Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education

Fifty years ago, the instructor’s grandmother taught her how to braid rugs. She still uses two of her grandmother's rugs at home. Many believe that braiding rugs began in colonial times, but the availability and cost of fabric would have made it beyond the means of most early settlers. But, by the 1820s mechanical looms were being developed and reasonably priced fabric for clothes and home decor became common. Rug braiding then became a very popular pastime as well as a way to help keep one’s house warm.

The goal of this class will likely be to make two hot pads or one chair pad. You will learn how to braid and lace and how to increase your stitches as you lace your project together to make it lay flat.

There is a $25 materials fee, separate from the registration fee, due to the instructor the first night of class for the rug braiding kit. The instructor will bring a variety of colors of wool to choose from as part of a kit, lacing needle, and other small items.

Please bring your own:

• scissors
• braiding clamp
• dark rug lacing twine
• a needle with a large eye to sew your wool strips together
• spool each of light and dark duel duty sewing thread.

Easy to get at Yardgoods Center & they have a 10% discount if you mention this class.