How to Make a Circle Shaped Rag Rug

Cut a square of carpet mesh backing fabric the size you want your finished circle shaped rag rug. Fold the piece in quarters. Tie opposite ends of a short string to a push pin and a fabric marker. Put the pin at the fold of the backing fabric that is the middle of the entire piece. Pull the pen out to the end of the string and mark an arch on the fabric. Cut on this line to create a large circle of carpet mesh backing.

Cut a length of bias tape long enough to encircle the piece of carpet mesh backing and stitch it securely around the entire perimeter. This will help stop the rug from coming apart at the edges and also create a neater edge. It will be mostly hidden by the strips of fabric that hang over the edge when the rug is complete.

Cut the fabric scraps into strips no more than an inch wide and four inches long. For best results, use cotton or wool fabric. The size you cut the fabric strips will depend on how deep you want the rug pile, the fabric thickness, and the size of the holes in the carpet mesh backing that you purchased.

Fold each rag strip in half and push the looped end down through the rag rug backing, keeping the cut ends on the top of the burlap. Bring the loop back up on the opposite side of one of the "X" formed by the carpet mesh threads. Loop both cut ends through the fabric loop and pull the knot snug. Continue this process until the entire rag rug is finished.

Lay the rag rug flat on the floor or a table. Use sharp scissors to snip the outer edge of the fabric strips so the circle shape is well defined. They should just cover the bias tape binding. Your circle shaped rag rug is now complete and ready to accent your home decor.