How to Make a Braided Rag Rug

Use colorful fabric to make a rug

Braided rag rugs can be a colorful addition to any room, and you can make them yourself. You don't need to know how to sew or even thread a needle in order to create a rag rug that you will be proud of. Use fabric around your home, such as old bedding or outgrown clothing and make braided rugs to beautify your home or give as gifts.

Things You'll Need

• Several pieces of fabric in coordinated colors
• Carpet pad cut to the desired size of the rag rug
• Scissors
• Paintbrush
• Vinyl adhesive caulk

Instructions

1. Cut or tear the fabric into 4-inch strips. The lengths do not need to all be the same, as long as the widths are similar.

2. Braid three of the strips together. Each time a piece of fabric runs out, overlap it with a new piece of fabric and continue braiding. Keep braiding until you have a long, continuous rope that, when wound together, will be the size of rug you desire.

3. Apply the caulk to the center of the carpet pad using the paintbrush.

4. Attach one end of the braid to the adhesive caulk. Coil the braid tightly, applying more caulk as you go until you have all of the braid wound onto the carpet pad.

5. Tuck the end of the braid on the underside of the carpet pad and secure it with some adhesive caulk. Allow it to dry, following the instructions on the vinyl adhesive caulk.

Tips & Warnings

• Carpet companies will sometimes give away small, leftover pieces of carpet padding.