Open Rep with Rags with Monica Hallén
Rare opportunity to study with a world expert in this Swedish tradition
Instructor: Monica Hallén
Dates offered 2025: May 19–23
Open rep is a technique that allows the weft to show, as well as the warp. When this technique is used to make rag rugs, beautiful patterns and variations are possible. Our chenille rug project was such a hit last year that we’re offering it as a project choice again this year. You will choose one larger rug project on your own loom for the week, with your choice of technique using 4 to 8 shafts. We also provide a few extra projects on additional looms, enabling you to try out a variety of techniques on shared looms.
We are thrilled to bring you the opportunity to study with Monica Hallén, a Swedish expert in her field as a rag rug weaver and author of many rag rug books.
Choose your main project
- Choose from our tantalizing selections
- Be sure to look at the details of each rug – thread count, width, warp yarn. All open rep warps will be 3 meters.
- The chenille rug will involve two smaller warps, one to weave the rag chenille and one for the rug.
- Contact us if you want threading services ahead of time
Techniques on smaller looms
- Slarvtjäll (inlay pattern)
- Pile inlay (fluffy bits)
- Diamonds with 4 treadles
- Wreath with 8 treadles
- Squares with 2 treadles
More details
Looms already beamed
You will start the week threading heddles. (The chenille rug will require a second simple warp partway through the week.)
Context & inspiration
Monica will start with a thorough introduction to the world of Swedish rag rugs, in order to give some historical background. She’ll help you understand the many possibilities for weaving open rep and inspire you in the creation of your rag rug.
Monica Hallén has unparalleled expertise in the history and weaving of rag rugs. She is a designer, weaver, and embroiderer, and (together with Ann-Kristin Hallgrén) author of a number of very popular books on rag rugs. She teaches at Sätergläntan, the world-renowned institute for craft and handwork in Dalarna, Sweden, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Vävstuga.
Monica’s books include:
- I Trasmattans värld (The World of Rag Rugs), 2017
- Älskade trasmattor (Beloved Rag Rugs), 2006
- Alla tiders trasmattor (Rag Rugs for Everyday), 1999
- Så fint med trasmattor (Wonders with Rag Rugs), 1995
Monica posts inspiring images on her Instagram.
Register now
Prerequisites: none
Max enrollment: 12
Location: Barn Studio
Course fee: $975 (includes all instruction and studio time, course handouts, lunch Mon–Fri, dinner Thu)
Materials fee: $95
Days offered: Five-day session, Mon–Fri
Schedule: Instruction time 9:00–noon and 1:30–4:00. Once a session begins, the Barn studio is available at all hours. Exceptions: on the last day, instruction ends at noon, and checkout must be completed by noon.