1949 Nu-Flex Magazine How to Braid a Rug in One Day instructions for 7 Rugs

1949 Nu-Flex Magazine How to Braid a Rug in One Day instructions for 7 Rugs + extras

This magazine is in a fair used condition showing cover wear including a 2” rip in the spline, I see no writing in the magazine.

From the inside cover:

PREFACE

History records the landing of a group of settlers off the coast of Plymouth, Massachusetts. And, how well they used their knowledge of handcrafts to start life anew! After hewing their homes out of the forest, warmth and coziness were the next considerations. Warmth came from the hearths of huge fieldstone fireplaces, built by the menfolk - but, for coziness, they turned to the work of women. For, since time immemorial, women have made castles out of ordinary homes.

During the long winter evenings the women would gather together to sew and knit, leaving the men to discuss future plans. Out of these gatherings the traditional New England town meeting was born.

Night after night, old garments were torn into regular strips, as the first step in the making of a hand-braided rug. The strips were then folded properly by hand and basted with thread made at their own flax wheel. The children helped with enthusiasm, for making braid was a family affair. The next step was sewing the vari-colored braids together - and the rug was complete. Though a rug took the better part of three months for completion, it was a happy work. Some of these treasured rugs, still in existence, hold stories of never-to-be-forgotten hours of happiness.

Copyrighted 1949 by NU· FLEX C0MPANY

In the days before machines made our existence so fast-paced, grandmother possessed a great deal of patience. Her many duties, which could only be performed by hand, required it. However, one of the pleasures rewarding her patience, was the enjoyable work on her braided rug.

Worn-out garments, old blankets and towels were stored for months in the attic, waiting for the day when a sufficient quantity was available to make a rug. Then the ritual began.

First, the cloth was cut into strips of the desired width. These strips were rolled into balls and set aside until all the cutting was finished. About two weeks were spent in this first stage of the rug. Then the strips were pressed flat with a hot iron, making them easier to handle and smoothing out all wrinkles. After the raw edges were folded in toward the center of the cloth, another fold was taken. This fold was pressed and basted neatly with a strong thread. If the cloth did not have sufficient weight, a "filler" was used, consisting of pieces of cotton or rags.

In starting the braid, three strips were placed together and stitched at the top. Something heavy, such as a flat iron, was utilized to hold the braid on the surface of the table. Braiding was easy, since it was done in the same manner as hair-braiding. Whenever a strand became short, another piece was added, being sewn on the bias.

The center piece was made by using a braid twice (he length of the center, then folding it in half and sewing carefully along the inside edge. Any size rug could be made this way by using the following rule: the length of the center braid should always be the difference (in feet) between the width and the length of the finished rug.

The progress of the braiding was linked to the sewing together of the completed braids. A few feet at a time of braiding, then sewing to the opposite braid - on one, or both sides of the rug. Of course, it would be impossible to get a completely reversible rug with this method-since all the threads would show on at least one side of the rug. Toward completion of the rug, the braid was cut to a tapered point to make a less conspicuous ending, when sewn to the final edge of the rug which was now ready for the floor.

Today, grandmother would show quite a bit of jealousy and amazement at the modern, trouble-free time-savers that have been developed. Braided rug making is easy for the modern woman. There is the metal folder which automatically folds the cloth strips and thoroughly prepares the material for braiding. The tiresome task of sewing has been eliminated. The modern rug lacer makes each rug reversible for the first time in the history of this time-honored art.

We sincerely hope this booklet will be an aid and an inspiration to those who are interested in making braided rugs. Whether you try the old-fashioned way, or the modern method, we wish you many happy hours of enjoyment.

Projects in the Magazine include the following instructions:
General instructions on how to braid using 3 metal folders.
Instructions for the following rugs:
The Chesterton
The New Englander
The Homesteader
The Hampshire
The Plymouth
The Colonial
The Cape Codder

Some ideas mentioned in the Magazine:
Lady’s Ensemble
Trim your Drapes with Braid
Hand Braided Slippers
Decorated Lamp Shade with Braid
Bed Spread with Braided Skirts and Initials
Chair Covers Accented with Braid
Braided Shelf Hangers
Rocking Chair Braided Seat and Back Covers

The Back Inside cover has information on ordering Braided Rug Accessories
Rug Braiders (Metal Folders)
Rug Braiding Thread
Rug Braiding Wool
Strip Cutter (Fits on and Scissors)

The Magazine is 16 pages, including the front and rear covers. It measures 10-1/2 X 7 inches (26.7 X 18 cm) and weighs 1 oz (28 gr).

UPC: n/a

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