Can't find the braided rug you are looking for in the colors you want? Do as the pioneers did and make your own!

Make A Braided Rug From Fabric Scraps & Old Clothing.

In the 1800's housewives were looking for a use for left over fabric scrapes and began to by braiding rags into floor coverings. Even though machine-made braided rugs are readily available today, many crafters want to bring back the feeling of creating a heritage piece by making one themselves.

When choosing rags or old clothing to make a braided rug, look for wool scraps that work best. They offer a good weight to a rug that will receive alot of wear.

Try experimenting with fabrics, favorite children's clothing can be used to create an heirloom piece for a bedroom.

To prepare clothing for braiding, remove all lining, buttons etc., and cut along the seams. Tear fabric into strips with the grain, and fold into ropes for braiding.

You will need to experiment with the width of each strip - I suggest 1.5 inches to start and adjust if needed.

Once the strips are torn you'll need to sew them together. Simply hold the ends at a 90 degree angle with right sides together, then stitch on a diagonal across the corner. Cut off excess corner.

To start the rug you'll need to make a center seam. To determine what size this seam needs to be it is suggested that you subtract your desired width from your desired length. For example, if you want a 4' x 6' rug you need a 2' long center seam.

Braid the length of the seam desired, and then you'll need to turn the corner so you can continue braiding. To do this consider the strand hanging on the left part of the braid strand 1, the middle strand 2, and the strand on the right strand 3. To corner, bring strand 1 over strand 2 and into the center. Bring strand 2 over strand 1 and then under strand 3. Pull the braid towards the right and continue braiding. When you reach the other end and need to corner again simply repeat the process. As the rug area becomes larger you will not have to corner, it will simply wrap around.

To attach the braided lengths so they stay together you'll need heavy thread or carpet thread and a large needle. Do your stitching on what you perceive to be the bottom of your rug. Thread the needle and begin by sliding needle under braid loop and out the top. Draw thread out and do the same to the length of braid that lays beside it. Do this back and forth, just like sewing until lengths are securely attached.

Since each length of braid that works to the outside of the rug is longer than the previous one you will need to skip a stitch along the outer curves to accommodate this. Do not skip at exactly the same places each time you hit the curve.

When you reach the last piece of braid, you'll need to cut strands 1,2, & 3 so they taper. Work them into the cable next to them and stitch them into place.

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