How to Make a Rug With a Loom

Weaving a rug is not as difficult as it may seem. Making colorful rugs to brighten up bare floors in the home is an economical way to create decor for the home because often they are made from rags and recycled clothing. Learning this skill is a satisfying pursuit that many people enjoy.

Here are some simple instructions for making a rag rug with old clothing or fabric and a peg loom.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rags of old clothing or fabric Heavy cotton string Peg loom

Making a Rug with a Loom

1. Tear rags into strips approximately 2 inches wide. The length of the rags is not important because you will be connecting the rags to each other by knots as you weave.

2. Cut lengths of string that are twice as long as the length you want your rug to be. You will need one length of string for each peg of the loom. Place the string onto the loom by tying one end to a peg and stretching it across to the corresponding peg on the opposite side of the loom. Loop it around the second peg and bring it back to the first peg and tie it.

3. Weave the first rag by tying it around the first peg at one end of the loom. Weave the rag over and under the strings across to the opposite peg. When you reach the opposite peg begin to weave back to the peg where you started. Continue weaving back and forth with the rags. When a length of rag is finished, tie another rag tightly to it and continue.
   
   Pay attention to the colors of the rags as you weave to make the rug colors look the way you want them to.

4. Continue weaving until you reach the top row of pegs. Tie off the rag tightly to the woven area under it at the last peg.

5. Remove the rug from the loom by carefully lifting each peg out of its slot on one side of the loom. Slide the fabric off the peg and push it down tightly onto the string.
   
   Cut the strings off of the pegs on the other side of the loom and tie them tightly to prevent the rug from unraveling.

Tips & Warnings

• Use rag material that is comparable in weight and thickness to ensure an even rug. Tie the knots connecting the rags on one side of the rug to conceal.