I've wanted to make rugs for as long as I can remember. Even in high school I want to make my own home decor. Rugs are a little intimidating because they need to be super durable. This is one of those projects that took several tries to get right. We were trying to find a method that didn't involve sewing skills or a gigantic weaving loom. I'm so glad we kept going after the first try, because this is one of my favorite home projects we've made in a long time. I am keeping it for my new home. You can make one too in any colors you choose! Here's how...
Supplies Needed: A piece of sturdy canvas. This will be the base of your rug. Ours was approximately 2ft x 2.5ft. You can choose any size you like. Plenty of scrap fabric to rip and braid. Choose colors that coordinate and fit your space. Black yarn, a tapestry needle, scissors, fabric glue, tape and Aerosal Polycrylic Protective Finish (choose the water based option) we used this brand
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1. Choose your rug size and cut the canvas base piece to size. Set aside. 2. Rip long strips of fabric. Each braid needs to be about 2.5 feet longer than the length of your base piece. I know that seems like a lot, but they will get shorter as you braid and you need extra for fringe. Braid enough ropes to completely cover the mat. This is the most time consuming part. It's a perfect job to multitask during evening TV shows for a few nights. :) 4. Tape the ends of each rope for easy access later. 5. When you are done braiding (whew!) glue your braids to the mat. Leave an even amount of braid hanging over the edge of each side. Use as much glue as you need to get a very study rug. 6. Use the black yard and a tapestry needle to stitch along the edges of the rug base, tacking down each braid. 7. Remove the ends of each braid after the yarn line. Trim the edges so that your fringe is even. 8. Go outdoors and use Polycrylic Finish to seal the rug. This will make your rug waterproof and much more durable for your next rainy day.
I'm so happy with the finished product! It's super durable, more than most store bought rugs I own. I love that it can be customized in any color scheme too. I think a black and white and grey version would be adorable! Be prepared, this one of the more time consuming projects we've done. Kinsey did most of the braids while working at Red Velvet one day (a 7 hour shift) so it will take more than one sitting to accomplish, but the end result is totally worth the effort.
Have a fun + craft weekend! XO. elsie
Wow. Beautifully done guys.
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http://natashafatah.com
Posted by: Natasha | July 20, 2012 at 11:46 AM
How neat!
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Posted by: Tina @ Tinacious Me | July 20, 2012 at 11:49 AM
love it!
Posted by: Wieneke | July 20, 2012 at 11:54 AM
That's so adorable!
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Posted by: Jessica Nichole | July 20, 2012 at 11:55 AM
gorgoeous idea!!!
i need to try this!!! it´s perfect and looks so good!
thanks for sharing that tutorial!
have a great great weekend!
liebgruss from germany
eni
Posted by: eni | July 20, 2012 at 11:55 AM
I just love you guys.
Posted by: Melissa | July 20, 2012 at 11:59 AM
So gorgeous! I love that this is a no sew project. Great color choices Elsie!
Posted by: Hillery | July 20, 2012 at 12:04 PM
I love this so much! <3 It's so cute and would go so well in any home! It's something you would treasure!
I think this is a definate project for a rainy October, bookmarking for later!!
Posted by: Isabelle | July 20, 2012 at 12:04 PM
It's SO COOL! I'm moving back to school soon and I need a new rug for my dorm (mines so gross after three years it's insane!) I'm so doing this! (haha I say that to everything you do here, my to do list is getting looong)
Xoxo Sarah
theantiquepearl.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sarah | July 20, 2012 at 12:06 PM
That is so pretty!
Posted by: zay | July 20, 2012 at 12:07 PM
it turned out great! like all of your projects! love the waterproofing idea!
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Posted by: Mrs. Baker | July 20, 2012 at 12:07 PM
Wow this looks amazing!
Posted by: Joslin | July 20, 2012 at 12:08 PM
nice :) great idea :))
Posted by: MaTty | July 20, 2012 at 12:08 PM
This is one of your best DIYs yet! So amazing!!!
-Miranda
Posted by: miranda | July 20, 2012 at 12:09 PM
Definitely would be time consuming, but braiding is easy and fun! I'll definitely be making this for my dorm! (I leave for college next month!) Perfect http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Heather | July 20, 2012 at 12:09 PM
Awesome! I'm moving house in less than 3 weeks (!!) so I might give this a go when I move in :)
Posted by: Sam | July 20, 2012 at 12:09 PM
My cat sleeps on our store bought braided rug, so this would be a cute little durable rug for him to sleep on. I really love that it can be customized color wise to match the decor in any house.
Posted by: Jess Dynarski | July 20, 2012 at 12:12 PM
Now THIS is a DIY!! Very good. I will be trying this.
Posted by: Jessica | July 20, 2012 at 12:13 PM
Absolutely gorgeous!!! I love it
Posted by: Chantal Hanna | July 20, 2012 at 12:18 PM
Oh man! I've been looking for a good DIY rug idea to make! I will spend many, many, many a night creating braids for multiple giant rugs!
Posted by: Kate | July 20, 2012 at 12:19 PM