Quck answer
Braided rugs are a popular and timeless home decor item. To make your own braided rug, start by gathering old fabrics or t-shirts that can be cut into strips. Next, braid the fabric strips together, securing the ends with a knot. As you braid, continue adding more fabric strips to increase the length. Once the braided strip is long enough, coil it in a spiral shape and secure the coils with thread or a needle and thread. Finally, trim any excess fabric and enjoy your handmade braided rug!
Braided rugs have been a staple of farmhouse style for years due to their cost-effective and practical nature. Throughout American history, braided rugs, also known as rag rugs, were commonly used for their versatility and affordability. If you’re looking to add a rustic feel to your home, consider making your own braided rag rug using basic supplies that you likely already have. Braided rugs are a great weekend DIY project that won’t break the bank. All you need are some old clothes and sewing tools.
What You’ll Need
To make a braided rug, gather old fabric or clothing (enough to cut 30 yards of 1-inch strips), scissors, a ruler, a pencil, a safety pin, straight pins, a sewing needle, and thread.
Choose Your Color Scheme
If you plan to use your rug in a specific room, consider selecting fabrics that match your decor’s color scheme. Keep in mind that once the rug is complete, the fabric prints may not be as visible. It’s best to choose colors that complement your overall design aesthetic.
Measure and Cut Your Fabric
Using a ruler and pencil, mark your fabric in 1-inch increments. Cut your fabric into 1-inch strips along the marked lines. It’s okay if the strips are not perfectly even because the braiding process will hide any small variations in width.
Remove Fuzz and Threads
After cutting your fabric, remove any stray threads or fuzzy edges.
Sort Your Fabric
Separate your fabric by type and use thread in a matching color to sew the short ends of like fabric strips together until you reach a comfortable braiding length. Avoid making the combined strips too long as it will make the braiding process challenging. Each type of fabric should be approximately 10 yards in length, and you will need three sets of 10-yard strips to make a typical rug.
Before proceeding to the next step, roll your fabric strips into balls to keep them organized for braiding.
Arrange and Fasten Your Fabric Strips
Take three fabric strips and align their short ends together, while keeping the rest of each strip rolled up into a ball. Stitch the short ends of the three fabric strips together firmly. Then, attach a safety pin to the end of the stack that you just stitched. Pin this stack to an ironing board, an upholstered chair, or another immovable fabric object that you don’t mind piercing with a pin. This will hold your fabric strips in place while you braid your rug.
Create a Braided Rug
You are now ready to braid your rug. Make sure that you keep the braid tight. When you get to the end of a set of strips, tie a new piece of fabric of each type to the end of its corresponding fabric in your braid. Continue doing this until you have braided all of your fabric strips. Once you finish, tie off the end of the braid. For added security, sew the end of the braid.
Coil and Stitch Your Braided Rug
Remove the safety pin that’s keeping your braid in place. Starting at one end, tightly coil the braid. Use straight pins to hold the coil together while you work. Carefully remove the straight pins that hold your coil together one at a time, and then sew the braided coils to each other using thread.
Complete Your Rug
To finish off your rug, sew the end of the braid securely beneath it. Ensure that all coils are firmly attached to one another.
Bravo! With a little bit of time and some unwanted fabric, you have made an affordable upcycled braided rug that will warm up your floors and enhance your decor. Enjoy!
FAQ
1. What materials do I need to make a braided rug?
To make a braided rug, you will need some fabric strips, a large needle, and a rug canvas. The fabric strips can be made from old t-shirts, bed sheets, or any other fabric you have lying around. The rug canvas is a special material that provides a stable base for your rug. You can find it at craft stores or online.
2. How long does it take to make a braided rug?
The time it takes to make a braided rug depends on the size and complexity of the design. For a small rug, it may take a few hours to complete. However, if you are working on a larger rug or using intricate patterns, it could take several days or even weeks. Patience and dedication are key when making a braided rug.
3. Can I wash a braided rug?
Yes, you can wash a braided rug, but it is important to follow the proper care instructions. Most braided rugs can be washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle using cold water. However, it is best to check the specific care instructions for your rug to ensure that you do not damage it during the cleaning process.
4. How do I prevent a braided rug from slipping?
To prevent a braided rug from slipping, you can use a non-slip rug pad or apply rug grippers to the bottom of the rug. A non-slip rug pad provides cushioning and prevents the rug from sliding on smooth surfaces. Rug grippers are adhesive pads that stick to the back of the rug and grip the floor, keeping the rug in place.
5. Can I make a braided rug without a sewing machine?
Yes, you can make a braided rug without a sewing machine. Instead of using a sewing machine to join the fabric strips, you can hand sew them together using a large needle and strong thread. This method may take a bit longer, but it is still possible to create a beautiful braided rug without a sewing machine.
6. Can I make a braided rug with different colors?
Absolutely! In fact, using different colors of fabric strips can add a unique and vibrant touch to your braided rug. You can experiment with different color combinations and patterns to create a rug that matches your personal style and complements your home decor. Get creative and have fun with the colors!
7. Are braided rugs suitable for outdoor use?
Braided rugs are not typically designed for outdoor use. They are better suited for indoor spaces, such as living rooms, bedrooms, or dining areas. Outdoor conditions, such as moisture, sunlight, and temperature changes, can cause damage to the fabric and affect the durability of the rug. If you are looking for a rug specifically for outdoor use, it is best to choose one made from weather-resistant materials.