Shag Rag Rugs are soft and cozy, warm and inviting and extremely stylish; making them the perfect addition to a 
nursery or playroom. So, when it came time to pick out a rug for baby Riley’s nursery, I couldn’t think of a rug more perfect than a shag rag rug. That is, until I started pricing them online and realized the hefty price tag that came with it. That’s when my DIY light bulb went off….A DIY Shag Rag Rug was the answer! My husband thought it was a bad idea simply because of how long it would take me to make, but of course, that didn’t stop me! 🙂 I was bound and determined to have a shag rug for Riley’s nursery, and guess what??? My DIY Shag Rag Rug turned out GREAT, it looks so much better than I imagined!
While this was one of the easiest projects I’ve ever done; it was also hands-down the MOST time-consuming project I’ve ever tackled. I worked on my DIY Shag Rag Rug every single day for 2-4 hours a day and it still took me 4 weeks to complete. I was honestly starting to wonder if I was ever going to get it finished, but I didn’t give up! Although, I’m not going to lie, I thought about making it smaller quite a few times just so I could be done with it. Thankfully I talked myself out of it and kept pushing forward! 🙂
My DIY Shag Rag Rug cost around $130 to make ($110 on fabric and around $20 on the non-slip rug mat). I know that sounds like a lot, but if I were to buy this rug it would cost anywhere from $400-$680.00, Crazy…Right!?!
The inspiration for my DIY Shag Rag Rug came from this Pink Shag Rug from Directly Home it is a 4’7 x 7’7 so it’s slightly larger than my 4 x 6 rug; however if I were to buy this rug it would cost $679.00.
Okay, let’s get started!
Here is what you will need (I included the links where you can buy the Rug Pad and Fabric that I used for my Shag Rag Rug)
- Non-Slip Rug Pad
(I purchased a 5×8 and then cut it to make a 4×6)
- Cotton Interlock Fabric (I used 5.5 yards of Pink and 5.5 yards of Ivory Cotton Interlock Fabric)
- You can also use old t-shirts or pieces of leftover fabric; however you want to make sure the fabric you use is all the same type of fabric (cotton interlock, Jersey knit, etc) otherwise it may not have a seamless look.
- As a side note, Cotton Interlock Fabric is slightly more expensive than some other types of fabric, but it’s durability and thickness will ensure that all the hard work you put into making your rug doesn’t go to waste, as this material holds up great; making sure your beautiful rug will be around for years to come. I purchased my Cotton Interlock Fabric from Hancock Fabrics, as they are reasonably priced and always have some sort of coupon.
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Tweezers (I used a pair of curved jewelry tweezers, this makes it a lot easier)
- Fabric Chalk
Step 1: Cut your rug mat to your desired size and shape. If you are going to make your rug the exact size/shape of the rug mat then you can skip this step.
Step 2: Cut your fabric into strips. I think it’s easier and less time-consuming if you cut multiple strips at a time. Start by folding your fabric in half vertically then fold in half again horizontally making sure the ends are as even as possible. Then you need to measure 5 inches from the bottom of the fabric and draw a horizontal line all the way across using your fabric chalk.
Cut your fabric along the chalk line
Now cut your fabric into vertical strips that are about 3/4″ wide
Step 3: Pick up a fabric strip with your jewelry tweezers
Step 4: Weave Fabric under one of the holes and back up through another hole (I weaved the fabric in a vertical direction). I left one row of holes empty on all sides.
Step 5: Pull the fabric so that it’s even on both sides and tie it into a knot (this will hold the fabric in place)
If you are using two colors then you should alternate colors as you go.
Continue adding Fabric Strips alternating colors as you go. It will look bare at first but the more rows you add the fuller it will get. Here is what it looks like after adding two rows of fabric
My DIY Shag Rag Rug in the works…..I’m finally making some progress
And after weeks of repeating the same steps over and over I finally finished the Shag Rag Rug for Riley’s Nursery!
