Rag Rug Tutorial

Finally!  I first blogged about this rag rug back in early September and immediately got several questions about how I was making it.  I googled "rag rugs" to see if there was an easy tutorial to send people to, but I couldnt find directions that were not too complicated or quite right for how I am crocheting this rug.  I guess there are several ways to use rags to make rugs...hooked, braided, sewed, crocheted, binded, etc.  Not one fit exactly how my Grammer Shirley taught me when I was a girl.  Then someone asked me if I was going to do a tutorial.  A tutorial?  Me?  Well after a little more thought and research, I decided that I should write one.  So, since then, Ive been waiting for the stars to be aligned just perfectly meaning the boys napping, the sun shining (for good photo taking), and not too much else to do.  Well that hasnt happened since September.  But today I had 2 out of 3 stars.  The only problem was that the skies were cloudy which means the poor lighting in my kitchen makes photo taking all pinky.  Oh well, you like pink dont you?

Supplies:

• lots of rags, old worn clothes or sheeting (this one was pajama pants and vintage sheeting)
• large crochet hook (for this I used a 11.5 size)
• ruler
• scissors

Directions:

1. Lay out your fabric on a flat surface.  Measure out 1 1/2 inches from the edge of the fabric piece and cut a long strip all the way down stopping 1 inch short of the end (see photo below).
   
   
2. Measure 1 1/2 inches over from your first cut and  beginning next to where you just cut short of the edge, cut another strip so that the two strips are still attached at the top.  This time stop cutting 1 inch short again.  Move over another 1 1/2 inches and continue alternating the top/bottom 1 inch margin.  It should look something like the photo below.
   
   
3. After all of the fabric strips are cut, roll them into balls.  They look really nice stored this way in a basket or bowl while you play around with the colors and patterns of the rug you will be making from them.
   
   
   
4. Now, at this point I am assuming you have some crochet experience.  You dont have to be an expert (believe me Im not), but you do need to be able to crochet single crochet stitches into the main chain.  If not refer here or get a good basic crochet book with lots of pictures.  I started out re-learning to crochet with The Happy Hooker and would recommend it. 
5. So, if you feel somewhat confident in your crochet (seriously you dont have to be proficient), make your slip knot and chain 6 and then form a circle with the chain by making a slip stitch into your first chain.  This will be the tight center circle of your rug.  (Proficient crocheters are on their own at this point...you know where this is going).
6. Next, make a chain of 2 stitches and crochet two new stitches into each existing stitch.  So you go from 6 stitches in the first circle to 12 in the next.  From here it is adding stitches by feel.  The weight of your material and the size of your stitches will determine how many stitches will be in each of the next circles.  Keep your stitches loose and comfortable b/c if it gets too tight, the next go around will be killer on your fingers.
   
   If the rug is getting wavy on you take out a few stitches and skip a stitch here and there.  If it is curling up on you, make an extra stitch here and there.  Sorry that there is no real pattern, but this is how Grammer taught me and thats how Im doing this one.  The goal is just to make the rug flat by taking a few stitches out and adding stitches here and there.  And if its not perfect, walking on it a few times will flatten it out for sure.
7. Now what happens when you get to the end of your ball of fabric strips?  Some would say to sew on the next one, but the easiest way is just to tie it on to the next one.  It makes for a more rustic and imperfect rug...which is what I happen to like.  When you are stitching near a knot, get it as close as you can to the rug and then leave it on the back side and continue on stitching.
   
   
8. To finish it off, tie the tail that is left into the main rug and snip off the end.  That's it!

Now, if this isnt clear, please let me know.  As this is my first, I have my fingers crossed that this all is understandable.  However, I can edit it and make it a little easier to understand if need be.  And, I would love to see the rug you create, so please drop me a line and let me know.  Happy rug making!

A few rug making links:

• Rag Rugs on Flickr...there's a flickr group for everything I tell you
• Brief History of Rag Rug Making
• Good Tutorial For Making An Oval Shaped Rug by the DIY Network
• Good Tutorial Using T-Shirt Strips (directions are a little more complicated, but a good one to look at if mine is confusing)

Comments

[joanna]

Yes, yes, yes!!! I'm so excited to see this! OK, now I just have to wait for my stars to align so that I can make one. I have plenty of rags already. Now I just have to find some time..... Thanks so much for posting this.

