Rya Rug Knotting Tips from Melinda Byrd

Knotting a Scandinavian rya rug on a woven backing. How to make the knots and correct mistakes, how to make your rya backing more user friendly with the graph, and how to thread the needle with ease. Melinda Purcell Byrd wrote and published the book RYA RUGS -- Design and Make Your Own in 2020. She is the go-to person in the USA for learning how to design and make a rya rug as well as providing all the supplies one needs or wants to make a rya rug. Her available supplies include her 298-page book in hard and soft bound covers, Rauma Ryegarn (Rya yarn) from Norway, Rauma Prydvevgarn ( thinner than ryegarn), wool and linen woven backings in 25+ sizes, Lundgren Rya supplies made in the USA, kits from Rauma and from her family rya business since 1955. She also provides rya-designed graph paper, wood needle organizer blocks, complete yarn samples and backing samples.

[@jennifercongdon4583]

Hi Melinda,
It is interesting to see how you make rya knots using a backing. I have done some rya knots on a floor loom using individual pieces of yarn. I have purchased from your Etsy shop a number of times and love your products. Wonderful to keep rya rugs alive.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Thanks, Jennifer! Glad you liked the video. So glad you are keeping the art alive with weaving ryas on loom as they were originally made. Keep up the great work and I'm here for you when you need other supplies. Thanks so much for your comments. ~ Melinda

[@1aliveandwell]

Where is your book for sale? Your video is nice and sharp! Have some backing and wondered how /when to finish the end parts, if fold over once (twice seems too thick) and start knoting so will hold the fold down or overstich.

[@Byrdcallstudio]

Hi, Alive and Well, you could use a sewing machine to zig zag sstitch the cut end so it doesn't unravel. Then fold it back about 2" to zigzag stitch th efoldover and you should be good. My book is helpful, fun, and informative. Here is a link to my website where you can order it. byrdcallstudio.com/ Thanks for your comment. Knot on.
Melinda