Before we get into the roundup I just wanted to tell you about a book my kids and I have been working our way through around here–and using lots of otherwise-would-be-trash items along the way: Craft-a-Day: 365 Simple Handmade Projects.
Check it out if you have lots of little crafters at home as I do. We are having so much fun with this!
Here’s how to create a Braided T-Shirt Rag Rug
Step 2: Start braiding…and keep braiding! Since this is a rag rug I simply tied on a new strip when one got to the end, making sure to vary where the knots were so there wasn’t a huge bump in the completed rug.
And done!
Hastings says
Such a creative and resourceful project! I love how this DIY rug not only repurposes old t-shirts but also adds a personalized touch to any space. For an extra tip, consider using a non-slip rug pad underneath the finished braided rug for added stability, especially on hardwood or tiled floors. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to revamp your home decor while reducing waste! Thanks
Amy says
Hello Nancy, what a delightful project, and such a meaningful way to upcycle and embrace the essence of creativity during Lent! Your decision to refrain from buying new craft supplies and to work with what’s available at home truly underscores the spirit of resourcefulness and making the most out of what we have. I absolutely adore the nostalgic touch you’ve added by sharing memories of your grandmother’s beautiful braided rugs. While your rug might be contemporary in its material, the sentiment and tradition it carries make it just as special. Kudos to you for taking on a time-consuming project with such passion and dedication! The calluses on your fingers are a testament to your hard work, and I’m sure every time you look at your rug, you’ll be reminded of not only your grandmother but also the unique journey you took in crafting it. Well done!
Amy recently posted…Winning Custody Back from Grandparents
Jay says
Such a fun little project! Will definitely give it a shot as soon as my summer vacation comes around.
Beautynest says
I came across your Friday Project on how to make a braided T-shirt rag rug and found it to be a fun and creative DIY project. As an AI language model, I don’t have experience with crafting, but I can see how this project can be a great way to repurpose old T-shirts and create something unique and useful.
Your step-by-step guide to making the rug is easy to follow and accompanied by clear and helpful pictures. I appreciate how you include tips for cutting and braiding the T-shirt strips, as well as suggestions for customizing the size and shape of the rug.
What I love most about your Friday Project is how it promotes sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Repurposing old clothing into a new household item is a great way to reduce waste and support the circular economy. It’s also a fun and creative activity that can bring a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
Overall, your Friday Project is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to make a braided T-shirt rag rug. It’s clear that the project is accessible to crafters of all levels and can be a great way to get creative with materials you already have at home. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to trying out more of your Friday Projects in the future!
Empireable says
Dear BANDZUCH,
I recently came across your Friday project post about how to make a braided t-shirt rag rug, and I must say, I was impressed with the creativity and ingenuity of the project. As someone who is interested in sustainable and eco-friendly practices, I appreciated the way you demonstrated how to repurpose old t-shirts into a functional and beautiful rug.
I found your instructions to be very clear and easy to follow, and the photos accompanying the post were very helpful in illustrating each step of the process. I also appreciated the way you included tips and tricks for making the rug look neat and professional.
Furthermore, I think your Friday project series is a great way to encourage creativity and sustainability among your readers. It’s wonderful to see how you’re promoting a more mindful and intentional approach to daily living.
Overall, I think your braided t-shirt rag rug project is a great example of how we can repurpose old items and reduce waste in our homes. Thank you for sharing such an innovative and practical idea with your readers, and I look forward to seeing more of your inspiring Friday projects in the future.
Best regards,
Amir Hamza
Empireable recently posted…Materials and Manufacturing Processes Impact Factor
rony says
A t shirt is a type of shirt that covers the upper part of the body. It looks a lot like an English T-shirt, which is why it is called a T-shirt. This dress usually does not use any buttons or collars.
jackson says
I always used to throw away my old t-shirts. But I was surprised to see your ideas. And I also have this desire to create something unique style. You have so much useful information. Thank you – may God reward you
jackson recently posted…Best Deer Gutting knife
Jamie says
This is the most beautiful and creative diy rug I have seen. I have lots of old T-shirts, it seems that I can make this t-shirt rag rug rather than buy a new rug. Thanks for sharing.
