DIY Carpet Remnant Rugs

Preparation

• 1

  Take a measurement to determine the size of rug you need. Use a tape measure and decide the width and length of the rug. If the rug is for a specific area, assess the rug size and thickness needed if there are door swings or furniture the rug is affected by.

• 2

  Use the rug dimensions and cut a template the size of the desired rug for a visual confirmation. Grocery bags, newspaper and craft paper make good templates. Once the template is cut, place it on the floor where the rug will be to receive visual confirmation about the rug size.

• 3

  Search for the best carpet remnant for the rug. Take a tape measure and your rug measurements with you as you shop. Home remodeling outlets and carpet stores are good places to find remnants. Measure the remnant to verify the size is large enough from which to cut your rug.

• 4

  Place the remnant facedown on a hard work surface. Make sure the surface is protected before cutting the remnant. Thick cardboard placed between the remnant and the work surface can prevent the knife from cutting through to a floor or tabletop.

Making the Rug

• 5

  Use a metal straight edge -- a long metal ruler or measuring stick -- and a wide-tipped black marking pen to mark the back of the rug with the new rugs dimensions. Use the straight side of the remnant as one side of your new rug and the starting point for measuring.

• 6

  Cut out the new rug from the carpet remnant using the black lines as guides. Use a carpet knife and a straight edge for a clean cut. Cut only from the back. Cutting from the front can result in an irregular edge.

• 7

  Turn the rug over and trim any lose fibers using scissors, not the carpet knife.

Protecting and Using the Rug

• 8

  Protect the carpet edges from unraveling. Place the rug facedown and apply a 1-inch strip of glue around all four edges of the rug. Run the glue to the very edge of the backing. Allow the glue to dry before carefully painting the carpet edges with the same glue.

• 9

  Leave the glue to dry according to the labels directions. Once dry, check for areas that might be missing glue and reapply as needed. The glue prevents the backing and rug fibers from unraveling when placed in high traffic areas or from use over time.

• 10

  Purchase a non-skid pad for rugs placed on slick surfaces such as wood, tile or marble floors. Cut the pad 1-inch shorter in width and length than the size of the rug. For example, a 24-by-36-inch rug would require a 23-by-35-inch rug pad. Rug padding is purchased from a carpet or home remodeling store as a precut sheet or may be cut from a larger roll.