Recently we introduced a new exclusive range of 30 Studio Borders, available as part of our bespoke Make Me A Rug service, giving customers more ways than ever before to customise their rugs and runners. Combining intricate weaves and beautiful colour palettes, these designs take personalisation to a new level.
Behind every stitch, every texture, and every thoughtfully woven detail is the skilled hand of Ray – our master textile artisan. Ray has been a part of the Alternative Flooring family for 20 years and continues to bring unparalleled skill and passion to each piece he creates.
As we prepare to step into spring, a season of fresh perspectives and new beginnings, join us in celebrating Ray’s journey and the artistry behind our Studio Borders – where tradition meets innovation, and every rug tells a story.
What inspired you to join the weaving community?
Gosh, this was such a long time ago! It was my tutor at art college who encouraged me to pursue textiles rather than fine art. I was introduced to constructed textiles, and that was it really, it worked for me. I’d always known I wanted to make something, although it took a long time to find an exact direction. My tutor sparked my interest in weaving, after finding an old tabletop loom in the college, we persuaded them to buy some yarn – then away we went! Not long after, I applied to Manchester University to enrol in a degree in constructed textiles, that was the start of my journey.
Do you have a favourite pattern or colour?
It’s hard to choose, as every time I create a new design, I then think, ah that’s my favourite yet! Typically, I work with a very simple structure and that forms the foundation of the borders. However, once a base is established, it becomes about the placement of colour and I have many favourites for different reasons.
My favourite to make is the Rainbow Borders. This design uses all of the colours in the palette – it’s a beautiful pattern with such variety within the yarn. You can create solid lines and different textures, or you can choose to enlarge the twill altogether.
Wool Hygge Koselig Mokka Bespoke Runner with Rainbow Pride Border
Can you talk us through the process?
It begins with our eco-friendly yarn, dyed in Scotland, where a single thread is twisted into a three-fold thread – just the right thickness and weight for weaving. From there, it arrives to me in hefty kilo cones, which I carefully divide into smaller cones to achieve the perfect warp length.
Next, the cones are placed onto the creel – the tall frame behind the loom. If it’s a solid colour, the placement can be flexible, but if we’re working with stripes or patterns, every cone has a designated spot to allow the yarn to align perfectly at the front of the loom.
Then comes the task of knotting – a meticulous, time consuming step, but once every knot is secure, the real magic begins! The loom is then ready for the weaving process to begin.
At this point if we’re sticking with the same structure for the new warp, we can carry on. But if we’re adding stripes or shifting from a twill to a herringbone pattern, it’s then back to re-threading the warp.
Once the process is underway, we can weave up to 40 metres an hour – before that, there are hours of preparation. It’s all part of the craft and that’s what makes each weave bespoke.
What would you be doing now, if you weren’t a weaver?
It would have to be something creative – it’s where my passion lies. I love what I do now, so it’s hard to imagine what other career I might have pursued.
New Studio Borders
Our new Studio Borders span five captivating collections, each offering something unique with a charming story of its design inspiration. Just in time for a well-needed spring refresh. Explore the collections below and discover how they could bring new life and infuse colour into your home.
Sisal Kayal Pamba bespoke rug with a Single Twill Rudu Border, Seagrass Balmoral Basketweave bespoke rug with a Blur Pinku Border
Rainbow: A vibrant splash of colour, perfectly combining all the colours of the rainbow in a beautiful weave. Perfect for adding a playful and lively touch to any room.
Blur: Inspired by Japanese design, this collection elegantly tells the story of two heritages, creating striking designs characterised by clean lines and textures. Each colour variant pays homage to its inspiration and are named individually after the Japanese spelling of each colour.
Twill: Evoking the charm of ‘the old English’, this collection features a twill weave with colours named after old English terms to perfectly describe each hue.
Chequers: Featuring a classic checkerboard pattern, this collection is whimsically named after the iconic Chequers residence where UK Prime Ministers who have stayed.
Tramlines: With charming stripes reminiscent of tram tracks, this collection names its colour after cities with trams. With bright colours of the collection representing warmer cities and tonal tramlines inspired by cooler regions.