Jamie recently posted…5 Best Rug Pads for Tile Floors 2020
John says
Really useful idea. Thanks for sharing
John says
Thanks for sharing this useful guide to recycle old t-shirts.
Jarrod says
Lovely Share!!
Making a beautiful mat really a good use of waste t-shirts which increases it value even then also when it is not being worn by anyone. The masterpiece have been shown above is looking awesome with multi shades.
Amy says
Do cut your loops to make one long strip or leave them intact?
Nancy Bandzuch says
Braiding makes things complicated. It is nearly impossible to braid super long strips. Cut loops in the end of each piece as you go and add on that way.
debbie says
My round rug is not laying flat. Any suggestions why? Thank you.
http://traditionalrugs.blog.com says
Usually I do not read post on blogs, however I
wish to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do
it! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, very nice post.
http://traditionalrugs.blog.com recently posted…http://traditionalrugs.blog.com
Anne Liv Fritzner says
sorry just googled a bit, and now I get it. starting from the mittel. no need to reply
Nancy Bandzuch says
Sorry I was late in replying. Happy creating!
Anne Liv Fritzner says
Hi, looks cool! Not sure I get the stitching though – step 3 and 4. Do you lay the braids out in the circle and then stitch across – from one side to the other passing through the mittle, or do you stitch along side each braid and stitch it to the next, and how do you ensure the shape. If you would be so sweet and do an extra explanation for the not so clever 🙂 just so I don’t get started wrong. THANKS
emmanuel wanjohi says
hi Nancy,am emmanuel from kenya and i really love your crafts(am envious. . . .hahahaha).ok,i needed some help from you and i hope that you will be able to help.I need some crafting ideas for business purpose and with a low start up capital.if you can offer some help,could you please notify me on [email protected] or on facebook at ‘manuel warboy’
Carissa Bonham says
Hi, Nancy!
I just wanted to pop in to let you know that I featured your rug tutorial on Creative Green Living today!
Nancy Bandzuch says
Great! Thanks so much for the feature!
Lauren @ Mom Home Guide says
Hi! When you braid, do you braid two strips of T-shirt fabric together, or 3? Pretty rug!
Nancy Bandzuch says
Great question–you braid three strips at a time. Hope you give it a try!!
Deanna says
I was wondering if anyone knows of a safe way to sharpen the razor wheels? Lost my job due to open heart surgery and I am trying to make some money to stay afloat. If anyone has any suggestions please reply.
Jennifer says
They make rotary blade sharpeners and they work very well.
Christine says
Hi Nancy,
First of all: Thank you for being boldly and proudly Catholic. Though I’m not (Catholic), I have become an avid Relevant Radio listener, so have learned a lot about the faith. I now understand the “Jesus we trust in You” response, and felt at home finding that prayer in your first com box. It’s part of the daily Chaplet of Divine Mercy prayer that I pray along with the radio.
But, what led me to you was a search for T-shirt yarn. Can you tell me what it is and how you go about making it? I found a crocheted rag rug at a Church Rummage Sale this summer that I bought not only for its colors, but for the beautiful texture of the crochet. I noticed at the church that the strips were all edge serged. At home, I took a closer look. The strips have been folded prior to serging, effectively making them into tubes. Each tube is 1/4″ wide, so the strip is approx 1/2″ wide prior to folding and serging. There was some “give” to the strips: I was able to pull a small section of one strand out from the rest so that I could examine it more closely. The “give” made me think that the tubes were made from T-shirts, as plain poly/cotton wouldn’t have as much stretch (IMO).
What can you tell me about the T-shirt yarn used for the rug you have featured?
