How to Make an Oval Rag Rug

Cut 2-inch fabric strips from clean fabric rags with scissors. Select fabrics of a similar weight so that your braids will be uniform in size.

Fold the fabric strips 1/2-inch to the back along the length of each side and iron. Roll the ironed strips into small rolls and place the rolls in a tray. You will end up with rolls that are different lengths, which is fine.

Pick three rolls from the tray. Tie the ends together in a simple knot. Hang the knot over a door knob or any fixed point where you can sit and braid the fabric easily.

Unroll each of the three rolls to their ends. Cut the ends of the three strips so that each end is at least 6 inches longer or shorter than any other strip. This will keep your seams from lumping up as you connect strips together. As you add to each strip's length, maintain variation in your joining seams.

Braid the fabrics, right strand crossing over center, followed by left strand crossing over center. Keep your braid tight. Sew new strips to existing strips, by hand, using a 1/2-inch seam when you are nearing the end of a strip. If you stop for the day, use a rubber band to hold the braid tight where you have stopped so that it doesn't unravel or loosen. Braid 3 to 4 feet before using a rubber band to tie off the braid temporarily.

Remove the braid from the knob. Tighten the knot. Trim off the excess fabric. Measure 12 inches from the end. Bend the fabric in a tight corner. Keep the fabric braid from twisting. Sew the braids together using a crossover stitch. Use a heavy upholstery thread and curved needle. Sew along one side and then send your needle through to the other side to sew along that side back to where you started. Usually you will be able to gauge the length of each section you sew by the halving the length of your thread.

Wrap the braid around the beginning knot and back down the second 12-inch side. Stitch. This will create an oval shape as you continue to wrap the braid around the growing rug. Keep the braids flat and level. When you have 12 inches of braid left, place the rug on a chair near the door knob. Tie the end over the knob. Remove the rubber band. Check the lengths of your fabric pieces. Trim the pieces to vary the seams and return to braiding. Repeat this process until the rug is as large as you want.

Stitch the last of the braid to the rug. Turn the ends under and flat against the side of the rug and stitch the ends firmly to the rug.