We’re in the process of making a long-distance move here at my house, from Northern Idaho to Central Oregon. With that comes a lot of random pieces of clothing, old towels, or scraps of fabric that we don’t want to throw away, but aren’t in good enough shape to send off to Goodwill. I was grasping for something to do with these scraps when the idea hit me like a ton of bricks… Make a rag rug! They’re easy to make, and they’re a good way to use all these random pieces without letting them go to waste.
I have so many pieces of scrap fabric from old sewing projects in lots of different colors, on top of old t-shirts that are too warn for other uses. These end up being perfect for this rug. All you need are a large assortment of scrap fabrics, which you could separate by color, pattern, or fabric type. From there you just need a large crochet hook, a ruler, and some scissors.
Lay out your fabric scrap on a flat surface, and about 1 1/2 inches from the edge, cut a long strip all the way parallel, stopping 1 inch before the other edge. You don’t want to cut the piece completely away, basically. Measure 1 1/2 inches over from the first cut you made, and at the beginning of where you stopped short of the edge, and cut another strip so that the two strips you’ll end up with are attached at the top. You’re basically cutting a zig-zag pattern. Continue alternating down your scrap.
When you’ve cut the whole scrap in your zig-zag pattern, with your stips about 1 1/2 inches apart, roll it into a ball. It’s a good way to store it when you’re not working on the rug, and they’re easier to work from than a huge pile.
From here you just need to know how to crochet single stitches into a chain. There are a lot of websites and books out there with great tutorials if you need to re-learn. You start with your slip-knot and chain 6 times, and then form a circle by starting a slip-stitch into your first chain. This makes the center of your rug. Then you make a chain of 2 stitches, and crochet 2 new stitches into the existing stitches that you have. You’re doubling your stitches, starting from 6 in the center to 12 in the next. Depending on your material and the stitch size, that may be different. Keep the stitches loose so that it’s easier to go around on the next circle.
When you’re at the end of one ball and need to start another, you can just tie the two together with a small knot. When you’re stitching close to a knot, you can leave it on the top for a more imperfect look, or stitch it below so it’s hidden. To finish off, tie the tail of the remaining piece to the main rug, and cut off the end. Voila, and now you have a hand-made rug, from scraps that won’t go to waste!
The perfect way to christen a new home with green craft vibes.
[Image Credit: ArtzyFartzy at Flickr]
I have been making these lately. They’re fun because they’re so big that they’re quick-ish to make! I have been using up some stash fabric that is ugly/I know I won’t use anytime soon.
I have been making these lately. They’re fun because they’re so big that they’re quick-ish to make! I have been using up some stash fabric that is ugly/I know I won’t use anytime soon.
I have been making these lately. They’re fun because they’re so big that they’re quick-ish to make! I have been using up some stash fabric that is ugly/I know I won’t use anytime soon.
Great idea. I was wondering about how much fabric is needed? For example, I have a twin bed sheet I am looking to repurpose, would it be enough for a bath mat? And what hook size are you using?
Great idea. I was wondering about how much fabric is needed? For example, I have a twin bed sheet I am looking to repurpose, would it be enough for a bath mat? And what hook size are you using?
Great idea. I was wondering about how much fabric is needed? For example, I have a twin bed sheet I am looking to repurpose, would it be enough for a bath mat? And what hook size are you using?
I found your link on Twitter. Great idea! Thanks!
I found your link on Twitter. Great idea! Thanks!
I found your link on Twitter. Great idea! Thanks!
I found your link on Twitter. Great idea! Thanks!
I made these years ago and had sort of forgotten about them. I especially like your idea of not cutting through to the end – I used to seam them and this is a much easier technique. It’s a great way to use up fabric — particularly ugly fabric (because it doesn’t matter when it’s all bunched up). Erin would be amazed how much fabric it eats up — I don’t think a twin bed sheet would even come close to making a bathmat. Great web site!
I made these years ago and had sort of forgotten about them. I especially like your idea of not cutting through to the end – I used to seam them and this is a much easier technique. It’s a great way to use up fabric — particularly ugly fabric (because it doesn’t matter when it’s all bunched up). Erin would be amazed how much fabric it eats up — I don’t think a twin bed sheet would even come close to making a bathmat. Great web site!
I made these years ago and had sort of forgotten about them. I especially like your idea of not cutting through to the end – I used to seam them and this is a much easier technique. It’s a great way to use up fabric — particularly ugly fabric (because it doesn’t matter when it’s all bunched up). Erin would be amazed how much fabric it eats up — I don’t think a twin bed sheet would even come close to making a bathmat. Great web site!
I made these years ago and had sort of forgotten about them. I especially like your idea of not cutting through to the end – I used to seam them and this is a much easier technique. It’s a great way to use up fabric — particularly ugly fabric (because it doesn’t matter when it’s all bunched up). Erin would be amazed how much fabric it eats up — I don’t think a twin bed sheet would even come close to making a bathmat. Great web site!
