A to Z of Crafts - R = Rug Making

Rug Making is one of the oldest crafts known and can be traced back through the ages to various civilisations. The oldest found rug, found largely intact due to being encased in ice, has been dated to the 5th century BC.

It is believed that various Eurasian, Mongolian and Siberian first engaged in rug making thousands of years ago.  As shepherds, the nomads experimented with wool for rug making and these rugs replaced animal skin coverings. Because of the nomad's mobility, the art of rug making was exposed to other people, and in this way the craft passed to other cultures. 

It is widely agreed that rug making found its highest and most elaborate skilled expression in Asian and Islamic cultures. Initially made strictly for utilitarian purposes, over the years the rug has become not just a useful floor covering, it has become an art form in its own right.

Rug making covers various techniques including braided, hooking, rag rugs and woven.

Here are some great examples I have found of handmade rugs:

Handwoven Blue and White Rag Rug by Rags 2 Rugs and More

Hand Hooked Wool Rug by Jasannas1

Rag Rug - Shaggy Handwoven Wool Runner - Blue Dream by Amizanti

Rainbow Rug made from Braided Recycled T Shirt by Green at Heart