Christine – Mpls
Lesniak Oriental Rugs says
This is a cute idea! I love bright braided rugs!
nahid hasan says
Digital T-Shirt Printing
Here are at Once Vamped we are a small printing company that believes in
trying to supply wonderful fashionable t-shirts for a reasonable price.
lnwn says
Do you think mixing fabrics is a definite no-no? I have a huge collection of cast offs but not all are cotton jersey like a tshirt.
OneRadMother says
This is fantastic – thanks for the follow, too! I am so glad I stopped by…I think this will be my next project 🙂
tomal mahmud says
Karri Reiser says
Wanted to let you know that this post was featured this week on the Our Favorite Things Link Party st My Life’s a Treasure. Check it out here – http://mylifesatreasure.blogspot.com/2012/07/our-favorite-things-link-party-8.html
Kat Folloder says
Wow! I need to try this with all the t-shirts I have piled up in my “clothing to repurpose” pile!
Nancy says
Good luck! I’d love to see what you come up with when you finish!
Angela Paris says
hello! new follower from favorite things. this is just beautiful! my grandmother used to have braided rugs all over her home… makes me think of her 🙂 hope you’ll come visit me at jugglingactmama.blogspot.com
Sarah says
I probably need to give up buy craft supplies at some point. The rug is perfect for a playroom.
If you get a chance I would love if you would link up to my Pin Party. http://www.sarahdawndesigns.blogspot.com/2012/07/pintastic-monday-link-party-1.html
Nancy says
I will do that right now!
Elisa says
Found you at the My Favorite Things Link up. What a great use for old t-shirts!
shelley says
This rug is very pretty!
The Prudent Pantry says
This turned out great! I knew there was a reason I was hanging on to all those old t-shirts. Can’t wait to try this.
I would love it if you would share this at the Smart Solutions linky party. You can link up here:
http://theprudentpantryblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/prudent-projects-and-smart-solutions.html
Have a great day!
Nancy says
Will Do!
Six Sisters says
We loved having you link up to our Strut Your Stuff Saturday! Hope to see you again next week!! This rag rug is so cute!!
-The Sisters
Karri Reiser says
Oh my goodness, what a beautiful rug. I have lots of old t-shirts but I don’t know if I have the patience to make one. Thank you for adding this to the Our Favorite Things Link Party.
Jessica at Me Sew Crazy says
this is gorgeous! I have wanted to make one of these rugs for a while now, yours came out beautifully. I hope you will consider adding a photo of this into my new site – SewSet, and on-line sewing pattern and tutorial search engine so others can find it easily!
Thank you for sharing!
– Jess, SewSet.com & MeSewCrazy.com
Nancy says
I’d be happy to!
BEARKIS says
Very,very good idea!!!:)))
The Bean Sprout Notes says
Wow! What a fun play place for your son. It turned out so well!
Kelley @ TheGrantLife.com says
Hi! Visiting from Happy Hour Projects. Oh wow! This is AWESOME! I want to make one! Thanks for such an awesome idea!
If you get a chance I would love for you to share this at my Friday link party.. it just opened! 🙂
http://www.thegrantlife.com/2012/07/financial-friday-review-giveaway.html
tsouth says
That is really cute!!
This is a great article! I found this site Braided Rugs to be good if you are looking for Braided rugs for your home!
Jamie Jo says
Wow, that is beautiful!!! I just bought a rug–it’s square though, kind of like this, because I love the colors!!! What a perfect play rug for Gus!
How did you get your husband to give up the tees? haha!! My husband holds onto his til they literally are falling apart!!
Nice to “meet” you Nancy, your baby is beautiful!!!
Family Soul Story says
Beautiful Nancy! It looks like you are getting this down to a science. It looks every bit as wonderful as any that I have seen your grandmother of great-grandmother make! How long did it take you? Jesus, we trust in you. Bless-bless