[kirsty]

Eren, I love your rug! It's beautiful :)

[The Weekend Warrior]

Thats so cool I am going to learn to crochet!

[Jeanie]

Awesome Eren! Thanks for the tut, I am definitely trying this...not sure if I have enough scraps yet but will start saving and looking for some finds at the thrift stores. This is just great. Love it!

[Kelli]

Awesome. Again, making something useful from something well worn and used is the best.

[erin]

Eren, I can't wait to try this! I know just where I need one. Thanks for the tutorial - your rug is great!

[Mrs.Staggs]

Hi Eren...this is a timely post! Just two days ago I was talking to a friend about wanting to try this. Thanks for taking the time to create such a wonderful tutorial.
I like your blog too! The answer to your link question is yes and thank you for the compliment!

[Paula]

Great tutorial! I've made rag rugs before and it's so much fun to make something pretty and useful out of old sheets.
Thank you for visiting my site. Happy Halloween!

[BonBonMom]

Hmmm, maybe THIS is the project we need to make everyone for Christmas! Thanks for the info, you rock! ;)

By the way, because of my "boutique" world connections I happen to know of a website where you could SELL this tut and make some money. :) Just think, Christmas money...just for telling other people how to make things. Call me and I'll share!

M

[BonBonMom]

Me again, first time I posted I just skimmed. Now I've had a chance to really read through. Hmmmm, not sure I'm proficient in the crochet arena. I can do one big fat long running stitch. Might need to check out that Happy Hooker site. Don't tell Brad though, he might get the wrong idea. hee hee

[monica]

genius! Brilliant.

And much easier than the book I got out from the library.

Thank you!!!

[Deanna (Domestic Chicky)]

You were reading my mind! I was just thinking about doing something like this with all of my fabric scraps!

[Valerie]

I found this via Like Merchant Ships and have to tell you that you have a beautiful blog!
Thanks for the tutorial, too. I'm hoping to start a rug tonight!

[Joanne (The Simple Wife)]

Love your rug and the colors you chose! I've made toothbrush rugs (with a needle made from a toothbrush) after learning how from Aunt Philly (she sells patterns at Hancock Fabrics--at least in Colorado)...but I love the crocheted look and think I'll have to give it a try--after Christmas!

[mariannealice]

Ever since I saw your wonderful rag rug I have been meaning to start one...now I have absolutely no excuse after you have so kindly posted this tutorial! Thank you....I'll start tearing up fabric tomorrow!

[beki]

Interesting. Yet another thing to add to my every growing list!

[Alicia]

Hi Eren! Alicia from HHWC. I would love to be added to your list! I have been edited things on my blog today so if its ok I will add you to mine as well! Wow you are talented! I don't have patience to figure out how to sew or put together an awesome rag rug! Its looks great. Wierd since I can sit down and make a website for hours but anyway.. Have a good day!

[Amy]

NICE!!! Thanks for the tutorial. I have the scraps. My mother in law knows crochet. We'll have to collaborate!

[Angie]

This is gorgeous, I hope I have time to try this in the new year!

[Leanne]

Oooh! Another project to add to my list! Missed you, but I'm back now, online and ready to be back in the blogland again! Things have finally slowed down a little. By the way, I have a great book on making rugs, I should send it to you? Hmmmm....

[Liesl]

That is really cool.
Those colors are great too.

[Valerie]

Hey- I'm working on a rag rug now, thanks to your tutorial. I blogged about it today here:
http://firstpeteronefour.blogspot.com/2006/11/rag-rugs.html
:)
Valerie

[donna]

A lovely tutorial Erin. I have sent off your vintage bird package. You should be receiving it soon. Enjoy :-)

[estea]

very cool - I may just have to try one. would strips of denim work or too heavy?

[Pam]

Love the idea but one question. You said to leave the strips attached at the top. Why? Don't they need to be separated when you are crocheting?