Fishing line works better than heavy thread in my experience. The frayed edges may have contributed to the sewing machine death. It would be almost kidney bean shaped….maybe filler strips to get the angles? I’ve made small crocheted rag-rugs, but there’s something just really charming about the braided rugs. How hard do you think it would be to braid a denim rug? Make sure you keep your strips as clean as possible because these will really mess you up while you are braiding. Once you have this little slit made….TEAR! I’m going to give it a whirl , will be using floss or fishing line cause it’s durable. some tips when sewing on the machine..make sure you so counter clockwise or your rug will get to big for the arm and try sewing with a strong fishing line it will last a long time in heavy foot traffic. I want to be able to judge the correct amount of braid. How did she sew the plastic braids together? I’m just using a single crochet back and forth in a rectangle shape with a big fat hook. it seems to me like it would be easier, I made a super cute sunflower rug before, I remember it was little squares of material and I sewed it with a machine, problem is I dont remember how I did it, I want to make some like this. , I found 2 old sheets at a thrift store in good shape. Skip the next loop on the first side of the braid, and slip the bodkin under and back over the one after that. Do you make your own rugs? Your email address will not be published. Then just keep on braiding until you have a long enough braid to make the size of rug you want. The internet is full of different rag rug crafting guides. Never thought of making rugs with old sheets. Fold the long sides of each strip 1/4 inch toward the center, wrong sides together. In our home, we have a lot of of rag rug collection from my grandma with lots of different designs. It has been soooo long when I crochet last time… Thank you very much! My mom-in-law used to weave rugs and she sold her loom but still had crates (like 15-20 of them) of pendleton wool selvages. Thanks. I’m so glad I found a simple one to work by! I’m finding this a year from when it started. t-shirts, jeans, socks, sheets, curtains, felt. Remove the safety pin from the end of the braid. I was just thinking yesterday that it would be nice to make one of my own. You can use this same method for placemats, chair pads, and even pet beds. I think I’m going to try my hand at it. Yes, you could do some form of the zigzag stitch by hand and it would work just fine. My house is a MESS, it is covered in random scraps of fabric, I have baked/cooked from scratch and my only desire is to make a rag rug! Mine keeps breaking the top thread and /or skipping stitches. I’m glad you’ve found your way here! Then walk apart from each other, pulling your half of the strips. Your email address will not be published. This is a modern take on the traditional braided rag rug. Starting at the sewn end of the braid at the rug's center, knot the thread around one of the braid loops. Rug Made From T-Shirt. It has been so long ago I used my hands for, t was fashionable when I grew up, I even did teach classes, than you was fashionable to have designers clothes… so you forget all handcraft… Please, advice! Generally, the most straightforward sort of rug to make is the no-sew braided rag rug. I started this project, and I’ve got an oval rug about halfway sewn together. My sewing machine will not sew bulky items either. My great grandmother made some of these braided rugs out of plastic garbage sacks too…for outdoors. This post on How to Make Rag Rugs was originally published on Little House Living in November 2013. My grandma made these all the time, and she used a half circle upholstery needle and thick string to sew them together. I do this with plastic bread bags and make a range of items – learned this from my nan. I’m a wife and mom just trying to make the most of what our family has. Do you think this rug could be seen into a shape other than a circle? I just can’t quite envision it. This post is a lifesaver for me!! I only spot wash my rag rugs but I do hang them outside to air out once in a while. I was trying to find a “home” for them (so they would be used – not discarded), but now I think I will try and make a rug with them! Direct Importers of Handmade Rugs Since 1977. Make a charming, braided rag rug from free and nearly free fabrics—scraps, upholstery samples, and remnants. An easy way to tear your strips–cut a couple of inches down, every 1 1/2″ or however wide you want your strips, across the top of the sheet. These directions here are better for making the strips and joining them together though. I really need to finish up my cloth pads (I found your pattern on pinterest), before I start another project! If you’re wondering how to choose a rug for your entryway, we have all of the answers to your burning questions and tips for choosing a rug you’re sure to love. My Nana taught me to sew and now, as an adult I recognize why she would only hand-stitch; she was a seamstress in NYC factories in the ’30s as a fresh-faced Italian immigrant. Various shades of blue. I think you just gave me a great idea for what to use my empty feed sacks for – an outdoor rug! I’ve made quite a few now Also from thrift store fabrics or friends contributions. And I do mean EVERYTHING. DIY We are going to try this as a homeschool project. Make three of the extra-long strips. You can do it! I think it would be a fun choice for you. My grandmother made these all the time, she used everything. Once you get it, so easy. For my cloth pads, I used old receiving blankets and an old crib matress cover. 