The History and Heart of Braided Rugs: A Family Tradition

Braided rugs have long been a cherished part of American heritage, weaving together stories of resourcefulness and familial bonds. In our family, the art of rug braiding transcends mere craft—it’s a heartfelt tradition passed down through generations.

This Mother’s Day, I find myself reflecting on the legacy of my mother and grandmother, whose hands skillfully transformed fabric scraps into beautiful braided rugs, each strand telling its own story.

Heirloom Braided Rug Stand: A Family Tradition Passed Down

This little braided rug stand holds more than just fabric—it cradles generations of family memories. My grandmother used it to craft braided rugs that warmed her home in Maine in the early 1900s. Later, my mother continued the tradition, creating her own cozy artistry. Now, it’s my turn to treasure this heirloom, even if my rug-braiding skills are more nostalgic than practiced.

From Scraps to Heirlooms: The Story of Braided Rugs

Braided rugs have a rich history in American homes, dating back to colonial times when resourceful settlers transformed fabric scraps into durable floor coverings. In our family, this humble stand symbolizes creativity, resilience, and the warmth of handmade traditions.

Though I haven’t continued the rug-braiding tradition myself, early photos show me as a child, hands busy with fabric strips, learning the rhythms of the braid. These memories, intertwined with the physical presence of the rug stand, serve as a poignant reminder of the legacy woven by the women in my family.

A Mother’s Day Memory Woven with Braided Rugs

With Mother’s Day on my mind and a few quiet moments here in Maine getting our home Summer-Ready, I found myself flipping through old family photo albums. Ella (our curious Bernese Mountain Dog) even joined in—her nose practically pressed to the page with a braided rug underfoot.

That’s when I spotted this gem from 1969: me at four years old, braiding my very first rug on my mother’s braided rug stand, right in the den of our home on Nubble Light.

She had written the date and place in perfect penmanship on the back, as she always did. Every album of hers is like that—organized, labeled, and full of heart.

And would you believe it? The black captain’s chair in that photo is still up in our attic.

The green laundry basket stuffed with braids? It’s neatly tucked into the linen closet.

The vintage blue dresser in the photo now lives in our Vermont guest room—freshly refinished and still full of charm.

And yes, I still have those original braided rug strips, all these years later.

So I gathered them up for this post. For those of you who’ve also learned to braid from your mothers—or maybe taught your daughters yourselves—this one’s for you.

Maybe it’s time I try braiding one myself. What do you think? Ever made a braided rug of your own?

Braiding Rug Stand and a Few Honest Mother’s Day Reflections

Here’s the truth: I really don’t know all that much about rug braiding. I loved the braiding part as a kid, but sewing the braids together? That’s where I tapped out. Patience wasn’t exactly my strong suit back then (some things don’t change!).

Did you know a braided rug stand is actually quite simple? It’s basically a wooden frame that holds your cloth braids in place with a clamp while you sit and braid. You could probably make one yourself. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if my grandfather did just that. He was a builder, and this one has all the signs of something homemade and well-loved.

I snapped a few close-up shots of the clamp and the stand itself—such a rare find these days. I couldn’t find anything like it online, which makes this piece all the more special. My mother even used a good old-fashioned clothespin to hold the braids when she took a break.

And that half-finished rug in the clamp? It’s just how she left it. Braided in rich reds, blues, blacks, and a pop of herringbone, it’s been waiting quietly in this guest room for years.

Another moment that brings on a wave of Mother’s Day reflection.

At some point, the stand got a coat of white paint—maybe by my mom, but more likely by my dad. Over the years, the white got scuffed and stained with use, so I gave it a little refresh to match the soft blue trim in the guest room. Now, it feels like part of the space—a gentle, handmade nod to the past.

Generations of Braided Rugs, Woven with Love

Today, I have four of my mother’s handmade braided rugs—and one lovingly crafted by my grandmother—all still in use on the wood floors of our coastal Maine home. Alongside them sits the vintage braided rug stand, now gently holding the last rug my mother worked on. These pieces aren’t just décor; they’re part of our family’s story.

These handmade braided rugs have truly become some of my most treasured possessions, right behind Ella, of course. You’ll often find her lounging across them in a sunny patch, like in this photo, where she’s looking out over the neighborhood from the living room couch. Classic Ella.

You can click on each photo below for more of my Mother’s Day reflections, a peek at our guest bedroom, and the vintage quilts that pair perfectly with these rugs. (Yes, I’ve linked to the quilt collection too!) From quiet bedrooms to cozy corners, these heirloom braided rugs add warmth, texture, and history to every space they touch.

A Captain’s Chair and Mother’s Day Reflections

As I was tidying up the attic, I spotted something familiar peeking out—a black captain’s chair I hadn’t seen in years. Down it came, and just like that… it wasn’t quite as grand as I remembered it. Isn’t that always the way? But the moment I saw those hand-painted gold details, it all came rushing back.

My mother had painted this chair herself and stenciled a Liberty Eagle on the back—her favorite. It sat proudly in our home for years, and now it rests gently on her handmade braided rug in the bedroom, surrounded by pieces that tell her story.

A Quilting Book Worth Displaying

Tucked among my mother’s old sewing books, I also found a little gem: a 1953 copy of Fern Carter’s Braided Rug Book. It’s a vintage beauty, small and sweet, and the kind of book that adds instant charm when left out on a bedside table or dresser.

These little finds—braided rugs, vintage chairs, stenciled eagles, and old craft books—are the pieces that make up our story. If you’d like to see more of these heirloom-filled spaces, visit a favorite blog series, In My Mother’s Maine Home. I’ve shared everything from the day we inherited the home to the cozy corners we’ve filled with love since.

📚 Further Reading & Resources

A Daughter’s Mother’s Day Reflection

Thanks, Mom, for all the beach days growing up in Maine,

the ski days together with our fur hats,

and for teaching me to surround myself with close, lifelong girlfriends.

And so much more!

Do you have any cherished family heirlooms or traditions? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!

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