How to Make Twine Rag Rugs

Twine can be twisted to make rag-type rugs.

You can use twine to make a coiled rug, similar to the colorful, coiled rag rugs seen in many kitchens. Because twine is thinner than the cloth strips usually used to make coiled rag rugs, you will have to braid several strands together before you begin. Twine rag rugs are long-lasting and can be recycled to your compost pile when they become too worn to use.

Things You'll Need

• 10 to 20 skeins of jute, sisal or hemp twine
• 30-inch square cardboard, 1/2-inch thick
• T-pins
• Needle and thread

Instructions

1. Cut all twine into 36-inch strands. Knot four strands together and secure the knot to your cardboard sheet by pushing a T-pin into it. T-pins have a crossbar to make them easy to push in and pull out of a cardboard sheet or macrame' board.

2. Hold two strands in each hand. Twist the doubled strands together for one inch and make a second knot. Repeat twisting and knotting until you reach the other end of the strands.

3. Coiled the knotted 4-strand twine around the original knot one full turn. Stitch in place by pulling the needle through the original knot from underneath and back down through the inner side of the coil. Make four stitches in an "X," pattern to secure the first coil.

4. Continue to coil the 4-strand knotted twine around, stitching the coil in place every inch between the previous coil and the inner edge of the next one. When you reach the end of the knotted twine, pull the end knot open just enough to push the first knot of the next length of twine through the hole to connect them. This should hold the two together long enough for you to stitch the next coil into place.

5. Continue coiling the knotted twine until you have used every strand. If you want a larger rug, cut another skein of twine into strands, knot them and add them to your coil.

Tips & Warnings

• Twisted cord rugs were once associated with poverty and a lack of homemaking skills. It is rare to find a vintage twisted-cord rug, making them valuable to collectors.

References

• Tower Hobbies: T-pin Photo
• Sandpoint: Flat Wrap and Twisted Cord Rag Rugs