemporary.

Clear directions and very attractive illustrations

Great book.

A really interesting book full of information and different techniques. Never knew that there could be so many ways to knit a rag rug. This book would appeal to those who would like to try something different. Easy to dip in and out of.

Useful book

I have to say this is one of the most uninspiring books I've ever bought. Had I seen it on a bookshelf, I would never have bought it. Deadly dull ! All black and white photos and very small images to learn from. A big mistake to purchase. I can't imagine why anyone would produce black and white teaching books for textile crafts in this day and age. Like something from the dark ages.