| Sisal-Rug Border |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-403 |
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Q: Can you show me how to add my own fabric as a border to a sisal rug? A: Sisal rug has a casual look that can be spiced up with a fabric border. In our demonstration, a familiar designer plaid was used to dress up an ordinary sisal rug. Materials: Sisal rug
Heavy fabric
Hem tape or fabric glue (optional)
Sewing spray-adhesive
Yarn
Tapestry needle
Safety Alert: Use spray adhesive in a well-ventilated area to avoid breathing the fumes. Follow any safety precautions on the label.
Steps:
- Select a heavy, durable fabric -- such as one in upholstery weight, tapestry or ultra-suede -- as a suitable match for the thick sisal. In our demonstration, we used a heavy wool and acrylic blend (figure A). The plaid pattern blended well with the look of the sisal, and the lines in the pattern helped serve as a guide for measuring and cutting.
- Cut four strips from the fabric, measured to fit around the perimeter of the rug. In our demonstration, a four-inch border required strips nine-inches wide -- since the fabric would be folded, and needed to include seam allowances. The length of the strips should also overhang the edge of the rug by 1/14 inch to allow for folding the corners under.
- With four strips cut, finish the edges by sewing them under (figure B). Simply sew a hem using a sewing machine or, as an alternative, use hem tape or fabric glue to create clean edges.
- To attach the fabric to the rug, use spray adhesive. Lightly spray the fabric (figure C).
- Place the rug on the center of the strip (figure D).
- Fold the fabric over the edge of the rug, and press down firmly (figure E).
- Repeat the process for the next piece (figure F), carefully attaching and smoothing out the fabric.
- Miter the corner by folding the end of the second strip under (figure G).
- Flip the corner of the rug over, and miter the facing corner by folding in the opposite way -- reversing the order of the folded fabric corners (figure H).
- Once all four of the strips are attached, you may want to dress up the fabric with some heavy yarn stitching. Use a color that matches one of those in your pattern, and a heavy-duty tapestry needle (figure I).
- For our rug, a running cross-stitch was used (figure J).
- Tip for sewing sisal: To make the sewing process easier, use a square cut from a rubber rug-stabilizer or shelf-liner (figure K) to make the needle easier to grab and pull t through the heavy rug and fabric.
The result gives the simple sisal a more custom-made look (figure L) that, if selected carefully, can blend with your room's decorative theme.
Q : What are some wall color options for a room that has a very orange-stained molding. I want to stay with warm, earth tones. A: Warm earth tones do work better with orange. Avoid using cool blues, mauves or grey. Consider terra cotta, dark green or eggplant.
Q : Would a large or small plaid be more appropriate for a more modern look? A: A large plaid with clean colors -- and perhaps even a metallic -- works well in a modern setting.
Q: Can I mix ceramic tiles with Mexican tiles on a bathroom countertop? A: Yes, but be aware that Mexican tiles are frequently thicker than ordinary, ceramic tiles. You may need to build up the base for the ceramic tiles to match the surfaces and grout-lines evenly. The combination of patterned with plain ceramic tiles, however, can make for a nice look.
RESOURCES :
Painting Floorcloths: 20 Canvas Rugs to Stamp, Stencil, Sponge and Spatter in a Weekend
Model: 1579901344
Author: Kathy Cooper
(1999)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Lark Books / Altamont Press
Website: www.larkbooks.com
Classic Borders
Model: 185391696X
Author: Julie Collins
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