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Home / Adult Projects / Friday Project: Braided T-Shirt Rag Rug

Friday Project: Braided T-Shirt Rag Rug

by Nancy Bandzuch · 59 Comments

braided t-shirt rag rug
One of my favorite things to do while crating is to upcycle.  Therefore, this craft, Braided T-Shirt Rag Rug, is a personal favorite.  It is super easy–and who doesn’t have extra t-shirt laying around?   And plus, making it fit into my Lenten goals.
Among other things, I decided to give up buying craft supplies this lent.  I also gave up thrift shopping (it has been hard!).  Although I have not been perfect in my resolutions, I have been pleased to see the true creativity inside of me when forced to use stuff just lying around the house for my projects.  That is why I wasn’t unhappy when one of my husband’s former roommates brought over a couple of tubs filled with my husband’s old clothes, most of which were t-shirts.  After my husband decided he didn’t want any of it, I moved the tubs directly down to my craft room and got started on this project.
As a child I remember my grandmother’s house filled with beautiful braided rugs.  I like this style of rug because of how the colors weave in and out of each other.  Since I was making my rug out of t-shirts, mine wasn’t going to be as “vintage” feeling as hers, but that is fine since mine is destined for a child’s playroom.
Making a braided rag rug is very simple, but pretty time consuming.  Also, at the end of it you will likely have some nice looking calluses on your fingers.

Before we get into the roundup I just wanted to tell you about a book my kids and I have been working our way through around here–and using lots of otherwise-would-be-trash items along the way: Craft-a-Day: 365 Simple Handmade Projects.  

Check it out if you have lots of little crafters at home as I do. We are having so much fun with this!

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 And, onto rug making!

Here’s how to create a Braided T-Shirt Rag Rug

Supplies:
LOTS of colorful old t-shirts
Sharp scissors (or a rotary cutter is better)
Needle and Thread (the type you put in a sewing machine)
Step 1: Cut the t-shirts into 2 inch strips (or loops which you cut).  I did not use the top part of the t-shirt because I had plenty of t-shirts.  The strips aren’t very long, but that’s okay because strips too long will make braiding difficult.  Also, don’t go narrower than 2 inches.  You will need the bulk to keep the rug from bubbling when you stitch it (I learned that the hard way!)
braided t-shirt rag rug

Step 2: Start braiding…and keep braiding! Since this is a rag rug I simply tied on a new strip when one got to the end, making sure to vary where the knots were so there wasn’t a huge bump in the completed rug.

braided t-shirt rag rug
Step 3: When you have quite a length of braided t-shirt, start stitching it together.  Working from the back and do a simple whip stitch between the two pieces of braid.  I chose to do an oval shape by folding over the first section of braided t-shirt and stitching it together, and then wrapping around and stitching after that.
braided t-shirt rag rug
Step 4: And…keep stitching and stitching!  Make sure to work on a flat surface to ensure that the rug lays flat.  When you reach the end simply sew down the end of the braid.

And done!

braided t-shirt rag rug
braided t-shirt rag rug
Who knew that my husband’s ratty old t-shirts could look so nice!  This is going to be a wonder addition to our playroom.
Thanks for stopping by.  If you are as crazy about up-cycling as I am, check out these other projects where old became new!
WREATH made from a ripped sheet
THROW PILLOW made from scraps
CROCHETED RUG from T-Shirt Yarn
Previous Post: « St. Patrick’s Day for Mom and baby boy
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Comments

  1. rony says

    March 20, 2021 at 10:12 am

    A t shirt is a type of shirt that covers the upper part of the body. It looks a lot like an English T-shirt, which is why it is called a T-shirt. This dress usually does not use any buttons or collars.

    Reply
  2. jackson says

    February 11, 2021 at 5:43 am

    I always used to throw away my old t-shirts. But I was surprised to see your ideas. And I also have this desire to create something unique style. You have so much useful information. Thank you – may God reward you
    jackson recently posted…Best Deer Gutting knifeMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Jamie says

    June 8, 2020 at 9:20 pm

    This is the most beautiful and creative diy rug I have seen. I have lots of old T-shirts, it seems that I can make this t-shirt rag rug rather than buy a new rug. Thanks for sharing.
    Jamie recently posted…5 Best Rug Pads for Tile Floors 2020My Profile

    Reply
  4. John says

    February 15, 2020 at 1:09 am

    Really useful idea. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  5. John says

    February 11, 2020 at 12:42 am

    Thanks for sharing this useful guide to recycle old t-shirts.

    Reply
  6. Jarrod says

    April 25, 2016 at 6:57 am

    Lovely Share!!

    Making a beautiful mat really a good use of waste t-shirts which increases it value even then also when it is not being worn by anyone. The masterpiece have been shown above is looking awesome with multi shades.

