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.
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.
You will need the following things to make braided rug your own
Long strips of fabric (old sheets and curtains are ideal, and far easier to work with than t-shirt scraps sewn together to make them longer)
Sewing scissors
A ruler
Pins
Safety pins
Sewing needle(s)
Thread in a color that’s neutral to the fabrics you’re working with
If you want to buy a handmade braided rug you can follow the link https://www.homespice.com/rugs/braided-rugs
What kind of glue did you use. I’m looking at putting my rug in a bedroom. If you glue the braids onto rug, is it machine washable?
6. Use the black yard and a tapestry needle to stitch along the edges of the rug base, tacking down each braid.
I believe you meant black yarn here. This looks like a fun project to try. Thank you!
This is such a great tutorial! Thanks so much for sharing it. Question—How does it hold up in the wash? Do you have to respray it with the polycrylic finish after washing? Thanks in advance for your reply.
Thank you for this easy to do pattern! One question, while braiding, how did you attach new lengths of fabric?
hi Georgia, sorry that was a typo- it’s “sturdy” canvas.
Where can you find study canvas?
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!
THis is great I have been wanting one of these rugs for a while and I have been considering making my own. I will definitely do this. But one question, can you just throw this in the washing machine? How would you wash this baby?
thos is such a cute idea! im definatley going to try it?i love everything on your blog! your so creative❤
P.S., love the shoes.
Glue. Why didn’t I think of that?
I had always wanted to make a rug, too. And I’d seen plenty of tuts on stumbleupon (before Pinterest… hehe.). I tore a sheet up and started braiding. and braiding. and braiding. and I never got around to sewing it in the round. So now I have one super long braid and no rug.
One day, I tell myself… One day.
Awesome!
Amazing work! Love it!
http://mycreativemoods.blogspot.nl/2012/07/beauty-around-corner_30.html#more
I blogged about this project on Tumblr and my completion of this project. Thanks for all the FANTASTIC ideas… that really work!
xoxo Foxie Moxie Jewels
http://foxiemoxiejewels.tumblr.com/
Best DIY yet!!
Val
http://valentinaduracinsky.blogspot.com/
I have had a crack at this and made tablemats for hot pans to rest on. Works so well, just usings scraps! Yay for upcycling!
Can you give more detail on the black yarn part (step 6)? I’ve never done this before so I may need a little more detail if you don’t mind. Thanks!! I can’t wait to try this!!
If I were to make the braids out of tee shirts, how many medium to large shirts do you think it would take to mate a rug of the same size?
I was so happy to see this DIY. I’ve wanted to make a braided rug for as long as I can remember but just never got around to it. I used to make braided rugs out of ribbons for my dollhouse when I was little too. I can’t wait to start this project! Thanks for a great post!