How To Make Your Own Rugs

If you’re the crafty type and like taking on new challenges, try making your own rug. It’s a process that can be, yes, lengthy, but also a lot of fun! Below are the instructions on how to make two different kinds of rugs: braided rugs and hand-knotted rugs. Braided Rugs

Now, there are a couple ways to go about this. You can make a “no-sew” braided rug or one you have to stitch together. Both will take some time, but the no-sew is probably a bit more painstaking, so right now we’ll focus on the stitch method.

First, cut 1-3″ strips of fabric and remove the seams. Sew them together, long way. You can stitch them by hand or use a sewing machine, but since the area you’re sewing is pretty small, by hand shouldn’t be a problem. The full length will determine how large the rug is; try three feet to begin, and remember you can always add more on if you want a bigger rug.

Now it’s time to start braiding. Tie the ends of the three strips so they’ll stay together, then secure them to your workstation so you’ll be able to braid effectively. Leave a few inches unbraided so you can add more strips for length, if need be. Now, start winding the braid around itself in a coil to see how large the rug might be. Again, if it’s too small, add more strips to each piece of the braid until it’s the right length. Once it is, you can start sewing. Recoil the first bit of the braid a couple times, then just run the needle through a few times. Be sure to use strong thread and a thick needle. Hand-Knotted Rugs

If you’ve never made a rug before, try getting a kit to help you along the way. Many craft stores sell them; they’ll provide exact instructions as well as yarn and patterns. However, if you’ve had some experience, go ahead and use a loom. You’ll need one the size of the rug you plan to make, and be sure you string enough yarn to make it.

Select your pattern. A plain one of a single color will be the simplest — perfect for someone just starting out. Multicolored stripes are also quite easy. Just make sure you plan out your design before you start, or you’re liable to have a rug that looks like two weaved together. Slide a long piece of yarn under the far right base string and pull it through until there is just a short bit left. Loop the yarn over the base string and make a knot; be sure to keep the knot as high as possible on the loom. Then slide the same string under the next base string to the left, pull the string taut, wrap the string around the base string, go over the top of the knotting string to create a loop, then create a knot by pulling the knotting string under and through the loop, pulling up at the end to draw the knot to the top of the loom. Repeat the process for the remaining base strings. To create the next row, repeat the above process.

Now that you know how to make your own rugs, what are you waiting for? Get a move on!

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