Hey there! Want to DIY your own woven rag rug? It’s super simple and you can totally customize the size, shape, and colors to match your home.
I decided to dive into making my own rag rug to add a cute and personal touch to my space. After some searching, I found the perfect tutorial that ticked all the boxes for a beginner like me. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose old bedsheets!
Supplies
- 3 king-size flat cotton bedsheets
- Piece of cardboard (23” x 43”)
- Fabric scissors
- Masking tape
- Marker
- Clear ruler
Steps
Step 1
Using your ruler and marker, make a mark every 2” across the longest side of your bedsheets. Use fabric scissors to make a 2” cut at each mark.
Step 2
Rip the fabric along each cut. It should tear evenly all the way across. Continue until all sheets are in strips, and then separate by color and pattern.
Step 3
On each short end of your cardboard, start 2” from the edge and mark 2” lines every 1/2”. Cut 2” slots at each mark.
Step 4
Group three fabric strips of different colors, fold them in half lengthwise, and place one end in the first slot (let it hang over a few inches). Place the other end in the corresponding slot on the opposite side. Pull off any large clumps of strings as you go. Continue placing groups until the cardboard is full.
Step 5
Choose one color for your weaving strip and tape one end to make it easier to weave. About 2” from one end, start weaving under and over each group of strips until you reach the other side.
Make sure to leave a 6” tail at the beginning. The first row is the hardest, so don’t worry if it’s not perfect. Use your fingers to straighten the row and push it close to the previous one. Keep weaving until you’re 2” from the other end.
Join new strips by cutting a slot in the end of your current strip and the beginning of the new one. Pull the new strip through the slot and secure it by passing the tail end through itself.
Step 6
To finish, make a U-turn around the last bunch where your weaving ended. Thread your weaving strip down through the first exposed section of your last row and pull tight. Repeat across the row. Tie off your weaving strip to one of the strips in the final group, and do the same for the opposite end.
Step 7
Almost done! Place a ruler or piece of cardboard inside your rug where you want to trim the ends. Use fabric scissors to trim the excess. Remove the cardboard backing and, voila, you have a new rug!
Look at that beauty! I’m totally proud of my first rug. It looks amazing in my space, especially with the DIY concrete countertop. If crafting isn’t your thing, check out Elsie’s favorite handmade rugs on Etsy. xo, Laura
Supplies
- 3 king-size flat sheets (cotton)
Equipment
- Fabric scissors
- Masking tape
- Marker
- Clear ruler
- Piece of cardboard (23” x 43”)
Instructions
- Mark every 2” across the long side of your bedsheets, and make cuts at each mark.
- Rip the fabric evenly across each cut and separate the strips by color and pattern.
- On a piece of cardboard, mark 2” lines every 1/2” at each short end, and cut slots at each mark.
- Group three fabric strips, fold in half, and place them in the slots on the cardboard until it’s full.
- Designate one color for weaving, tape one end, and start weaving under and over each group, leaving a 6” tail at the beginning.
- When you finish each row, straighten and push the strip close to the previous row. Join new strips as needed.
- Finish by making a U-turn and threading your weaving strip down through the exposed sections of your last row.
- Trim the ends with fabric scissors once the rug is done.