Sometimes it's difficult to find just the color and pattern you'd like in a rug. Design your own rug, using a favorite modern-art print or fabric as inspiration, and piece it together with carpet remnants. Materials:
Piece of carpet about 3' x 5'
Carpet remnants
Graph paper and pencil
Scissors
Marking pen
Utility knife
Screwdriver
Carpet seam tape
- Start with a base piece of carpet about 3' by 5'. Choose a simple geometric pattern for your rug. If using a decorator fabric for inspiration, pick a part of the pattern that's simple to replicate (figure A).
- Enlarge the pattern to fit the size of your carpet. Draw the pattern freehand, or use graph paper to enlarge the design. Cut a paper template of each pattern piece.
- To begin the rug, first remove the pieces of base carpet that will be replaced with colorful pattern pieces. Arrange the paper templates on the back of the base carpet, and trace around them with a marking pen. Cut along the lines with a utility knife, pressing hard (figure B), and remove the carpet pieces.
- Trace the template patterns on the back of colored remnants, and cut them out with utility knife (figure C).
- With the base carpet face down, fit the colored pattern pieces into it as though you're assembling a puzzle (figure D). Run the flat end of a screwdriver along the edges of the inserted pieces to tuck the loose yarn to the front of the carpet (figure E).
- Join the pieces of carpet by taping the seams with carpet tape (figure F).
- For a finished look, have the edges of your rug bound at a carpet store.
Safety note: - To prevent accidents, place a nonslip carpet or rug pad under your rug.
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