How to Make a Crochet Shag Rug

A shag rug has a deep pile where the strands of yarn flop over to create the shaggy texture. The design can be crocheted using the loop stitch. The loop stitch allows you to create a long stitch on the back of your work that emulates a shag rug. You can leave the stitch as a loop for a loopy shag texture, or cut the loops after the rug is completed for the standard shag rug appearance. Any yarn can be used to make a crochet shag rug; cotton and acrylic yarn are washable and long-wearing, which makes them practical choices.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Worsted weight yarn
• Size H crochet hook
• Scissors

1. Crochet a chain that is the length of the rug you want to make, plus one chain to turn the row. See Resources if you need to review basic crochet stitches such as the chain stitch or the single crochet stitch.

2. Single crochet in each chain stitch across the row to create the base row. Turn your work.

3. Chain 1 and make a loop stitch in each single crochet across the row. See Resources for a loop stitch tutorial. Loop stitches always appear on the back of the work.

4. Chain 1 and repeat Step 2.

5. Repeat Step 3, then repeat Steps 2 and 3 consecutively until the rug is as wide as you want it. Fasten off.

6. Cut all of the loops in half at their tops with scissors to create the shag fringe. Fluff with your fingers.

References

• NextStitch.com: The Loop (Fur) Stitch Tutorial Video
• WoolCrafting.com: The Crochet Loop Stitch Tutorial

Resources

• StitchDiva.com: Crochet Tutorial--The Chain Stitch
• LearnToKnit.com: Basic Crochet Instructions
• CrochetMe.Com: Loop Stitch Tutorial