** After sharing this tutorial and the pictures of how my DIY Shag Rag Rug looked in Baby Riley’s Nursery we removed the carpet and installed laminate hardwood, so I wanted to share an updated picture of how the Shag Rag Rug looks in the nursery with the new flooring!
So, what do you think of baby Riley’s Pink and Ivory DIY Shag Rag Rug?
Until Next Time…..
I think your rag rug is beautiful. A couple of months ago somebody gave me Tshirt strips, but until now I have not found a suitable base material for my rug.
OMG, I absolutely love it!!! It turned out so great.
I agree with Allison. What a fabulous idea!
I love this rug. I am going to try this but I want to recycle old t-shirts. Thank you for sharing. Your’s turned out beautiful.
THAT IS THE COOLEST THING I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!
Thank you so much for posting the instructions! I’m going to work on one for my house!!
It’s beautiful! Thinking of trying one for my family room to get the colors I want. Where do you get a rug pad?
Hi Audrey! I’m so glad you liked the tutorial! I purchased my rug pad at Lowes, but you can get them almost anywhere (Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Marshalls). I hope this helps!! Good Luck 🙂
Dont know if I missed this in the story. But how big do you cut the squares on the rubber mat?
Hi Holly, I’m sorry i’m not sure exactly what you’re referring to. Are you referring to the holes where I insert the fabric? If that’s what you are referring to, I didn’t cut those holes, I purchased a rug pad that had the holes in them. If you are referring to something else, please let me know as I will do all I can to help 🙂
Just a thought for those of us who can’t quite afford to do it exactly like you did with this beautiful rug; I made mine completely free with old tshirts, and instead of the non slip matt, I simply used a heavier fabric (think old curtain or painters canvas) with tiny slits cut in it. To make it non slip I used my trusty hot glue gun and put a dot every few inches like you see on those cheap slipper socks. Worked great for me! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Are you talking about all the tiny square holes on the mat? If so, the mats are sold like this. You can google ‘non-slip mat’ and you will find it. These mats are actually made to be used under rugs, to prevent them from sliding. Hope this helps.
How do you wash the rug?
Just wait until you try to life that sucker when it’s wet!!
LOVE THIS!!! GORGEOUS!!!
Really pretty.Just was wondering,how do you clean it?
Hi Terry, Thank you so much! You know, that is a good question, I was so eager to make it that I didn’t do a lot of research on the cleaning factor, but the material I used can be washed in the washing machine; however the non slip rug pad says it can be washed with warm soapy water, so I would be hesitant to wash it in the washing machine. :-/
I have washed rug mats many times in my washing machine. They have always come out fine. I do not put them in the dryer though.
I love it! I think it is much prettier than the one that inspired it. Bravo!
Can you do this with cotton fabric if you pink it instead of jersey?
You did a great job!
Hi Gail, thank you so much!! You can use almost any type of fabric for this type of rug; however I would definitely go with a soft material so that you can easily weave it through the rug pad (if the material is thick and not very flexible it would be a huge challenge trying to get it through the hole). With that being said, cotton fabric should work perfectly!
The only problem with cotton fabric is it might fray. I would hate to do all that work and end up with a bunch of tiny strings. Maybe try a small area as a test to see how it works. I could be wrong!
OMG thanks for sharing have been looking at rugs for my granddaughters room can’t wait to share this with my daughter
What a wonderful idea. Can’t wait to try this. I’ve been looking for something unusual for my small bath and this would be the perfect size to start with. Thanks for a wonderful project.
Hi Debby, thank you so much for checking out my DIY Shag Rug! I wanted to let you know that you could cut up towels and use them for a bath rug or try using terry cloth fabric, that would be perfect for a bath room!!
I’d be very wary of using terry towelling – it frays dreadfully, as I know to my cost when cutting some up to use as rags for my cleaning business!
Love your rug. Reminds me of one I made in high school using yarn, but mine was actual picture. I just may have to make another one. It’s been yrears.
