Handmade Braided Rugs

Fabric

• Traditional rug fabric is often wool or heavyweight cotton, but any heavy fabric is suitable. The first step in making the rugs is to cut fabric into 4-inch strips. A lot of fabric is required to make the rug, so don't hesitate to ask friends to give you castoff clothing that you can weave into the rug. You need at least 3 lbs. of clean, washed and cut fabric for a 2 x 3-foot braided rug. A 3 x 4-foot oval rug takes 6 lbs. of fabric. Larger rugs take a proportionately larger amount of fabric.

Braids

• Braids for the traditional braided rugs are often the three-handed braids, which alternately work the outside strip of fabric over the other two. If you use lighter fabrics, more than three strands in the braid give the rug a fuller appearance. Using other braid styles changes the appearance of the braided rugs. Flat, right- and left-handed, false, square and round braids are other common styles used in rug making.

Stitching

• To make the rug, begin coiling the long braided piece into a tight center. The shaping of the interior coil determines if the rug is round or oval shaped. For most braided rugs, a running stitch woven between the adjoining coils with a needle and thread connects the braids to each other as they coil together. Some advanced techniques of rug making involve braiding the fabric and coiling it at the same time. By working the outside piece of braid into the adjoining piece in the coil, no stitching is necessary.

Handmade Rug Care

• Braided rug maintenance involves regular cleaning with the upholstery tool from a vacuum cleaner. Blot spots immediately to keep them from leaving permanent stains. Depending on the fabric, the braided rug may be machine washable. Use a gentle wash cycle. Allow the rug to air dry to help retain the shape of the rug. If the rug isn't machine washable, take it to the dry cleaners for cleaning.