Home » So Crafty

How to Make a Rag Rug

devilsworkshopcrafts by devilsworkshopcrafts

Make a Beautiful Rug from Rags or other Fabric!

Rag rugs are a craft that has been handed down for many generations. They are durable, beautiful, unique and eco-friendly. They can be made with actual rags, or with strips of fabric torn from clothes or sheets you no longer use. They are also a great way to use up fabric lingering in your craft stash! Read below for more information on how to make a rag rug.

Instructional Rag Rug Videos on YouTube

Learn how to make a rag rug through these helpful videos.
Loading

Why make a rag rug?

With so many options for floor coverings, you might be wondering why a rag rug is worth all the effort. Here are some reasons why you should consider a rag rug.
  • They can be easily washed and dried. This is especially important if you have someone in your home with allergies, as well as small children and pets.
  • Each one is unique. No two rag rugs are exactly one of a kind!
  • Rag rugs have a long history. By creating and displaying a rag rug, you are taking part in a time-honored craft.
  • Rag rugs are thrifty. They use fabric that would otherwise go to waste and possibly take up space in landfills.
  • Rag rugs can cost less to make than purchasing a new rug.
  • Rag rugs are extremely durable!
  • Rag rugs are fun to make.
  • Rag rugs help the environment by reducing the amount of consumer goods that are made and reusing fabric that already exists.
  • Rag rugs are beautiful!

Gorgeous Rag Rugs on Flickr

Rag rug finished by craftapalooza
Rag rug progress. Looks a little rough. by craftapalooza
Dove and Grace in the studio by {studiobeerhorst}-bbmarie
Apparently I made the #ragrug for Ted. by craftapalooza
#ragrug finished. More on the blog later by craftapalooza
Last pic of the night. Off to bed. #ragrug by craftapalooza
#ragrug progress. Hookin away. Killing my forearm. by craftapalooza
Recycling three old t-shirts of mine by storebukkebruse
Recycling three old t-shirts of mine by storebukkebruse
ragrug whale by fo.ol
automatically generated by Flickr

The Books that Got Me Hooked on Rag Rugs

Loading

Rag Rug Tutorials on the Web

Learn How to Make a Rag Rug!

I've rounded up the very best rag rug making tutorials for your viewing pleasure. Take a look and see which type of rag rug sounds best to you!
Little House in the Suburbs
Secrets of a No Sew Rag Rug
Crafting a Green World
Crocheted Rag Rug Instructions
Crafty Stylish
How to Crochet a Rag Rug out of TShirts
Cut out and Keep
Rag Rug to Use Your Scraps
Moda Bake Shop
Braided Rag Rug Tutorial
Instructables
Simple Tied Rag Rug
Dakota City Quilter
Primitive Rag Rug Instructions
Craft Passion
Braided Rag Rug Instructions
How to Crochet or Knit a Rag Rug

Here is a Rag Rug Being Made in 1939!

This is an example of a woven rag rug.

This picture shows a rag rug being made in Mexico as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1939. Although a large loom is being used in this photo, there are lots of ways to make rag rugs without bulky or expensive equipment!

Where to put a rag rug?

(Photo credit: Flickr user Aine D.)

Crocheted rug by Flickr user Aine D.Rag rugs are great for livening up a drab room. They have lots of other uses, too. Rag rugs make excellent pet beds. They are nice to have by your front or back door to wipe your shoes on. I love having one next to my bed so I have something soft for my feet when I get in and out of bed. You can even use them as a bath mat by the shower! The possibilities are endless.

Want a new rag rug?

Try Amazon!

If you want a new rag rug right away or don't have the time to make one, this is the place to go.
Loading

What's Your Favorite Type of Rag Rug?

Woven Rag Rug (photo by Flickr user Carolyn.Will)

There are three main types of rag rugs, braided, crocheted and woven. Each type has its proponents.


(Photo of a woven rag rug by Flickr user carolyn.will).

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Another Beautiful Rag Rug! 

Lovely Rag Rugs on Ebay

More beautiful rugs if you want to add one to your home right away without making it yourself.
Loading

More Resources on Making Rag Rugs

Even more helpful books focused on making your own rag rugs. Work at your own pace with a handy reference.
Loading

Do you make rag rugs? Have any tips to share?

  • BusinessSarah May 3, 2012 @ 4:27 pm | delete
    I love projects that repurpose scraps and items we'd otherwise throw away -- better for the earth, and better for the pocketbook! Love this lens -- squidblessed and shared :)
  • lclchors May 3, 2012 @ 4:03 pm | delete
    no but I love them and want to
  • DownToEarthLiving May 3, 2012 @ 2:34 pm | delete
    I am collecting "rags" to make one for my primitive style living room. Enjoyed your lens and am even more encouraged to get started. I've added you to my favorite lens links and will be back to visit! Thanks.
  • phoenix3423 Nov 30, 2011 @ 1:14 pm | delete
    I have been thinking about making one and now just have to figure out which one to make!
  • purpleslug Oct 18, 2011 @ 10:30 am | delete
    I have always wanted to make a rag rug. Thanks for the help!
  • Load More
Show All

Like this lens?

Show some love by rating, starring, and/or lensrolling it!

This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.

Add this to your lens »

This So Crafty page written by

devilsworkshopcrafts

Dedicated to exploring the forgotten arts and lost causes, including gardening, baking, cooking, crafting, sustainability, and more.

Create something new! Show off your work! Time to get So Crafty!

Connect with So Crafty

This author recommends...