| Homemade Braided Rugs - Instructions |
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| Materials Needed |
In order to create your own braided rag rug, only a few supplies are needed. The most important of
these supplies is a variety of leftover scrap material. The scraps can be of any type and pattern. The
only requirement is that the scraps must measure at least two inches wide. Scraps wider than two
inches should be cut into two inch strips and set aside for easy use. For those who don’t have many
scraps, go to an area thrift store before purchasing new fabric. Often, scraps are donated and can be
bought for very little cash. You will also need thread in either a clear nylon or a color to match the
general mood of the fabrics chosen, and a thick, sturdy needle (a curved upholstery needle works
best, but any thick needle will work).
these supplies is a variety of leftover scrap material. The scraps can be of any type and pattern. The
only requirement is that the scraps must measure at least two inches wide. Scraps wider than two
inches should be cut into two inch strips and set aside for easy use. For those who don’t have many
scraps, go to an area thrift store before purchasing new fabric. Often, scraps are donated and can be
bought for very little cash. You will also need thread in either a clear nylon or a color to match the
general mood of the fabrics chosen, and a thick, sturdy needle (a curved upholstery needle works
best, but any thick needle will work).
| Putting it Together |
The first task necessary before braiding can begin is to prepare the strips for braiding. Make sure you
have cut all fabric into two inch strips. Then sew each strip together end-to-end with right sides
facing until you have three long strips. The longer the strips, the larger the rug will be, and vice
versa. You may use more than three strips if you are familiar with the process. If you are worried
about frays along the cut ends, spray the strips with a spray adhesive or Fraycheck. In the event that
neither of these products are available, clear fingernail polish will also work when applied to the edges;
however, this method takes a great deal of time and patience. It’s perfectly okay to braid the strips
with no treatment. The frays that eventually form add character to the rug and add more of a country
flair to the finished work.
have cut all fabric into two inch strips. Then sew each strip together end-to-end with right sides
facing until you have three long strips. The longer the strips, the larger the rug will be, and vice
versa. You may use more than three strips if you are familiar with the process. If you are worried
about frays along the cut ends, spray the strips with a spray adhesive or Fraycheck. In the event that
neither of these products are available, clear fingernail polish will also work when applied to the edges;
however, this method takes a great deal of time and patience. It’s perfectly okay to braid the strips
with no treatment. The frays that eventually form add character to the rug and add more of a country
flair to the finished work.
Next, tie the three strips together. Place something heavy on the tied end (or have someone hold
it for you) to make braiding easier. Begin braiding using the method most familiar to you. You
can remove the heavy object (or release your helper from holding on to the other end) when you
feel you’ve braided enough to prevent the tied end from twisting as you go.
it for you) to make braiding easier. Begin braiding using the method most familiar to you. You
can remove the heavy object (or release your helper from holding on to the other end) when you
feel you’ve braided enough to prevent the tied end from twisting as you go.
When you have all your strips braided, sew the loose ends together. Carefully coil the braid on
the floor, starting from the center and working your way outward. For a circular rug, simply coil
in a circle, starting with a very small coil. For an oval, lay approximately one foot of braided
strips along the floor. Holding the strip down firmly, begin the coil around the one foot braid.
Feel free to experiment with other shapes until you find the one that suits you best.
the floor, starting from the center and working your way outward. For a circular rug, simply coil
in a circle, starting with a very small coil. For an oval, lay approximately one foot of braided
strips along the floor. Holding the strip down firmly, begin the coil around the one foot braid.
Feel free to experiment with other shapes until you find the one that suits you best.
When you have finally shaped the rug into the pattern you desire, start sewing the rows of coil to
each other, keeping all stitches on the top side of the rug. Once secured tightly, fasten off.
each other, keeping all stitches on the top side of the rug. Once secured tightly, fasten off.
If you wish to add a non-slip surface to your finished rug, you have several options. The two
simplest (and cheapest) ways are paint and rubber backing. By adding designs with Puff Paint
(found in the craft aisle of your local department store), you create a unique surface that will grip
most vinyl and hardwood floors. Just be sure the paint is completely dry before placing the rug
on the floor, or your rug may actually stick. An alternative method would be to buy some of the
rubber backing used in drains, cabinets, and counters. Your local Dollar General or Family
Dollar will usually carry these at a very reasonable price. Use liquid Super Glue to adhere the
rubber to the rug. Trim along the edges as necessary.
simplest (and cheapest) ways are paint and rubber backing. By adding designs with Puff Paint
(found in the craft aisle of your local department store), you create a unique surface that will grip
most vinyl and hardwood floors. Just be sure the paint is completely dry before placing the rug
on the floor, or your rug may actually stick. An alternative method would be to buy some of the
rubber backing used in drains, cabinets, and counters. Your local Dollar General or Family
Dollar will usually carry these at a very reasonable price. Use liquid Super Glue to adhere the
rubber to the rug. Trim along the edges as necessary.
| You now have a “one-of-a-kind” braided rug for your home. Enjoy! |
| If this article has sparked your interest in rug braiding, we recommend this book to learn more: |
And here's a good one on
essential braiding techniques
and how to make basic oval,
circular, and heart-shaped
rugs...
essential braiding techniques
and how to make basic oval,
circular, and heart-shaped
rugs...
And don't forget to check out this one!
To add this site to your favorites CLICK HERE!
And for the favorite Ogre in your life... Marthas
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350 photos • 752 pages • 8" x 10"
Homekeeping Handbook
“Not too many Americans knew what ‘thread count’ was
before Martha Stewart came along; now, everybody and
his brother knows that a high thread count is a ‘very good
thing’!
“Such has been the extraordinary effect Martha has had
on an entire generation of Americans who came of age—
domestically—in the early 1990s. What once was taught
to us by mothers and grandmothers is now something we
watch and read about—for fun and facts—in her
magazines and on her show.
“That’s why this book is such an extraordinary reference—
15 years in the making! Imagine 15 years of Martha’s
solid, straightforward advice on everything—from
organizing a pantry to caring for furniture to folding fitted
sheets—all distilled into one comprehensive ‘household
bible.’”
350 photos • 752 pages • 8" x 10"
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