
Making a rug from old t-shirts is a great way to upcycle your old clothes. You can choose to braid or weave the t-shirts together, and you can use a hula hoop or cardboard as a loom. You will need 5-15 t-shirts, scissors, a needle and thread, and a sewing machine (optional). First, cut the t-shirts into strips. You can cut the strips into 1.5-2 inch wide pieces, and then cut those pieces into 4-5 inch long sections. Next, tie a knot in the center of each section. Then, place a strip of hot glue along one side of the doormat and stick the knots into the glue. Continue gluing the knots with 1/4 inch between them. You can also sew the knots together instead of using glue. Finally, keep gluing the t-shirt sections in one straight line along an edge of the mat and continue to add glue and knotted sections until the full doormat is covered.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of rug | Braided, woven, crocheted, or no-sew |
Tools required | Scissors, sewing machine, rotary cutter, hula hoop, or cardboard |
Materials required | Old T-shirts, non-slip rug underlay, glue gun, yarn, pom-poms, or tassels |
Number of T-shirts required | 5-15, depending on the size of the rug |
What You'll Learn
Choosing a colour scheme
When selecting colours, consider the space where the rug will be placed. If it's for a bedroom, softer colours like blues, greens, and neutrals can create a calming atmosphere. For a living room, warmer colours like reds, oranges, and yellows can add energy and vibrancy. You can also match the rug to your existing décor by picking colours that complement the room's colour scheme.
If you're using old t-shirts, you may be limited by the colours available. In this case, you can either choose a colour scheme that includes those colours or dye the t-shirts to create the desired palette. Keep in mind that the colours you choose will set the tone for the space, so select colours that reflect the mood you want to evoke.
Once you've decided on a colour scheme, sort your t-shirts accordingly. You can cut them into strips and organise the strips by colour to visualise how they will look together. If you're using new t-shirts, you have more flexibility in choosing colours, but keep in mind that the rug should ultimately reflect your personal style and taste.
Navigating T-Shirt Copyright: Strategies for Creative Freedom
You may want to see also
Cutting the t-shirts
The first step to making a rug from T-shirts is to cut the T-shirts into strips. The number of T-shirts you will need depends on the size of the rug you want to make. For a small bedside rug, you will need around 5 to 5.5 T-shirts, whereas for a larger rug, you will need 13 to 15 T-shirts.
To cut the T-shirts, first, lay the T-shirt flat in front of you with one sleeve pointing towards you and the other pointing away. Next, measure out every 1.5 to 2 inches from the bottom seam of the shirt and mark with chalk or something that won't leave a permanent mark. Cut on each of these marks, leaving 3 to 4 inches of the shirt uncut on the far side. Do this up to the sleeves, where you should cut all the way to the other seam.
Once you have cut all these lines, arrange the T-shirt so that it looks like a ribcage in front of you. Now, cut diagonally so that you create one long, continuous strip of fabric from your T-shirt. Stretch this out and wind it into a ball. Repeat this process for all your T-shirts.
Get Free T-Shirts: Tricks from the FA
You may want to see also
Braiding the strips
To start braiding, gather three strips of fabric and stack them. Tie a knot tightly at the top. You can choose contrasting colours for a vibrant look or similar shades for a more subtle effect.
Use the basic three-strand braiding technique to start braiding. Once you've braided about four inches of the strips, coil the braid into a circle, with the knot in the centre. Take the strand closest to the centre and pass it under and through one of the loops in the braid. This is how you will attach the braid to the coil.
Continue braiding for a few more inches, making sure it is attached to the centre coil. Every few inches, pass the strand closest to the centre under and through the existing braid to attach it. You'll do this continuously to create the entire rug! Braid and attach, braid and attach.
When you reach the end of a strip, you'll want to attach another. Instead of making a knot, you can quickly attach the next strip by following these steps:
- Fold over the very end of the attached strand and cut a small slit into the centre. Do the same with the new strand.
- Line up the two slits and take the other end of the new strand. Pull it through the back of the slits towards the front.
- Pull both strands tightly, and they will be linked together.
A T-Shirt That Says It All: Do I Love You? Indeed, I Do!
You may want to see also
Joining the braids
Step 1: Coil the Braid
Start by coiling the braid into a circle, with the initial knot at the centre. This step will create the foundation for your rug, so ensure the coil is flat and even, without any gaps between each ring.
Step 2: Attach the Braid to the Coil
Take the strand closest to the centre of the coil and pass it under and through one of the loops in the braid. This technique will secure the braid to the coil, forming the start of your rug's structure.
Step 3: Continue Braiding and Attaching
Now, continue braiding for a few more inches, ensuring that the braid remains attached to the centre coil. Every few inches, pass the strand closest to the centre under and through the existing braid to secure it. Repeat this process—braid and attach, braid and attach—to create the entire rug.
Step 4: Attaching New Strips
When you reach the end of a strip, you'll need to attach a new one. Instead of creating knots, you can use the following method for a seamless join:
- Fold over the very end of the attached strand and cut a small slit into the centre. Do the same with the new strand.
- Line up the two slits and insert the other end of the new strand through the back of the slits, pulling it towards the front.
- Pull both strands tightly, and they will be securely linked together.
Step 5: Flattening the Rug
As you continue joining and braiding, your rug may start to bunch up. To flatten it, spritz it with a spray water bottle and use your hands to gently reshape it. You can also place heavy objects on the rug to hold it down while you work. To minimise bunching, remember to keep your joins loose.
By following these steps for joining the braids, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and unique braided T-shirt rug!
Transform Your T-Shirt: Oversized Makeover Tricks
You may want to see also
Sewing the rug together
When sewing the rug, you can either braid and sew as you go or finish all the braiding before sewing. If you are braiding as you sew, you can use a basic three-strand braiding technique. If you are sewing after braiding, you can either sew the strips of fabric together or use a no-sew option by making a little hole in one strip and looping the new colour through.
When sewing the rug, it is important to pay attention to the direction of how you lay out your braid to avoid mistakes. For a circular rug, coil the braid gently to prevent puckering and ensure that there are no gaps from one ring to the next. For an oval rug, lay out a long straight piece of braid and fold it around itself. The initial length will determine the final shape of the rug.
When sewing the braid together, use the widest zig-zag stitch setting on your sewing machine and a medium stitch length. Push the edges of the braid together as you sew, and when you get to the end of the rug, loop the braid around, tucking the start of the braid underneath, and sew around. Continue sewing around and around.
To finish the rug, tuck the end of the braid under the rug and sew over a couple of times. If your rug curls up or bubbles a little, give it a good stretch and use a non-slip underlay.
Making Yarn: Upcycling T-Shirts for Crafting
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
This depends on the size of the rug you want to make. For a small bedside rug, you will need 5-5.5 t-shirts. For a rug that is approximately 30" in size, you will need 15 t-shirts.
First, cut the t-shirts into strips. You can do this by cutting the t-shirts across into 1.5"-2" strips. Then, cut these strips into 4-5" long sections.
Gather three strips of fabric and tie a knot at the top. Then, start braiding the strips using the basic 3-strand braiding technique.
You can use a sewing machine or hand-sew your braid together. If using a sewing machine, use the widest zig-zag stitch setting on your machine. Push the edges of the braid together as you sew.