How to Block a Rug

Wool rugs make a room feel warmer and more inviting, but you might not want to incur the expense of buying one from a department store or home decorating shop. One solution is to make a wool rug yourself using basic raw materials, such as wool batting. Wool batting must be felted together and blocked in order to create a usable wool rug, which is accomplished by utilizing a few basic tools found at any supermarket or craft supply store.

Bathtub
Oil soap
Paint stick
Wool batting
Towels
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a bathtub one-fourth full of hot water, and add in 1 cup of oil soap. Stir the water with a paint stick for one minute to incorporate the soap into the water completely.
- 2
  Layer 48 ounces of wool batting into the bathtub in an even layer. Select any color of batting you prefer.
- 3
  Poke the surface of the wool batting with a paint stick repeatedly for 10 minutes to felt the top of the wool into a sheet.
- 4
  Flip the wool batting over and poke the newly exposed wool with the paint stick for another 10 minutes to felt the wool.
- 5
  Rinse out the felted wool sheet under warm water then squeeze the excess water out with your hands.
- 6
  Lay multiple towels flat on the floor then place the felted wool on top of them. Stretch the wet felted wool into the form you want the rug to be then lay more towels on top of the wool.
- 7
  Press your hands over the towel-covered wool then remove the top layer of towels. Let the blocked rug air-dry for eight hours. This blocks the wool into a set form.
- 8
  Trim the edges of the blocked rug with scissors to make the edges even and smooth before placing the blocked rug on the floor for use.

How to Carpet Split-Level Stairs

How to Make a Hand-Woven Shaggy Rug on a Floor Loom

Rugs