Different Ways to Make Rag Rugs

Toothbrush Rugs

• Cut the bristles off of an old toothbrush. Drill a hole through the end and file it to a sharp point to help pull your strips of material. This will be your "needle."

  To create a rectangular rug, cut strips of scrap material into 1-inch-by-3-foot pieces. (You can go as long as 6 feet.) Tie your material in a large slipknot in the middle, then pin one end of it to a larger piece of fabric to anchor it. Using your toothbrush, slide the left piece of material through the hole. Holding the left piece of fabric out about 1 inch from the right side, take the material with your tool over the right piece and slip it under and up, through the loop, and pull to create a loose knot. Continue this process until you've reached the end of the fabric.

  To make your rug, repeat this process, but when making your knot take the left strand of material around the finished strand to bond it into the new strand. Repeat this process until you have the desired width. Using thread that will blend into your rug, sew the separate strands together with a loose slip stitch to prevent gaps. For the frayed edges, simply use the same technique on the end knots to make your trim.

Braided Rugs

• After selecting your fabric, cut it into 1-inch-wide-by-3-foot-long strips, then use a simple zigzag seam to prevent fraying. Sew the top end of three strips together and braid. Braid several pieces to use as you go along. Wind your first braid into a circle, creating a tight center. Next, take your next piece of braided fabric and wind it around the inner circle, sewing it to the outer braid to hold it in place. When you have reached your desired size, simply tuck the end knot into one of the loops and sew in place.

Knotted Shag Rugs

• Perfect for scrap material, knotted shag rugs can be made in a snap. Nail 18 strands of heavy twine (about 6 feet long) to a board about 1/4 inch apart. Tie each piece of fabric, which should be about 1 inch wide, around the cord and knot. After you have finished your knots, make sure that all of the frayed sides are facing the same direction. Sew together with a simple slip stitch to bond it together.