Tip of the Day - Make a Rag Rug
Posted on April 2, 2008 by
Do you have old sheets, jeans that don’t fit, or a collection of old shirts with stains or holes? Do you have a needle and thread? If so, you have everything you need to make a new rug.
We need new rugs around here, but I have a hard time shelling out big bucks for an eco-friendly rug made from organic materials only to have the cat puke on it, or the dog track mud all over it.
Another option is to go for a discount store rug. But then there’s the issue of off-gassing. The last time we bought a rug, I felt like the house smelled overwhelmingly of new rug for weeks.
But we have an old set of sheets that doesn’t even fit our bed. With a little bit of work following these instructions, I can make a decent sized throw rug. It’s not complicated and doesn’t take a lot of skill or crafty abilities. If you know how to braid hair, and have very basic sewing skills, you’re set.
If you don’t have sheets and old clothes lying around, or are looking for a specific color scheme, check out thrift stores for clothes, sheets, tablecloths, and fabric. It’s okay if the items are mildly stained, with a little bit of selective cutting and twisting, the stains won’t matter at all.
I’m about a quarter of the way through my first rug. It’s easy, mindless work — perfect to do while watching TV. I feel like I’m making something out of nothing, and I’m eliminating my need to purchase something new.
Is that the rug your making in the picture, cause I love the color.
What a great idea! And I love the color too.
Yes, that’s the rug I’m making. I think it will look nicer as a rug than it did as sheets.
I could definitely see doing this some day with some old clothes. If only I could finish some of the other projects I’ve started over the past year.
I know what you mean! I have a bunch of projects I need to finish. I think that should be a blog challenge.
i am totally trying this…in my ample free time, of course. i have an old pair of jeans that would be a perfect candidate.
the color of your new rug looks amazing Allie. Good work. I’m going to try this too! Maybe I can make a gift for someone. As of right now, we’re full of rugs in our place.