How to Make Homemade Rugs

Create an eco-friendly rag rug for the bedroom, bathroom or den by using fabric scraps and braiding. Rag rugs are easy to make and can be created as a family project. Using old, worn-out clothing, bed linens, torn drapery fabric or remnants from past projects recycles the fabric and keeps it out of landfills. Rag rugs can be made in several shapes and are thick and cozy homemade solutions to bare, cold floors. Consider making a rag rug to complete the floor in a guest room or to give as a housewarming gift.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine
• Nylon thread
• Upholstery needle
• Masking tape
• Small safety pins

Instructions

Preparation

1. Measure the area the rug will be placed in and record the width and length.

2. Decide what colors can be included in the rug and what shape the rug will be. Oval and circular are the easiest to make. Circular rugs simply coil around the end of the braid. For oval rugs, use the dimensions taken in Step 1 and subtract the length from the width to arrive at the length of the central braid. For example, a 6-foot-by-4-foot rug will begin with a 2-foot braid.

3. Gather leftover fabric from yard sales, remnant tables, old linens, clothing or sewing projects.

4. Cut fabric in strips of 2 to 3 inches wide and as long as possible. Attach strips end to end by stitching them together using a sewing machine. Work toward a 9-foot length to begin each strip.

Braiding

1. Choose three strips of fabric, knot them at one end and begin to braid them. When the braid is completed, sew a new strip of fabric to each end and continue braiding. After the first braid is complete, begin coiling the braid to create the shape of the rug. Hold the shape in place using pieces of masking tape (or safety pins) on the back side of the coiled braid.

2. Hold the knotted end in one hand to begin the oval and measure the length of the central braid, 2 feet in our example. Fold the braid at the proper length and place the next length of braid right alongside the first. Stop and tape or pin the two braids together to create a sturdy center point from which to continue braiding. Continue to wrap the braid around the end of the center braids.

3. Grasp the knotted end of the braid (now the center point) to begin the circle rug and coil the braid around the knotted end. Pin or tape as needed to keep the shape in place.

4. Flip the rug over with the top facing down when it is the correct size. Starting at the center of the rug, use the upholstery needle and nylon thread and begin stitching the braids together. Remove tape or pins as the stitching is put into place. Check that the rug lays flat as it is being stitched, by periodically placing it upright on the floor surface.

5. Stitch the very end of the coiled braid to the rug. Stitch across the braid ends to prevent fraying.

Tips & Warnings

• The number of fabric strips needed will vary and depend upon the type of fabric used, the rug size and the tightness at which the fabric is braided.

• Tack the knot, or end, of the first braid to a sturdy work surface to help keep the braid tight.

References

• Green Living For Dummies; Yvonne Jeffery, Liz Barclay, Michael Grosvenor; 2008