Erin, a large bedsheet could work. If you want to make a large-ish rug, I would supplement with some other fabrics. Otherwise, you should be just fine. Also, I used an 11.5 hook, which was the largest I had available.
I’m wondering if it would work to braid the strips instead of crochet them– I’ve seen rag rugs like that before, where it was just a coiled braid which I suppose is just stitched together somehow. Though I’m not sure how flat that would lie.
I’m wondering if it would work to braid the strips instead of crochet them– I’ve seen rag rugs like that before, where it was just a coiled braid which I suppose is just stitched together somehow. Though I’m not sure how flat that would lie.
I’m wondering if it would work to braid the strips instead of crochet them– I’ve seen rag rugs like that before, where it was just a coiled braid which I suppose is just stitched together somehow. Though I’m not sure how flat that would lie.
I’m wondering if it would work to braid the strips instead of crochet them– I’ve seen rag rugs like that before, where it was just a coiled braid which I suppose is just stitched together somehow. Though I’m not sure how flat that would lie.
Great idea. Thanks!
Great idea. Thanks!
Great idea. Thanks!
[...] writing yesterday’s post about making a rag rug with extra fabric, I started thinking… “What about the pieces [...]
We used to make these out of our worn-out socks when we were kids.
We used to make these out of our worn-out socks when we were kids.
We used to make these out of our worn-out socks when we were kids.
Hi, That is a gorgeous Rug. There are also some great instructional DVDs on Amazon – Basic Rag Rug Instructional DVD and Shag Rag Rug DVD for two different types of crochet rag rug techniques.
Hi, That is a gorgeous Rug. There are also some great instructional DVDs on Amazon – Basic Rag Rug Instructional DVD and Shag Rag Rug DVD for two different types of crochet rag rug techniques.
Hi, That is a gorgeous Rug. There are also some great instructional DVDs on Amazon – Basic Rag Rug Instructional DVD and Shag Rag Rug DVD for two different types of crochet rag rug techniques.
[...] Loving this look? Have more fabric scraps? Lenore wrote up a great tutorial on making a circular rag rug. [...]
[...] yep it feels really good, i agree. i spend most days doing that! it is def addictive, but a very healthy addiction. ooo i think you all will like this….making "yarn" out of scraps, like old clothes or pieces. you cut it into a strip…and then when you reach the end you leave like an inch or more and then start cutting another strip beside it, until you get to end and leave like an inch now on the other end. then you ball it up and use like yarn for crochet or kitting. does that makes sense? anyway its really easy and you can get tons of clothes for free, that are maybe not very cool print or not that cool looking, but when you turn it into this yarn it just looks cool no matter what. if you have a shirt you can just cut around in a spiral to get the longest piece, or you can go back and forth leaving an inch on the end where you start a new strip. you can make hats, bags, or even rugs. my sister friend is making rugs, and now a bed for her dog, for free, with scraps like that, cutting it into yarn. it has a sort of uneveness to it, but that adds to the look….it looks really cool. my friend made me a green and blue hat with it…. these are crocheted scrap pieces, you can also knit with it…. Have Extra Fabric Laying Around? Make a Rag Rug! : Crafting a Green World [...]
[...] these pillow cases that have like two contrasting patterns. (Totally off my topic, but I just found this link by searching Delicious tags for ragrug – my sister neeeeeeds the fabric samples on the header [...]
What size hook do you need for this project?
What size hook do you need for this project?
What size hook do you need for this project?
I don’t quite understand how to cut the fabric in one continuous piece. I am not following how the zig zag pattern works into one piece. Can anyone post some more instructions? I am just not visualizing it.
I don’t quite understand how to cut the fabric in one continuous piece. I am not following how the zig zag pattern works into one piece. Can anyone post some more instructions? I am just not visualizing it.
I don’t quite understand how to cut the fabric in one continuous piece. I am not following how the zig zag pattern works into one piece. Can anyone post some more instructions? I am just not visualizing it.
you need to be more detailed and give more longer instructions on the crocheting part for those not experienced in crocheting.
you need to be more detailed and give more longer instructions on the crocheting part for those not experienced in crocheting.
you need to be more detailed and give more longer instructions on the crocheting part for those not experienced in crocheting.
Love the idea. i am big into recycling I am wanting to do a base like the toothbrush rugs but i want to add peices to make a shaggy rug can you help me there thank you. also what type of fabric is the best for this idea.
Jeananne
AKA
GRANMA
(*&*)
Can you make a video for us to follow???
thank you very much for your simple and easy instructions, much appreciated you have motivated to start a new rug for a new year thanks again happy new year hralth and happiness for 2011
how much material do you need for a 4′ X 3′ rug?
i like these rag rugs ,i would love to make some for my apt.could you email me the pattern please.i dont get much money to buy things for my place so i make alot of my things for my place.ty
Did yours waffle at all? Not sure I’m doing it right.