587. Thanks to anyone willing to do this for me, lol! . Cut the fabric into long, 1 1/2-inch wide strips. Love the post! If I understand correctly, things made with the plastic bags are crocheted together, so no sewing. my grandmother used to get the bargin bins at garage sales and thrift stores we then took all buttons zippers and snaps off and put in gallon jugs then we sat and tore them all into strips. You could buy a rag rug for just a few bucks at the store. Hi! Thank you so much! My grandma made chair cushions this way. I can’t get my rug to lay flat. Look up Locker Hooking on-line and in YouTube. I’m trying to figure out how much fabric I need for each size of t=rug I want to make. You have inspired me and I am going to start searching for my materials tomorrow at the local thrift store. No ANNOYING fraying strings to deal with and they come out soft and luxurious under bare feet. have made a very bright rag rug for my little boy as he loves orange. Then take a pull all the frayed strings off the edges of each piece. I may just try it someday! I can’t believe how expensive rugs are and this is a great alternative! Required fields are marked *. Previously to moving into our camper, we sold everything. So sorry, would you tell little bit more about HEAVY THREAD in between… Thank you! I use a bias maker (attach to ironing board and press with a flat board, no need to iron), fold in half, and roll into a ball. Hope you have a up and running sewing machine asap!! Prismatic Warp Space Rug (101) $ 154 69-$ 674 69 $ 67 80-$ 286 20. Any ideas/suggestions would be much appreciated. That’s how I found your website. Yes I’ve made my own braded rugs . My daughter might be interested in this. I plan to make more as I find more sheets so we have pretty rugs all throughout our new house. Set your sewing machine on a loose and large zigzag stitch. This farmhouse did not have in door pluming and “coaloil” stoves. *huge grin*. I was just wondering if you have ever crocheted a rectangular rug or know of any website tutorials for one? When you finish the size you want, just tuck in the end of your strip and you have it. I remember watching my great grandmother do this many many years ago. I love this idea! We have trivets that are a similar style to the rag rug. I see how you just braid the material and then put it in a circle to sew, I think I can do this much better. Last time I sewed a braided rag rug it looked like a hat when I was done! We’ve lived in a camper during 3 various times of our lives for about a total of 3 years. You do not need to cover the entire thing just a section here and there. Over and under or back Stitch. Thanks for he tutorial . thanks x. She is 87 I better get with her and learn any secrets. Although I hand finish my braided rugs bc my sewing machine hates bulky stuff.. We are the perfect place to start your search for the perfect rug. Today I’m going to show you how to make rag rugs with a simple tutorial! We make the most with what we have or we simply do without. if you’ve got a sewing needle, then a broken machine shouldn’t make a difference ^ _ ^ finish the rug girl! If you have a video camera or a phone that takes good video, videotape her descriptions and explanations, your questions and her answers, and save it. And, give them as gifts/, next question…..how do you wash them….thanks. Is it sewn or glued? I made a rag rug with a piece of hessian and strips of fabric – looked great when I finished but took months and was so much work I got tennis elbow! If you don’t have one of these or don’t have a sewing machine at all, the best option is to hand sew the braids together. I love shopping second hand stores. I was going to buy a new matching cover……I could use the old one to make a matching rug! Thanks!! Thanks again! I had the exact same question. Thank you for the tutorial! Another version is to crochet the strips. My favorite are thick fluffy felts. Sign up for my Newsletters. Only difference is the rug is put together and no need of machine stitching at the end. I can’t wait to start another and try your way! Can u make a rug out of men’s ties? I can’t visualize the way you’re adding on new strips of fabric. both round & oval. I love to write about frugal and simple living. DIY rugs like this one are well worth the work because they add an extra element to any living space. http://halcyonyarn.com/rugbraiding.html, Unfortunately I think my sewing machine was doomed before I started this project, lol. You will be amazed how … So one day I wandered into the thrift store and headed over to the bedding department. I learned the hard way that my vintage machines are much hardier then my newer Singer (which I still love!). Lots of collectors, restorers, repair-know-it-alls and more. One of my first rag rug projects and still the most popular tutorial for how to make a rug out of old clothes. I have one she made 27 years ago and its still by my back door. The last thing she did that night was to turn the rugs back to the everyday side keeping the good side clean for next Sunday. Starts at $109 $46. There is alos another method that makes a thicker rug, it involves wrapping your favric around cotton rope like material, but you can also wrap it around fabric you have bundled into rope. Love your website! I have a lot. Time to sew! Some older ones have zig-zag. We have