How to Make Oval Braided Rugs

Cut the fabric into strips that are 4 inches wide. The length of the strips is not important. You can have strips of many varying lengths as long as they are all equal width.

Choose three strips in different colors and braid them together in a standard braid. See the Resources section of this article for basic braiding instructions. When one of your fabric strips ends, place the end of a new strip on top of it and continue braiding. Braid as much fabric as you desire. You will have a long rope of braided fabric that, when wound together, will be the size of the rug you want.

Wind the braided fabric into an oval shape. Measure this oval onto the carpet pad. Cut the shape out of the carpet pad. Apply adhesive to the center of the carpet pad and spread it out slightly with a small paintbrush. Use a strong all-purpose adhesive such as Gorilla Glue.

Place one end of the braided fabric directly onto the adhesive in the center of the pad. Press it firmly in place and hold it there, allowing the adhesive to dry.

Coil the fabric around the center in an oblong shape, applying adhesive as you go. Press the fabric into the adhesive and continue winding it until the entire braid is glued to the pad. If there is any remaining fabric, tuck it under the pad and glue it there. If there is more pad then braided fabric, trim away the excess. Allow the adhesive to dry completely before using your new rug.