Instructions for Making Hand Braided Rugs

By G.K. Bayne

  • Overview

    Braided rugs were once a staple in the home. The most often used material was old, worn-out clothing. For families that raised sheep, the wool would be spun into heavy worsted yarn and used to make the rug. Making hand-braided rugs is still a wonderful way to give a second life to old or outgrown clothing and provide an unusual accent to your decor.

    • Step 1

      Remove zippers, buttons and other decorations from the clothing. Cut each item into 1-inch strips.

    • Step 2

      Begin joining the strips with the needle and thread until you have three long strips. For a small rug, you will need three strips approximately 100 feet long.

    • Step 3

      Tie one end of the strips together to form a small knot. This is where your rug begins.

    • Step 4

      Pound a 16-penny nail into the center of the 12-inch board. Use the hammer to bend over the top of the nail. Use the space on either side of the nail to hold the board securely on the floor between your feet.

    • Step 5

      Hook the knot of the strips over the bended nail. Braid the three strips together, making the braid as tight as possible.

    • Step 6

      Tie a knot in the end of the material once the three strips are fully braided.

    • Step 7

      Use a cleared table or the floor and coil the braid, keeping the flat edge facing up. Keep the coil as tight as possible.

    • Step 8

      Use the carpet needle and heavy thread to bind the separate sections of the braid to each other.

    • Step 9

      Sew the knotted ends into the folds of the closest braid.

    • Step 10

      Flip the rug over. If needed, iron the rug to help it lay flat.
    • Skill: Moderately Challenging
    • Ingredients:
    • Old clothing
    • Carpet needle
    • Heavy thread
    • 12-inch board or scrap wood
    • 16-penny nail
    • Hammer
    • Scissors
    • Sewing machine or needle and thread
    • Tip: For a more manageable project, make potholders for practice until you feel comfortable working with larger sizes.
    • Tip: A lawn and leaf type plastic bag will hold enough material to make a small rug.
    • Tip: You can purchase heavy worsted wool at fabric shops and work it the same way.

    © Demand Media 2011