Learn how to make a rag rug with fabric scraps using our step-by-step guidance.
Some tips that’ll help you achieve a great result are: Avoid a lumpy rug, cut your strips from fabrics of basically the same weight. If strips are too long, they’re difficult to braid. To avoid lumps, don’t introduce new fabric to more than one strip at the same place in the braid.
Now, let’s get started.
Supplies
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- 2-½-inch-wide fabric strips, cut or torn, fabrics of same weight
- Tapestry or yarn needle
- Yarn
- Scissors
Video: How to Make a Rag Rug with Fabric Scraps
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Instructions
Step 1: Pick up 3 strips and even up their edges at one end.
Step 2: Sew or knot the strips together at the evened-up end. Note: In this example, we’ve sewn the end.
Step 3: Taper the ends with scissors.
Step 4: Clamp the sewn end to the table.
Step 5: Trim the free ends to different lengths.
Note: You will want the ends to be different lengths so it’s easier to add in additional strips of fabric.
Braiding
Step 6: 3-strand braiding technique: right to center, then left to center, then repeat.
Step 7: For a more finished look, fold under the cut edges while you braid.
Step 8: Introduce new strips by overlapping the end of the old strip by about 3 inches with the new strip.
Sewing
Step 9: Use the needle and yarn to stitch the edges of the braid to each other, either in an oval or a circle.
Step 10: Make sure the braid lies flat as you stitch.
Step 11: Stitch under the braid loops, not into the fabric.
Finishing
Step 12: Trim ends of all three strips so they’re of even length. Beginning about 1 foot from the ends, cut all strips to taper to a blunt point.
Step 13: Finish braiding. Because of the taper you cut, the width of the braid will gradually become narrower to the end.
Step 14: Stitch the strips to each other at the tip, then stitch the tip to the edge of the rug.
