Make Your Own Braided Rug

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. 

Have a fun + craft weekend! XO. elsie

Comments

[heidi]

This is perfect! I've been looking for a good braided rug tutorial and you've made it.

I am endeavoring to do a craft every two months. This is going to be on that list.

Thank you so much for this tutorial. It's a beautiful rug.

[Hug]

that is amazing!!!!
i love it so much
my kitchen carpet already looks like crap...
gonna try to create this one

http://1hugaday.blogspot.co.il/

[Lauren]

Super cute! I love all the turquoise fabric... Lovely!

http://rivercitysammon.com

[tonya]

okAY thIS maY be my faVORITE DIY yoU'VE doNE so faR. LoVeLoVe it.

[Okelly]

This is really pretty!

[Kate]

Looks beautiful!! But I wonder, have you any experiences with getting that rug clean?

[Lily]

My grandmother used to make these out of old clothes, everything from t-shirts, shirts, jeans, and dresses. She didn't use canvas or waterproof them though. She just washed them when they got dirty and threw them out when they got too dirty or worn out. I helped her make them sometimes but I'd forgotten the process. Thanks for this DIY, I may try my hand at it again.

[Hannah @ The Braided Bandit]

I think this is my favorite DIY I have ever seen featured on your blog, and that's saying a lot because there are SO MANY good ones! I am putting this on my list to try to make so I can do it for Christmas presents this year! I love that you can customize it with different colors for different people, amazing work & thanks so much for sharing!
xo Hannah
thebraidedbandit.blogspot.com

[Yumi]

love it!!! must try when we move into our new place!!

[Nina]

I really like your blog, definitely a new follower!!
theapparelcollector.blogspot.com

[Jessica]

What would you recamend doing for a rug that won't slip and slide around. We have wooden floors

[Jessica]

What would you recamend doing for a rug that won't slip and slide around? We have wooden floors.

My email is wrong in my comment above. Sorry ^^

[Bohemian Kate]

I remember I used to make little oven mitts that looked like that when I was a kid. Great idea and I love the colors!

[Mary]

How cute! Thanks for sharing! Question- does it matter what kind of fabric you use? I'm wondering if cotton is best, or if stretch is ok?

Thanks! xo

[Emma]

Oooooh I ADORE the colours you have chosen - this is such a simple, effective idea, really cool
xx

[Emma]

Jessica- You could try doubled sided carpet tape or a non-slip rug pad.

[Emma]

Kate- We have not cleaned our rug yet but we plan to try vacuuming first. Since the spray makes the rug waterproof we don't plan to put it in the washing machine, but we may try hand washing and laying it out in the sun to dry. If we find any good tips we'll add them to this article after we've cleaned it the first few times. :)

[FlosCaeli]

Really nice tutorial it looks really amazing!

[Amanda]

I will be trying this. Looks great. Machine washable?

[Hannelore]

Oh I love it! So cute.