How to Make a Cheap & Easy Rug
- 1). Collect a variety of different fabrics that can be used for your rag rug. Fabrics of any kind can be used, so long as they are of similar weight to one another. Cut each piece of fabric into strips that are 2 inches wide and as long as you see fit. Join the strips by placing them side-by-side and sewing a 1/2-inch seam between the two of them. Roll the fabric onto itself until it forms a ball. Keep cutting strips and joining them to the end piece until the ball is six inches in diameter when rolled. Repeat until you have three fabric balls to work with.
- 2). Prepare the fabric for braiding by folding the two edges of your fabric strip in toward the "back" side of the fabric. Press to form a crease and continue throughout the entire length of the ball, rewinding the fabric upon itself as you go. When finished, repeat the process for the other two balls.
- 3). Loop the ends of each fabric ball together, which will form a knot. Secure the knot to a hook in order to begin braiding.
- 4). Braid the strand until 10 to 12 inches in length. Remove from the hook and begin coiling. Use a heavy needle to weave the lacing cord from one strand to the next. Repeat the braiding and lacing process, working in increments of 1 foot at a time. The more you braid and coil, the larger the rug will be.
- 5). Trim the strands when satisfied with the length of the rug. Fold each strand over to cover the raw edge and complete the lacing with the darning needle and heavyweight thread.