How to Make Braided Rugs

Use strips of fabric to create great looking rugs of any size.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• fabric strips
• rug backing
• sewing supplies

1. To start a braid you will need 3 strips about 2" wide. You can tear old clothing into strips or purchase fabric and cut the strips. Strips should be all the same size .
   Measure a rug you have to get an idea of what size it should be. Then make a few braids and start working. You can make additional braids as you go along until you complete the rug.

2. Lay 2 braids side by side, pin them with straight pins if you need to. If you plan to finish sewing them on a machine, you can just attach them together with a basting stitch for right now.
   Continue adding braids until you have the correct size.

3. When you have all your braids basted together. You can now finish it on the sewing machine.
   Use a zigzag stitch and sew over each line that you basted.
   Then sew a complete line of regular stitches around all the outside edge to keep the edges from raveling.

4. When its completed apply the rug backing on the reverse side of the rug. You can purchase rug backing at almost all craft stores.

Tips & Warnings

• To make round or oval rugs just attach in a circular pattern.
• Color coordinated kitchen rugs and pot holders, hot pads, and chair pads can be made also.
• These also will look nice under your potted plants. They can be simply laundered if they become soiled.
• If you will not be using a sewing machine, then sew the edges by hand using a small hem stitch.