How to Make a Colonial Braided Rug

Choose fabric that matches the room you intend to use the colonial braided rug in. You can make the rug from one solid color, but patterns and varying colors are preferred for a real country look. Cotton or wool fabric is the best choice for this type of rug. Quilting fabric or calico is ideal; it is most historically accurate for a colonial style rug.

Cut the fabric in long strips about two to three inches wide. For thicker wool fabrics, make the strips narrower. Fold the edges of each strip in and then fold the strip in half. This will hide the raw edges at the side and prevent unsightly fraying. This can be sewn together to maintain the folds, or you can fold it as you go along with the braid.

Stitch the ends of three fabric strips together. This will be the beginning of one of your braids for the rug. If desired, anchor this to the nail or hook on a piece of wood that you can move. You can also anchor the end in other ways, or even hold it between your toes. It is easier to braid the fabric together if the end is anchored.

Braid the fabric strips together, being careful to keep the fabric edges folded the right way. To braid, cross the right-hand fabric strip over the middle strip. Then pass the left-hand strip over the new middle strip. Do not pull the braid too tight and keep it even all the way down. Continue this until you reach the end of your fabric strips.

Add new fabric strips by stitching diagonally across the ends of the strips you just used. Do not make a straight stitch since this will create a thick bump in your rug. Diagonal stitching spreads the thickness out and prevents the bump. Keep braiding until you have enough braid to complete the size rug you want. Stitch the ends neatly together and cut off any excess fabric.

Thread the sturdy needle with the thread you will use to sew your colonial rag rug together. A rug needle, which is bent up at the point end, is ideal. Begin by fixing the thread to the beginning of the fabric braid. This will be the center of your rug.

Turn the fabric braid back on itself and push the needle through the side of two of the fabric loops, attaching the braids to each other. This should be done near the bottom side of the edge of the braid so the stitching will not be visible. Turn the braid again and repeat the process, keeping the braid flat as you stitch them together. Continue turning and stitching until the entire colonial rag rug is complete.

Turn in the stitched end of the fabric braid so it is flat against the edge of the rug. Stitch this securely to the braid layer beneath it. Weave in the end of the thread and snip off any excess. Your colonial rag rug is ready to decorate your home.