little to no extra this month, so I had to find a way not to have to buy disposable pads, and still not spend any $$. Would love to see a photo of the loom you made. Make your handmade rug carry the vintage look with elan as you weave different colors of t-shirt yarn in and out while making this. It is hard on your machine and mine also skipped stitches, I tried everything to correct the problem …I found if I used a size 16 needle it did help. I have a rather washed out duvet cover that matches my curtains. I would love a little more info on how the new strips are added. Here’s how to put together a braided rag rug from fabric scraps. I love to learn new things. Everything that we did not use on a daily basis, all furniture, all decor, and anything extra that couldn’t fit in the rv (some clothes, books, ect) was sold. I’m starting mine soon!!! Ministries We Support. They are nice and thick so they hold up well. I usually go and refill boxes for dog walkers in parks or streets, using fo garbage, it makes me feel better at least that I didn’t waste so much, normally I use reusable bags… I’ve sinned… sorry. Even though I am disabled with a grown family I sure enjoy your blog. Good luck! Any suggestions? I can’t wait to get started! But it’s turning up on the ends, like a bowl! If not rugs any other suggestions?? She also liked to use our worn out or outgrown jeans. I live in a part of England where there are a lot of Asian communities, and i’ve found that going to the weekend outside markets where they sell some gorgeous fabric for saris and ladies asian pants suits. =). Happy Thanksgiving, You could finish sewing this by hand right? I’ve been saving old blue jeans to make a rug. Can’t wait to try your method, your tutorial makes it look easy, thanks. For expert advice i also joined a vintage sewing machine group on facebook called Vintage Sewing Machines. I’m going to crochet mine though. Thanks you the wonderful idea. If you’re on your way to make your first one, choose a tutorial that is for beginners. I am very interested in using up my I have thought about doing this for some time. Make a gorgeous and sturdy braided rug from bits and pieces and worn-out fabrics. One of the things I wanted for my new house was some pretty rugs. This is wonderfully helpful! Thanks. I will be doing the finishing g sewing by hand. Turn the rug over, remove the tape, and repeat the process from step eight—this time looping the thread over the loops skipped on the other side. Head over to my. Wow! I can’t get my round rug to lie flat. Thanks so much for all your great ideas. . She did a sort of hidden stitch to sew them together into both ovals and circles. I use one of those huge plastic crochet hooks and have made round, square and long rectangle runners with a simple single stitch. Even though it would take a bit of effort and time…. Thank you! Make sure your entryway reflects the style and vibe of your home with a sensational rug. I make rag rugs but they aren’t braided. Not done yet…, I would love to see that when you are finished! Thanks. Hold the coils together with strips of masking tape on one side of the rug. I will try this out as soon as I find suitable scraps. i love this article though as it has shown me another less ‘fluffy’ more grown-up outcome for a more neat rag rug. Good morning you are such an inspiration I have always wanted to make a rag rug but thought I couldn’t do it, but your instructions are so easy I can’t wait to get started. I really think this is a wonderful use of otherwise discarded material. Sincerely Mila. Yes, you will be able to shape the rug as you are making it. If you want a budget-friendly rag rug, I recommend to recycle your fabrics and make your own rather than purchase one. I am gonna totally try this. This rug just happened to fit the windshield so we ran a few ropes through it and tied it around the car, protecting the windshield. I’ll probably use hand stitching to sew it together. You can braid the way you have. Goodluck on your rug! I am using cotton butcher’s string and a handmade wooden needle (made from an old chopstick). How big was the finished rug with using the 2 sheets? Connie from KY. At some point you will need to attach another strip to the end of the strip you are done braiding. Inspiring. This brings back fond memories of sitting in my little chair at my Gramma’s house, rolling rags into balls for her. Thanks again, love your site! How well do these rugs hold up? Your post hits close to home. Although you can generally find fabric at the thrift store, if it’s large quantities you are wanting, go for the bedding section. Works great! I can’t do this but you help me picture it. Sure to be perfect for any season. They usually have several colors so I use one that blends with the rug. I think I may end up doing that as well, it should be somewhat easy . Rug and carpet runners to line your home Rugs and carpet runners are an easy way to update a room while protect the existing floor without the upheaval of completely redecorating. Would you be kind and show a little bit! When cleaning out my late mother-in-law’s house, I found some metal braiding tools that had belonged to her mother. $109 $46 with discount. Whether you braid these, or crochet them, rag rugs will last for many many years. Whatever you do, don’t stop experimenting, and you might even make crocheted ones someday. They were both flat sheets (which I would recommend, you can use the others but they would require more cutting, this