Just a thought, but instead of tweezers do you think you could use a latch hook for this? It’s basically the same process, but I think it would go quicker if you could use a latch hook. I may try it out and recycle some old ratty t-shirts to do it to bring cost down considerably. I also think you could wash it by hand in the tub or something and not worry about it coming apart or maybe even in the machine on the gentle cycle, I wouldn’t dry it in the dryer though. I’d hang it to dry. Just my thoughts. Absolutely awesome tutorial though and I can’t wait to try it!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!
Lacy, Thank you so much for checking out my tutorial!! You know, this was a totally new project for me and I actually started out using my fingers (YIKES) and after the first row I thought there must be a better way to do this so I tried regular tweezers and they worked okay, but then I found my curved jewelry tweezers and they worked a gazillion times better so I quit looking for other (easier) options and stuck with the jewelry tweezers. I’ve never used a latch hook, but I just googled it and and OMG I totally think that is a better option, so YES it looks like it would make the process so much quicker, I am now wishing I would have explored more options!!! 🙂 Using old t-shirts is a great way to cut down on cost, I just didn’t have any t-shirts in the colors I wanted to use or else I would have recycled them, it also adds an additional (sentimental) element to the rug making it that much more special!! Thank you for the tips!! Good Luck on your rug!! I’d love to see it when you get it complete!! Thanks again ~Jessica 🙂
This is a really lovely idea. I really like it and would like to give a whirl sometime. In the meantime, think about the following
Using a latch hook will indeed save you a lot of time, but it’s important to note that it creates a “lark’s head knot” that cause your fabric/yarn to lay in a direction. So either all your knots need to oriented the same way or you need to make sure you switch up the direction of every knot to create the randomized pattern you’ve got going. You’ll be really unhappy if you’ve been working in one direction for a while and then switch around for comfort or ease and sudden find your piece looks odd. However, f you can plan well enough ahead and visualize you can use the direction the knot lays to make a textural pattern.
Also, I know from experience rug pads don’t always do well in the dryer on high heat, so air drying or drying on low heat is recommended if you wash your rug.
Hi Jan, Thank you so much for the detailed tips on using a latch hook, as well as the information on caring for your rug. I greatly appreciate it!! I wish you the best of luck in your upcoming shag rag rug project 🙂 ~Xo Jessica
I was wondering the same thing as I only ever done rugs with wool and latch hook. Moving next year so now would be a great time to start one finding the tee shirts and towels needed for my bedroom and ensuite.
I would put it in the dryer on NO-Heat just to fluff it up before laying it flat to dry. Makes a big difference in appearance of the clean rug. I kept my rug hook for many years because it looked so useful; my only concern might be that the fabric may be too bulky to fit in the hook. Lovely project.
I love this idea! I have a bunch of tshirts and want to try them for this project. Thank you so much for sharing!
Lynn, Thank You for checking it out! If you already have t-shirts that you can use, that is all the more reason to make one, depending on the size of the rug you are making you could do this project for $20 or less!
Really enjoyed your tutorial. Another great tip that I don’t think I’ve seen in the comments is to make the rug more “green” – I went to my local thrift store & bought up 30 white t-shirts for $3 (10cents each) ,used pink fabric dye (from walmart for a dollar) and my fabric came out great. The t-shirts were not cute to start (ink stains,coffee stains) but w/a good launder & a beautiful color change ,the rug looks like it’s made for an angel! Plus,I feel good saving 30 shirts that were probably headed for a landfill.
What a wonderful idea, and I think there is a goodwill not far from me.. thank you for the additional inspiration.. I just love Jessica’s tutorial and using old white t-shirts from a thrift store (plus my husband is due for new ones so I can re-purpose his old ones also) and I can dye them whatever color I want.. (I think lavender & white for my small bathroom would be perfect) plus I love the idea of using terry-cloth also for the bathroom that Jessica mentions in her tutorial comments.. I cannot wait to get started and think I will also use the shag rug tool mentioned in the comments as it seems just a little bit easier then the jewelry tweezers, plus I don’t have the tweezers Jessica used so would need to buy some and using the shag rug tool should not be too hard since I used one in High school many moons ago now.. I am so excited to make a few of these for around the home we are having built next year.. Thank you for your suggestion and thank you Jessica for such a detailed tutorial and inspiration for this old disabled soul to have something so amazingly beautiful to make… <3
Wow you have alot of patience to work that long and hard but the results are beautiful! Kudoos to you!!
