Rag-Rugs:
This ancient craft dates back to pre 1900's. Classed as a domestic craft, it was a practical skill learnt at a time when money was limited and clothes were sparse. Using old fabric, cut into strips, these were repurposed for use as a beautiful, household rug. Rag-Rugs can be woven, hooked, braided, prodded, or crocheted using the strips of cloth. Now with a focus on sustainability and less waste, it is a good time to reconnect with old crafts methods such as this.
Activity:
Using plastic or rubber mesh as the backing, cut into squares of equal size. gather fabric of a predominant colour and cut into strips of approximately 1cm x 15 cm. Each pupil will be allocated a primary or secondary colour which can be used for mix & match purposes later on. Using a crochet needle, pull the fabric through two holes and tie together. Continue until all the backing is covered. Work in rows for neatness. The fabric will become firmer near completion.
The arts & crafts projects on this page could be used during Enrichment sessions, at after school clubs or for end of term activities. They would help to improve concentration, fine motor skills, colour theory knowledge and imagination, amongst other things. These could even be adapted into community projects which if facilitated correctly, could be accessible for all. Items created could be sold for profit, to raise funds for the school and resources could be donated by parents/carers, teachers, governors, etc... Sustainability has become a dominant subject so if materials were repurposed, it would be ethically beneficial.
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Felting:
Felt consists of wool fibres which can be matted together by pressing and condensing the fibres. Types of felt vary, some soft and some firm enough to form sculptural pieces. Felt can be any colour, then made into any shape or size. It is the oldest form of fabric known, it even predates weaving and knitting. Many cultures have legends linking to the origins of felt making, including Saint Clement and Saint Christopher who turned wool into felted socks after gaining blisters on a long journey. Felt is made by a process called ‘wet felting’. When the natural wool fibres are stimulated by friction and lubricated by soapy water, they link together to form a solid fabric which can be used in embroidery, as backgrounds for needle felting, or turned into bags, purses, etc...Needle felting is a popular fibre craft conducted with special barbed needles, used by the artist as a sculpting tool, to shape the wool and form structure.
Activity:
Layer bubble wrap and a piece of lace/netting on a tray, gently pulling apart the wool, place several layers in opposing directions to build up a background, then add the top colours for some detail. Once happy, add another layer of lace/netting, pour on hot water (not boiling and rub in soap for five minutes. Roll up the piece using a wooden rolling pin and add pressure in all directions for another five minutes. Squeeze water over the sink and gentle rinse. leave to dry. Ensure you have a theme beforehand such as Percy Peacock (in the Gallery) so students can make individual items (feathers) which can be collated together to make a collaborative end product.
Knitting:
It is unclear where knitting originated from, although we do now that is it and has been practiced in different parts of the world for many centuries. The purpose often is to create beautiful objects as well as items fulfilling practical needs. Often done by hand, simple tools are needed such as: hand-carved sticks of wood, bone, quill and ivory or metal wires and fine steel knitting needles. Hand-knitting today is associated with flat-knitting, which is worked in rows using two knitting needles. But there is also a history of knitting 'in the round'. Originally using four or five needles to create a continuous seamless tube , nowadays is easier when using a knitting circle. This method is best for caps, socks and gloves. Flat knitting is mostly preferred though because it's easier to represent on charts and patterns.
Teacher instructions using books are difficult to follow so practical demonstrations are best for visual and kinesthetic learners carried out either on an individual or small group basis.
Activity:
Using a practical demonstration or video tutorial, show the students how to cast-on, knit 15 basic stitches, then cast-off once a square has been formed. Be aware that the second row tends to be tricky as the shape hasn't formed yet. Each square will take approximately 15 minutes once a few have been completed, but allow plenty of time to pick up this skill. Once a selection of coloured squares have been made by individuals, sew together and turn into a collborative wall-hanging or rug for the school environment. This will add vibrancy and could also be used for soft seating.
Weaving:
Weaving is known as being one of the oldest surviving crafts in the world. It dates back to back to Neolithic times, approximately 12,000 years ago. Even before this, principles of weaving were applied to interlock twigs to create fences, shelters and baskets. Weaving is classed as a primary method of textile production and involves linking vertical threads with horizontal threads. The vertical threads are known as 'warp' and the horizontal threads are known as 'weft.' Weaving can be done by hand or on an industrial level by using machines. The machines used for weaving are called looms, they originated from wooden frames and gradually transformed into the modern sophisticated electronic weaving machine we see nowadays.
Activity:
Collect a selection of old belts, wool, ribbons, necklaces, string, felt, fabric, garden twine, etc...Use frames created from old strips of wood, picture frames or cardboard. Wrap the 'warp' (vertical) tightly around the frame, tying the ends firmly. Using plastic needles for safety, starting threading the 'weft' (horizontally) between alternate pieces of twine. Repeat with various textures to create an interesting piece of artwork. Buttons and embellishments can be added towards the end. Primary colour blocks could be displayed to embed colour and could be extended by adding secondary and tertiary colours to mix & match.
