Introduction
Braided rugs have been around for a long time and there are countless different ways to make them. We have found an easy way that takes a fraction of the time using simple braids and a sewing machine.
Step 1
Part 1
If you’re making your own t-shirt yarn, cut off the top of the t-shirt directly underneath the arms and cut off the hem. Discard those pieces.
Part 2
Fold the shirt in half, meeting up the side seams. Flip it so that the side seams are along the top, leave a one-inch space between both side seams. Use a rotary cutter or scissors and ruler to make cuts from the bottom fold all the way to the top, DO NOT cut through that top one-inch of space. Cut equal 1” to 2” strips.
Part 3
Open up the shirt and place the one-inch uncut space in the center. Starting from the bottom of the shirt, make diagonal cuts from one strip to the next. This will give you one long yarn string.
Make T-Shirt Yarn
Step 2
Pull Strips to Curl
To have the t-shirt yarn slightly curve at the edges, simply pull the strand.
Roll Strips
Wrap the t-shirt into a yarn ball.
Make More Yarn Balls
Repeat for all of your t-shirts until you have enough yarn. Approximately five to six skeins will give you a 2’ x 3’ rug and 10 to 12 skeins, a 4’ x 6’, etc.
Prepare T-Shirt Yarn
Step 3
Braid T-Shirts Strips
Tie the ends of three skeins of yarn in knot. Pin the knot onto a work surface and start braiding the yarn keeping it tight and even. At this point, there are two ways to continue. You can braid ALL of the yarn at once, or you can braid as you sew and twirl. We choose the later method. To do it this way, you will need to braid about five feet of yarn to start.
Step 4
Wrap Braids Clockwise
If you want an oval rug, then start with a long center and wrap the braid around in a clockwise direction. If you want a circle, then start with a simple circle direction, also in the clockwise direction. Wrap the braid until you have gone around two or three times. Pin the braid together.
Step 5
Set Sewing Machine
Set your sewing machine to a zigzag stitch with the largest stitch length.
Step 6
Sew Braids Together
Sew the braids together at the sides of the braid, using the zigzag stitch to connect them. Move your way around the circle or oval.
Step 7
Pivot Around Curves
When you get to the end of the braid, where the braid starts curving around, simply pivot your machine to move with the curve around the braid. T-shirt fabric is a knit material that stretches. Try to keep that in mind that when you are sewing, keep the braid loose not tight. Otherwise you could end up with curves or waves in your rug.
Step 8
Switching to a New Braid
When you reach the end of the braided yarn, push the sewing machine needle to the down position so that it is stuck inside your rug and leave your sewing machine foot down. Push your chair back and braid another few feet of yarn. Then simply continue sewing. If you reach the end of a yarn skein, tie a loose knot with a new skein and keep braiding and then sewing.
Step 9
Finishing the Rug
When your rug reaches finished size, simply cut the yarn, and slip it underneath the rug. Stitch the braided end in place with the zigzag stitch.
Step 10
Iron Flat
Press your rug to make it nice and flat.
Step 11
A Soft, Braided Masterpiece
Enjoy your new rug.