    Reply
  7. Amy says

    December 3, 2014 at 10:20 pm

    Do cut your loops to make one long strip or leave them intact?

    Reply
    • Nancy Bandzuch says

      December 3, 2014 at 11:00 pm

      Braiding makes things complicated. It is nearly impossible to braid super long strips. Cut loops in the end of each piece as you go and add on that way.

      Reply
  8. debbie says

    November 30, 2014 at 9:53 pm

    My round rug is not laying flat. Any suggestions why? Thank you.

    Reply
  9. http://traditionalrugs.blog.com says

    April 30, 2014 at 5:54 pm

    Usually I do not read post on blogs, however I
    wish to say that this write-up very forced me to check out and do
    it! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, very nice post.
    http://traditionalrugs.blog.com recently posted…http://traditionalrugs.blog.comMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Anne Liv Fritzner says

    April 3, 2014 at 2:35 pm

    sorry just googled a bit, and now I get it. starting from the mittel. no need to reply

    Reply
    • Nancy Bandzuch says

      April 4, 2014 at 4:08 pm

      Sorry I was late in replying. Happy creating!

      Reply
  11. Anne Liv Fritzner says

    April 3, 2014 at 1:14 pm

    Hi, looks cool! Not sure I get the stitching though – step 3 and 4. Do you lay the braids out in the circle and then stitch across – from one side to the other passing through the mittle, or do you stitch along side each braid and stitch it to the next, and how do you ensure the shape. If you would be so sweet and do an extra explanation for the not so clever 🙂 just so I don’t get started wrong. THANKS

    Reply
  12. emmanuel wanjohi says

    February 14, 2014 at 4:26 am

    hi Nancy,am emmanuel from kenya and i really love your crafts(am envious. . . .hahahaha).ok,i needed some help from you and i hope that you will be able to help.I need some crafting ideas for business purpose and with a low start up capital.if you can offer some help,could you please notify me on [email protected] or on facebook at ‘manuel warboy’

    Reply
  13. Carissa Bonham says

    February 5, 2014 at 3:11 pm

    Hi, Nancy!
    I just wanted to pop in to let you know that I featured your rug tutorial on Creative Green Living today!

    Reply
    • Nancy Bandzuch says

      February 5, 2014 at 9:38 pm

      Great! Thanks so much for the feature!

      Reply
  14. Lauren @ Mom Home Guide says

    January 8, 2014 at 7:16 am

    Hi! When you braid, do you braid two strips of T-shirt fabric together, or 3? Pretty rug!

    Reply
    • Nancy Bandzuch says

      January 8, 2014 at 4:06 pm

      Great question–you braid three strips at a time. Hope you give it a try!!

      Reply
  15. Deanna says

    November 26, 2013 at 3:53 pm

    I was wondering if anyone knows of a safe way to sharpen the razor wheels? Lost my job due to open heart surgery and I am trying to make some money to stay afloat. If anyone has any suggestions please reply.

    Reply
    • Jennifer says

      June 16, 2021 at 6:07 am

      They make rotary blade sharpeners and they work very well.

      Reply
  16. Christine says

    September 18, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    Hi Nancy,

    First of all: Thank you for being boldly and proudly Catholic. Though I’m not (Catholic), I have become an avid Relevant Radio listener, so have learned a lot about the faith. I now understand the “Jesus we trust in You” response, and felt at home finding that prayer in your first com box. It’s part of the daily Chaplet of Divine Mercy prayer that I pray along with the radio.

    But, what led me to you was a search for T-shirt yarn. Can you tell me what it is and how you go about making it? I found a crocheted rag rug at a Church Rummage Sale this summer that I bought not only for its colors, but for the beautiful texture of the crochet. I noticed at the church that the strips were all edge serged. At home, I took a closer look. The strips have been folded prior to serging, effectively making them into tubes. Each tube is 1/4″ wide, so the strip is approx 1/2″ wide prior to folding and serging. There was some “give” to the strips: I was able to pull a small section of one strand out from the rest so that I could examine it more closely. The “give” made me think that the tubes were made from T-shirts, as plain poly/cotton wouldn’t have as much stretch (IMO).

    What can you tell me about the T-shirt yarn used for the rug you have featured?

    Christine – Mpls

    Reply
  17. Lesniak Oriental Rugs says

    May 23, 2013 at 10:00 pm

    This is a cute idea! I love bright braided rugs!

    Reply
  18. nahid hasan says

    May 11, 2013 at 5:14 pm

    Digital T-Shirt Printing
    Here are at Once Vamped we are a small printing company that believes in
    trying to supply wonderful fashionable t-shirts for a reasonable price.

    Reply
  19. lnwn says

    March 12, 2013 at 4:40 pm

    Do you think mixing fabrics is a definite no-no? I have a huge collection of cast offs but not all are cotton jersey like a tshirt.

