A few people wanted to know how to make one of these rugs.
I started with a piece of upholstery fabric that measured about 20" by 28". Other people have mentioned that denim is often used for the base and I think that is a very good idea.
I put a piece of striped cotton fabric on top to eliminate the need to draw lines. The lines on the striped fabric are a tad more than 1/2" apart. You might be able to avoid using lines by butting the presser foot up to the previous row but needed the lines to keep me going fairly straight and would either use a striped fabric as a guide or take the time to draw lines.
I sewed the two fabrics together by stay stitching around the edge.
I started in the middle, but would not do that again. Next time, I will start with the empty fabric to the right.
Fold a 2" square in half to form a triangle. Put the fold at the top and the tip on the line and stitch a few stitches. Put your next triangle on top. They are about a 1/4" apart but I didn't measure when I made the rug, just sewed a few stitches and added the next triangle.
I found it easiest to use my machine's knee lift for the presser foot and the stop/go button instead of the foot pedal.
My rug used about 4000 two inch squares. I cut them using a regular rotary cutter blade but someone suggested a pinking blade and I think that is a very good idea.
Other people said they have used double knits for this type of rug.
I am not sure how this will hold up after being washed and will post a report here after it has been washed.
UPDATE: Here is a picture of the rug after 1 wash
13 comments:
That is a neat idea! I've got a ton of weird scraps that need to be used up -- and might even have some upholstery fabric somewhere...
Thanks for writing the tutorial.
You rag rug is lovely & i would think it would get fluffy like those "Bloomin Vests" we used to make after it's washed.
I am having so much fun with this! I started my Christmas rag rug tonight and am really enjoying it. I can see how a knee-lift would come in handy, though!
Thanks for your tutorial -- it's lots of fun.
I had ones made with polyester double knit and they wear like iron, catch all the crumbs, and stay fluffy. I have one made with demin like the striped men's overalls, and its nice and soft, I use it in front of a bathroom sink. Never thought about using a striped fabric, what a great idea! And yes, the number of squares they use boggles the mind!
What about using a piece of cotton canvas for the base? Would it be too thick?
Looks like a place to use my GO machine. No affiliation, I just love that I don't have to measure and every one is cut the way it should be. 40000 squares, not a problem. I've got to try this.
I am in 4H and would like to use this tutorial to make a rag rug for the fair. Do I have your permission to make the rug and show it at the fair?
Do you think you could mix materials...such as using denim, double knit and t shirt material on one rug?
Please answer...cam you mix materials?
My grandmother used to make these and I love them. Mine have worn out so looking to make a new one since she has passed.
My mom made these rugs out of double knits. I would like to try making one. Thanks for the tutorial!
Is there a math formula for how many squares = 2X4 rug etc?
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