Both country and primitive style is very popular for the home. People want to recreate the look of yester year with home made, rugged accessories and furnishings. Solid wood floors are replacing deep pile carpets, and scatter rugs are being used more often. To really capture the feeling of rustic beauty, you can craft an easy to make rag rug for your home.
Materials
To craft a rustic rag rug, you first need rags. These can be from old clothing, sheets, or even purchased pieces of material. You can either rip or cut the fabric in long strips approximately two to three inches wide. The fabric should be in the general colors that you want your finished rug to be. They can be any type of fabric, but long-lasting fabrics like twill, heavy cotton, and denim work the best.
You will also need a long needle with a large hole and stout thread to sew the rag braids together.
Constructing the Rug
After you have everything you need to make your braided rag rug, you will start by choosing three strips of fabric. Start the braid by clamping the ends of the three strips to a board or even holding them between your toes. You do not want to knot the fabric, as that will make a lump in your rug. Sewing the pieces together works well.
You will want to make a normal braid out of the three strips of fabric. If you do not know the method of braiding, you can find help in a craft book or a hairstyle magazine.
Once you get to the end of one of the rag pieces, you will want to add another one in by simply laying it next to the short end of the old piece and continuing to braid. Sewing the two ends together with a few hand stitches is a good idea as well. Continue braiding the lengths of rag until you have enough to make whatever size rug you desire.
Now you should have a long length of braided rags. The braid will be approximately one to two inches in diameter. To make a circular rug, you will start by bending the end of the braid in on itself. Create a spiral with the braid, making sure to keep it laying flat on the floor or the table.
Working one small section at a time, you will use your needle and thread to stitch one braid to the next. This is done on the wrong side of the rag rug – the part that will rest on the floor. You should stitch every one or two inches for maximum strength and durability.
Once you reach the end of the rug, you need to make a nice finish. Fold over the last flat pieces of braided rag and stitch it tightly to the braided row next to it.
This rustic rag rug will be sturdy in construction, machine washable, and will last for many years. Not only will it furnish your home with down-home country style, it will be a cherished hand made treasure that can be passed down through the generations.
