How to Make a Carpet Sample Rug
If you have an awkward space that needs an area rug, yet standard sizes of rugs will be too big, too small, too wide or not wide enough, you can create the perfect-sized rug with carpet samples. With the proper tools, samples can easily be shaped to fit any space, and by mixing and matching colors and textures you can create a rug to match any decor. Since rug samples are so inexpensive, you can place your new creation in areas that get hard use without worrying about wear and tear.
Things You'll Need
- Carpet samples
- Carpet scissors
- Permanent marker
- Paper
- Xacto knife
- Heavy muslin
- Carpet glue
- Paintbrush
- Hot glue gun
Instructions
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Go to a local carpet store and buy samples of rugs in the desired colors and textures. Lay your newly purchased samples on the floor and map out the size and shape of your new rug. Use carpet scissors and an Xacto knife to cut the binding off each carpet sample. Experiment with placing the samples together until you have created a design that works for you.
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Create a design in your carpet by sketching leaves, flowers or abstract shapes on a piece of paper. For a little boy's space-age bedroom, for example, draw simple rockets or moon shapes. A little girl's room could have crown shapes for a princess theme. Once you are happy with the shape, cut the shape out of a piece of sturdy paper. Turn over leftover carpet samples in a contrasting color from those in your rug, and use a permanent marker to trace the design on the back. Use your Xacto knife to cut out the design.
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Decide where you want your cutout shapes to go in the rug. Turn those samples over and use the paper cutout to trace the design on the back with the permanent marker. Cut out the design with the Xacto knife. Discard the cutout carpet. Insert the design cut from the contrasting color of rug sample. The piece should fit in perfectly. Use your fingers to work the fibers from the cutout closer to the rug so that the fit looks seamless.
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Turn the entire rug over so that you are looking at the back of the carpet samples. Use a paintbrush to apply a thin coat of glue to the entire back, except for a 2-inch border on all four sides. Cut muslin so that is at least 1 foot longer and wider than your new rug. Lay out the muslin on the rug, smoothing it with your hands so that there are no bubbles or wrinkles in the fabric. Allow to dry for at least two full days.
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Cut the muslin so that you have a 2-inch border on all four sides. Tightly fold the edges of the muslin and use a hot glue gun to attach these edges to the four sides of the carpet to create your new binding. Vacuum and place your new rug in position.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit carpet image by Ogis from Fotolia.com
