Make a Braided Wool Rug (4-Part Class)

In this class series over the course of four Sundays in May and June, students will learn how to turn old woven wool garments and blankets into attractive and useful rugs. Students will learn:
- Making a T-Start, and braiding vs. plaiting.
- Beginning to braid, and making a curve or corner. Making the rug round vs. oval.
- Lacing.
- Splicing in more material as you braid, and strategies for color changes.
- Tapering down and finishing.
- Preparing your own materials: washing, deconstructing, cutting strips, splicing, and folding. Securing the fold by pressing, pinning, or basting.
By the end of this series, students will either be on their way to finishing or will have finished a small braided wool rug. All supplies provided.
Please be sure you can make it to all four of the class periods (listed below) and register only for the first date listed (May 31st):
- Session One: Sunday, May 31, from 1–2:30pm at the Shoreline Tool Library
- Session Two: Sunday, June 7, from 1–2:30pm at the Shoreline Tool Library
- Session Three: Sunday, June 14, from 1–2:30pm at the Shoreline Tool Library
- Session Four: Sunday, June 28, from 1–2:30pm at the Shoreline Tool Library
About the instructor, Margaret Elwood: Margaret has been co-leading a drop-in class with weekly work sessions for two years at the Edmonds Waterfront Center. She learned rug-braiding from her mother, and she is a member of the Rug Braiders International group for ongoing learning and support.
This class is a part of our Fabrics and Fibers Skill Series, which includes 12 classes and 1 event that hope to give you the opportunity to learn a variety of textile-based skills.
Our sliding scale for classes helps to reduce barriers for participation while retaining sufficient income for Seattle REconomy, which owns and operates the NE Seattle and Shoreline tool libraries. Please choose the level that best fits your family’s income.
ACCESSIBILITY:
- The venue is wheelchair accessible and has an all-gender restroom. The restroom is ADA compliant.
- Non-English and ASL interpreters are not provided at our classes and events, however attendees are welcome to bring their own interpreters.
- Please contact us with any accessibility notes or requests.
GETTING THERE:
- By transit: Served by King County Metro bus Rapid Ride E Line on Aurora Ave N and N 165th.
- By bike: The venue is located one block west of the Interurban Trail. Shoreline Light Rail stations are each about 2 miles away. A bicycle rack is available outside the building.
- Car parking: There is an asphalt parking lot that fits up to 20 cars. There is one ADA van accessible parking space with an access aisle.
Children are welcome at some classes with their parent or guardian on a case-by-case basis, either as a student or as an observer. If you would like your child to attend a class with you, please email info@seattlereconomy.org with their age and experience. Let us know if they will be a student or an observer, the name and date of the class, and we will determine if it is appropriate.