    Reply
  20. OneRadMother says

    August 16, 2012 at 8:21 am

    This is fantastic – thanks for the follow, too! I am so glad I stopped by…I think this will be my next project 🙂

    Reply
    • tomal mahmud says

      January 5, 2013 at 1:20 am

      Reply
  21. Karri Reiser says

    July 29, 2012 at 12:33 am

    Wanted to let you know that this post was featured this week on the Our Favorite Things Link Party st My Life’s a Treasure. Check it out here – http://mylifesatreasure.blogspot.com/2012/07/our-favorite-things-link-party-8.html

    Reply
  22. Kat Folloder says

    July 28, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    Wow! I need to try this with all the t-shirts I have piled up in my “clothing to repurpose” pile!

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 30, 2012 at 8:50 am

      Good luck! I’d love to see what you come up with when you finish!

      Reply
  23. Angela Paris says

    July 24, 2012 at 8:24 pm

    hello! new follower from favorite things. this is just beautiful! my grandmother used to have braided rugs all over her home… makes me think of her 🙂 hope you’ll come visit me at jugglingactmama.blogspot.com

    Reply
  24. Sarah says

    July 23, 2012 at 12:43 pm

    I probably need to give up buy craft supplies at some point. The rug is perfect for a playroom.

    If you get a chance I would love if you would link up to my Pin Party. http://www.sarahdawndesigns.blogspot.com/2012/07/pintastic-monday-link-party-1.html

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 23, 2012 at 3:30 pm

      I will do that right now!

      Reply
  25. Elisa says

    July 23, 2012 at 11:46 am

    Found you at the My Favorite Things Link up. What a great use for old t-shirts!

    Reply
  26. shelley says

    July 22, 2012 at 11:42 pm

    This rug is very pretty!

    Reply
  27. The Prudent Pantry says

    July 22, 2012 at 9:03 pm

    This turned out great! I knew there was a reason I was hanging on to all those old t-shirts. Can’t wait to try this.

    I would love it if you would share this at the Smart Solutions linky party. You can link up here:

    http://theprudentpantryblog.blogspot.com/2012/07/prudent-projects-and-smart-solutions.html

    Have a great day!

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 23, 2012 at 3:27 pm

      Will Do!

      Reply
  28. Six Sisters says

    July 22, 2012 at 8:22 pm

    We loved having you link up to our Strut Your Stuff Saturday! Hope to see you again next week!! This rag rug is so cute!!
    -The Sisters

    Reply
  29. Karri Reiser says

    July 22, 2012 at 2:38 pm

    Oh my goodness, what a beautiful rug. I have lots of old t-shirts but I don’t know if I have the patience to make one. Thank you for adding this to the Our Favorite Things Link Party.

    Reply
  30. Jessica at Me Sew Crazy says

    July 22, 2012 at 5:41 am

    this is gorgeous! I have wanted to make one of these rugs for a while now, yours came out beautifully. I hope you will consider adding a photo of this into my new site – SewSet, and on-line sewing pattern and tutorial search engine so others can find it easily!

    Thank you for sharing!
    – Jess, SewSet.com & MeSewCrazy.com

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      July 23, 2012 at 1:31 pm

      I’d be happy to!

      Reply
  31. BEARKIS says

    July 22, 2012 at 1:48 am

    Very,very good idea!!!:)))

    Reply
  32. The Bean Sprout Notes says

    July 20, 2012 at 8:13 pm

    Wow! What a fun play place for your son. It turned out so well!

    Reply
  33. Kelley @ TheGrantLife.com says

    July 19, 2012 at 10:56 pm

    Hi! Visiting from Happy Hour Projects. Oh wow! This is AWESOME! I want to make one! Thanks for such an awesome idea!

    If you get a chance I would love for you to share this at my Friday link party.. it just opened! 🙂
    http://www.thegrantlife.com/2012/07/financial-friday-review-giveaway.html

    Reply
  34. tsouth says

    May 18, 2012 at 5:12 pm

    That is really cute!!

    This is a great article! I found this site Braided Rugs to be good if you are looking for Braided rugs for your home!

    Reply
  35. Jamie Jo says

    March 18, 2012 at 9:42 am

    Wow, that is beautiful!!! I just bought a rug–it’s square though, kind of like this, because I love the colors!!! What a perfect play rug for Gus!

    How did you get your husband to give up the tees? haha!! My husband holds onto his til they literally are falling apart!!

    Nice to “meet” you Nancy, your baby is beautiful!!!

    Reply
  36. Family Soul Story says

    March 16, 2012 at 4:47 pm

    Beautiful Nancy! It looks like you are getting this down to a science. It looks every bit as wonderful as any that I have seen your grandmother of great-grandmother make! How long did it take you? Jesus, we trust in you. Bless-bless

    Reply

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