Rug Making Hints

My “Rag” rugs are made with a  Single Crochet.  Yes, it sounds simple.  The difficult part comes in keeping the rows even and getting the tension right.  It takes a bit of practice.  Believe me, I have unraveled many a rug. You have many options as far as shape--rectangle, square, circle, oval, heart. 

The fabric strips can be joined by cutting small slits in the ends of the strips and joining with a slip knot. 

You can also sew the strips together (using a slight zig zag stitch) and roll into a ball, like a ball of yarn. Otherwise join the colors as you wish….one row of each color is an attractive effect.

 Begin all rugs with a chain stitch.
(How to do the chain stitch to begin the rug  http://2good2lose.com/crochetchainstitch.shtml
 This shows with yarn, but the basics are the same. Keep the chain stitches fairly loose.)
  Chain as long as you desire for the width of the rug.  If you need a certain sized rug and don’t know how to start it, let me know and I will help you. 

  For one inch strips, usually use a "K" hook, although I now believe "L" would work better, just don’t change hook sizes in the middle of a rug.  For 1 1/4" to 1 ½” strips, use an “N” or even "O" hook. For 1 1/2" to 2" strips use "P" or even "Q".  My favorite now is the "P" hook with the wider strips.  Rugs go significantly faster!

  Tear or Cut fabric into strips. (wider up to 1 ½ “ will give obviously give you a thicker rug).  For thinner fabrics like microfiber, I make the strips wider. (2")  Thicker fabrics like flannel, I make them thinner. (1").  I made little cardboard rectangle pieces for each size (1", 1.5", 2") and use them for measuring. I mostly use sheets. Good ones can be found reasonably if you haunt the thrift stores. Savers is a good one, watch for their ½ off colors. Salvation Army is another good one.   Almost any color will do. My most used colors are browns and grays. You can dye them, but dye is somewhat expensive.  Get a queen size sheet for a couple of dollars. Any size sheet will do--flat or fitted.   (If you need pillow cases, they can be made from the finished ends of the flat sheets.)

Or almost any fabric remnants. (Pants or shirts that would otherwise be thrown to the landfill.)  Stay away from Walmart’s $1.00 cloth as it usually is wimpy and falls apart quickly.  For a rectangular rug, use regular single crochet back and forth.  However, if you want a “ridged” rug, which is thicker and especially good for bathrooms, instead of the regular sc, work the hook into the “BACK LOOP ONLY”  

  

  For oval rugs, use the following directions which don’t require counting.  I find that I frequently “lose” count.

For an oval rug approximately 36" x 28” start with chaining approx. 18, then sc in each st, then another row, then begin “going” round by 3 sc in each “corner” beginning your oval.  Increase each corner by 1 stitch every round for a few rows. Then skip every other row (or not).  As you get some “width” you can begin adding a stitch on the short ends in the middle. You can also add stitches every row, but just do an extra stitch in the corners and tops. It kind of depends on the width of your strips and type of fabric. Keep flattening rug as you crochet, adding enough stitches to keep it flat.  Rugs may be blocked and shaped when wet.  They may be machine washed in a “hand wash” cycle. (but ONLY if your machine has that gentle hand wash cycle.  My new machine does not and the rugs I put in it did not fare well, especially because of the aggressive spin.)   Block and air dry.  Do not put in dryer.  You can also wash them by laying on a sidewalk or deck.  Pour hot, slightly soapy water on them.  Walk on them barefoot, then rinse with the outdoor hose.  Hang to dry.

An average rug takes about 3-5 lbs. of fabric, which is approximately 3 or 4 twin sheets,  depending on the weight of the fabric. A king size sheet is double the fabric of a twin.  Be creative with your color schemes.  Match the scheme to your shower curtain.  If you can’t find the color you need, chances are, I have it.  Give me a call.  I will sell by the pound or by the sheet, or already cut fabric strips.

If you want to do an appliqué, use fleece and stitch it by hand to the rug.  Get patterns off the internet or draw your own.   

Links to other ideas~~

Crochet Pattern Central...Lots of Rug Ideas
Pinterest Page on Rug Ideas