How to Make a Braided Rug Using Eight Strands

Braided rugs have always been very common to the American household. With rich roots dating back centuries, the braided rug has not only stood the test of time, but has evolved and adapted to new ways of being created. A braided rug is commonly created from wool or nylon braided, using three strands of cord. But, some crafters have created braided rugs from socks, fabric scraps, and a whole host of other materials that prove to make the braided rug very unique. Traditionally, a braided rug is made with three strands of material, coiled and sewn together to create a rug of desired size. Different patterns have taken shape, and one of them is the use of eight strands of material. This form of braiding is esthetically pleasing and offers a more chevron type of appearance. The following steps will teach you how to make a braided rug using eight strands, with the strands being wool. But feel free to use any type of material that you would like to produce your rug.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy duty rug wool
• Sewing thread
• Sewing needle

Instructions

1. Pull the beginning strand of wool from each of your spools. You should have a minimum of eight spools, in order to have eight separate strands.

2. Lay all of the eight strands out in front of you to begin your braid. You can work on a table top or counter, but be sure you have plenty of room to work with so the strands do not get tangled.

3. Grab two strands from the far left side and cross them over the very next two. You will be working from left to right at this time.

4. Next, grab two strands farthest right, and cross them over the very next two. Now you are working right to left.

5. Continue this procedure as you create your braid. It is the same as traditional braiding, except with two strands in your hands as you cross over the next two. As opposed to a single strand crossing another single strand, and so on.

6. Coil the braid, once it has reached the desired length. This will form the shape of the rug.

7. Sew coiled braid together to secure it, and you are done.

Tips & Warnings

• It is always a good idea to plan out the way you would like your rug to look before you begin. This would include your colors, pattern, etc.

• It is also a good idea to make sure you purchase as much wool as you think you will need. If it sells out, you may not be able to finish your rug the way you had planned. Different dye lots may vary slightly.

• It is always a good idea to place a no-slip pad under your rug. This will help keep it in place and avoid injury due to tripping or falling on a sliding rug.