Peggy
Hi Peggy, thanks for checking out my tutorial and for the compliment! I must say by the end my patience were getting thin but I am so glad I kept going (I started to cut the rug pad to make it smaller on several occasions, so it wouldn’t take as long to finish) but I knew if I did that I would be mad at myself if I did, so thankfully I pushed myself until I was finally done. It was definitely worth it 🙂 Thanks again ~Jessica
Very impressive project. I would love to make one but I am not sure I could commit to it lol.
Hi Jenni, thank you for checking out my tutorial, don’t let the time constraint stop you, I promise, once you start and get going you will be so anxious to get it done that you will find time to work on it. 🙂
This is great! If you use rugbacking (like the stuff for latch hook rugs), the base will be sturdier and it will be machine washable. You can or just keep a nonslip pad underneath the rug, or attach it with velcro if you want it attached.
Hi Amanda, Thank you so much for checking out my tutorial and for the tips! You are absolutely right, a latch hook canvas is much sturdier than a non-slip rug pad; however I couldn’t find one that was big enough for the rug I wanted to make (4×6) the biggest one I could find was a 36×60 🙁 If you are making a smaller rug or can find a latch and hook canvas in the size you want, I would definitely recommend using that instead of a plain non-slip rug pad, just because of the durability!! Thanks again for sharing!!! 🙂 ~Jessica
Hi, I love this idea!! I’m retired and do all kinds of other crafts. I’m going to try this but have a comment about the lady hook rug fabric. If you couldn’t find a size big enough. You could overlapp the holes to attach some together to make however big you wanted. It will probably take a lot linger to make, but I’m gonna try!!
Love the rug but I would have used a coupon (40 or 50% off at either Joann’s or Hobby Lobby) on the fabric to save even more. 🙂
Hi Kelley, Thank you so much for checking out my tutorial!! I am so glad you like the rug!! I actually purchased all of my fabric at Hancock Fabric (I couldn’t find the material I was looking for at Hobby Lobby) and I don’t have Joann’s near my house, but should have taken the time to see what they had to offer (price and coupon wise) but I did get the fabric for 30% off ( it was regular $12.99) and I got it for $9.99. I wish I could have found it cheaper or been able to use a coupon in addition to the 30% off, it would have helped a lot!! 🙂 Thanks again for the compliment and cost saving tips 🙂 ~Jessica
In the future, Joann’s has online sales with great deals too. Sign up for the emails.
Also, fabric.com and several others have great nine stores. I cannot remember the name of one of the best, but they are in Portland, OR.
I do love the rug and I do think you could wash it in cold on gentle. Hang or lay to dry.
ALSO, you could hang it up, spray with Fantastic or a diluted liquid detergent and hose off. Just a thought
Love it. I use to do latch hook rugs so might have to try this. Great job.
Doreen, thank you so much for checking out the tutorial and for the compliment!! If you’ve done latch hook rugs in the past you should definitely try this, you know what goes into and could probably do it less time since you already know what you’re doing 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your tutorial. Your rug is fabulous. I know and understand the value of making something with your hands that you love, Your passion shows in your end product,. Just beautiful. Hugs, Beverly – Tea Cottage Pretties.
Beverly, thank you so much for checking out my tutorial and for the compliments!! I definitely appreciate the rug more after spending all of that time on it. I am actually a little over protective of it, I make my husband walk around it every time he goes in the nursery. lol. Thanks again ~Jessica
I have just done 3 of these…..one for each grandchild’s room. My granddaughter’s is in a multitude of very bright colors…like spilled jellybeans. The oldest grandson loves music so it is done in music note fabric and his school colors. The youngest has a starwars room and that rug is in dark blues, black and a little mettalic fabric. All are so cute. But you are sooooo right……..it is a slow project and takes a few trips back for more fabric.
Absolutely adorable. How about I pay u to make me one?!