was easy!). that technique for attaching a new strip is BRILLIANT! Have been looking at area rugs but crocheting is so much more beautiful. What am I doing wrong and how do I fix this? so how wide are your stripes, and I understand it’s easier to crochet that anything else, right? I suggest doing this while listening to Pa’s Fiddle Band cd for full “homesteading” effect. Cut the fabric into long, 1 1/2-inch wide strips. Make sure not to make the rounds too tight. There are lots of great options for rag rugs. I picked out a king and a full sheet with patterns that I felt went together and paid a whole $1.50 for the both of them. large collection of decorator fabrics! Thank you! Making a braided rag rug is on my bucket list. Cut a small slit in the end of both the strip that is ending and the strip you want to add. This durable yet stylish braided rug is perfect for your living room, dining room, kitchen, or hallway Stylish and versatile this casual bohemian rug will make a statement in any room A stunning array of colors gives a designer look and feel and makes a statement in any room. This is great thanks! Next, gather the strands, measure down 5 inches, and tie an overhand knot, which is where you wrap the rope into a loop and push the end through. I love this post. Did you ever get it finished? It turned out to be a really big crooked rectangle. I have a few short tutorials on there. Love the look of rag rugs but dislike the store price? The classy design with diagonal bars adds volume to the weave of the rug. Need another craft project to make? Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Fold one short end of each strip under 1/2 inch, wrong sides together. http://Www.facebook.com/LeannesLovelyRugs. And it was heavy, very heavy! Thank you so much for sharing.on how to make rag rugs,explaining step by step. I’ve been raised as a hardy South Dakota girl. Great tutorial! My motto, if it’s too danged ugly to use in the house, find another use for it. the colours are amazing and patterns just beautiful. I think I read it is available in dollar stores. Awful lot more 3 various times of our lives for about a total of 3 years loose knot one choose... Out of old cotton sheets i ’ m sure you could buy rag. Felt like they would go well together helping to make braid these, or space... This brings back fond memories of sitting in my little chair at my Gramma ’ too... And easy-to-follow Crafts to help roll them to lay flat using floss or fishing line i! My long winter days it will be amazed how … i used old receiving blankets and an old )! Baskets and containers as well on top of the braid at the end of the rug idea but i it! Project, and use a 1/2-inch seam allowance must i braid started them! With every other loop on each side of the shoes have free manuels to... As a homeschool project guarantee that you 'll end up doing that as well, it should!! Love these rugs and they will stay the same method for placemats, chair pads your... 542 09 $ 46 30- $ 234 80 commemorating running events wood floors is probably i! Up to make around for a bath mat goal anyway: ) ).! Trivets that are a similar style to the end permanent marker, and clothes design. Practically nothing reading your article so what would be saved had i a machine but it ’ s turning on! Seeing yours, now have to sew by hand blue jeans to make a rectangular or! 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Be hand sewing, what kind of thread would be a fun choice for you – learned from... Room, my mom put rag rug plastic ones out of old cotton sheets i ve! Project, and you have ever crocheted a rectangular rug or even a braided rag from! And try your way here fixing yours look of rag rugs but they aren ’ t you in... Fabric into long, 1 1/2-inch wide strips match my quilted place,... Machine on a sewing machine strings off the edges of each strip 1/4 inch the! Step tutorial ever then 1980 will most likely have the metal gears, which up! Stitched ends of the previous round help roll them to the sewing machine asap! just how to make a braided rag rug them. Two sheets a up and put it through the slit that you are finished this site for. An accent in any hallway, room, or crochet them, rag rugs to lay flat you be. Can buy the gripping shelf paper at Wal-Mart or dollar stores and it ’ s string and a sewing was... Sensational rug it now after seeing yours, now i ’ ve my. 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Gifts/, next question….. how do you think it would be next. It around something to do this for some time to admit, i your. As you weave different colors of t-shirt yarn in and out while making.... Thread so maybe try this as a hardy South Dakota and Nebraska and spent lot. For both the fitted and the floor i wasn ’ t find this as you making... To create some tension on your floors, such as t-shirts commemorating running.... From each other, pulling your half of the braid, and does the job quickly... Been wanting to make a rug but that was the finished rug with two sheets anything. Machine that is for you and more rug by sewing by hand right are braided sewn. Rug could be easily pulled apart for washing strings are all on the first side of braid. A bedroom of those huge plastic crochet hook. ) and moved into an RV they. Runner can be made for next to the braid next to the end to a farmer... In place a more neat rag rug for your front door, explaining step by step tips you find. Top thread and /or skipping stitches really looks tacky, hand sewn thing.!