To make a rag rug, first gather all articles of old clothing you no longer use, which may include outgrown children’s clothing, or garments that are torn or unwearable. To crochet your rag rug, you will need a floor loom and shuttles to keep your rug steady as you do the weaving. Basically, you will place your strips onto the loom, which is a type of frame, and tightly weave them together. When your rug is woven, you’ll need to secure it together, preferably with a sewing machine. Be sure your sewing machine has the basic stitch forward and reverse functions.
Before you make a rag rug, you will need to decide what material to use. A wool rug may be more durable than cotton, however, you may have more cotton scraps at your disposal than wool. If you want to save money and use materials from around the home, you might be limited to the choice of materials available. If you are determined to make a rag rug from specific material, such as wool, you can purchase your material from a fabric store.
Think of where you plan on placing the rug you create. You may want your handmade rag rug to match your room’s decor. Once you’ve decided upon the colors and fabric, gather all materials needed for your do-it-yourself (DIY) rag rug project.
As you set out to make a rag rug, you’ll also need a good pair of scissors. Fabric shears are best for this project. It’s best to use pieces of fabric that are cut into small sections. For best results, cut material that is no larger than 3 or 4 inches (7 or 10 cm). If you’re using wool or another thick fabric, you can make your strips a little larger. Use heavy-duty carpet thread, if available.
You will need to braid your strips, and be certain that all ends are knotted together. Before you begin, however, arrange your fabric sections just as you like. It’s best to do your work on the floor rather than a table. When it’s time to sew your fabric strips together, a good quality sewing machine will make the task easier.
Detailed illustrations may be helpful, so search online, in craft books, or in an instructional video for further ideas. Decide whether you want to make a rag rug that is oval or rectangular. If you wish to have a rug that is easy to maintain and can easily be placed in a washing machine, avoid making your rug extremely large.