Tools for Braided Rag Rugs

Fabric

• Wool is the traditional fabric used in rug braiding. Old wool skirts, trousers, jackets and coats can be re-used for rug making. Denim, cotton and synthetic blends can also be used in rug making. These materials offer more color and texture options but are less durable than wool. These rugs will last longer in-low traffic areas. No matter which fabric you choose, make sure you use the same type of fabric throughout the entire rug.

Cutters

• When making braided rugs, the fabric is cut into 2- to 4-inch wide strips. A sharp pair of sewing shears can do the job. However, a rotary cutter found in the quilting section of your favorite sewing shop can do the job faster. If using shears to cut the strips, you'll need to mark lines on the fabric to ensure straight, even strips. Combining a rotary cutter with a cutting mat and a cutting guide makes cutting fabric strips easier because you can cut through more than one layer of fabric at a time.

Sewing Machine

• The smaller fabric strips are sewn together to make three long strips to braid together. Although it is perfectly acceptable to sew the strips together by hand, a sewing machine does make the job go a lot faster. The strips are sewn together at a 45-degree angle with a simple straight stitch, leaving a ¼-inch seam. Any sewing machine that can sew a straight line with a ¼-inch seam allowance will do just fine for this task.

Bias Tape Makers (Optional)

• The long strips of fabric are folded before braiding in order to hide the edges of the fabric. The fold resembles the fold used for bias tape. The long edges are folded to meet in the middle. The strip is then folded in half lengthwise. Although this can easily be accomplished by hand, beginner braiders may want to invest is a set of three bias tape makers. Bias tape makers are metal or plastic tubes measuring about 2 inches long that have been crimped in the middle. Fabric slides through the tube and the crimped cone-like shape forces the fabric to fold over itself properly.

Needle and Thread

• As the strips are braided together, the resulting braid is coiled into a circle or oval and laced together, using a curved needle or bodkin and heavy thread. A bodkin is a curved needle that is flat and wide but not sharp. It slides easily between the braided fabric for lacing without accidently going through the fabric. A blunt-tipped curved carpet needle can also be used for lacing. Heavy carpet thread, yarn and twine are the most durable choices for lacing the rug together.