Heather, thank you so much for checking out my blog and tutorial! I wish I had time to make more of them! Depending on how much you want to spend and how large of one you want you can find some deals, the only thing is you don’t have a huge selection on colors, but there are some beautiful ones out there and if you have time to shop around online you can find some decently priced ones out there!! Thank again ~Jessica
This rug is just beautiful! I’m so looking forward to making a couple for my bedsides.
I’m curious. Do you feel the knots when you are standing on it? I’ve seen other rugs that are made by not tying. I’m concerned about the strips coming out easily though.
Hi Stacey, Thank you so much for checking out my blog and for the compliment on the Shag Rug I made!! I completely feel the same way when it comes to “not tying the pieces in knots” I too would be worried that they would come undone! When I walk on the rug I don’t feel the knots at all, I’m sure if you use a soft material that the knots wouldn’t be a problem, the only time I would think that you may feel them when you walk on the rug is if you use a material that is hard (like denim) otherwise you shouldn’t feel the knots!! I hope this helps and good luck on your rugs, I’m positive they’ll turn out fabulous!! 🙂
That turned out absolutely amazing! Did you go every other when tieing (not color ,skipping a space) or did you do it continuously?
Hi Nicole, thank you so much!! I did every hole. The only holes I skipped were the first row on each side. It took forever and I was so tempted to skip a few here and there but am really glad I didn’t b/c the rug wouldn’t have been nearly as full as it is!! 🙂 Thanks again, ~ Jessica
I love your rug and plan to make one for my daughters new “big girl” room!!!
Question: Are you able to feel the knots when you walk on it?
Nevermind…apparently i missed a comment above!
Hi Jennifer, Thanks for reaching out!! I hope the comment above helped; however if you have any other questions feel free to email me at Jessica@myloveofstyle.com and i’ll be more than happy to try and help as much as I can!! Good Luck on making your daughter’s rug, I know it will turn out beautiful!! ~Jessica
Jessica!!! SUPER adorable! I am starting my own tonight…using washcloths to make a rug for our bathroom! Thank you SO much for this easy to follow tutorial! Your rug is just divine! :oD
Thank you so much Mandy!! I’m thrilled to hear that my tutorial was helpful!! I know your wash cloth shag rug is going to look fabulous!! I’d love to see pics when you get done!! ~Jessica
great job! I’ ll try this! i m a little confused with the size of your rug! I m from Greece and we use different units.When you say 4×6 which unit do you mean? i want to estimate the cost ant the quantity of the materials for my dimensions!
Hi Athanasia, Thank you so much for following my blog and for the compliment! Sorry for the confusion with the size. My rug measured 4×6 feet. I hope this helps!! If not you can always email me at Jessica@myloveofstyle.com ~Jessica
Audrey, Thank you so much for sharing with your tutorial. Im dying for 2 of the rag rugs for my home but as an artist , single divorced with 5 kids, I just cannot afford the ones on Etsy{which are gorgeous}.Based on your tutorial, I ordered the curved jewelry tweezers. By the way enthusiasts were only about 2.39 with free shipping on Amazon.I ordered the rug mat from Walmarts. Im having a problem calculating the amount of cotton jersey to order. I know your rug is 4 by 6. Im doing a 4 by 7. Im doing one that is very multicolored. You mentioned that you bought 11 yards of fabric. How wide was that fabric? That would help me figure out this issue. I cant wait to get started. Again , you e a jewel to share the how to. It was a very clear tutorial. Ive starred the site as a favorite on my computer so I can get to it quickly……
Susan, I am actually not 100% sure how wide the fabric was, I believe it was about 52″ or 56″ wide but i’m not really sure. I will say I ended up having a little less than half a yard of both colors left over when I was done. So It may be safe to say that 11.5 or 12 yards of fabric would be enough for you to make a rug that was 4×7 feet. Also, I wanted to let you know that their may be an easier and quicker way to make the rug than the way I did it. Someone suggested using a latch hook, which I honestly have never used, but after I googled it I thought it seemed like a much easier way to pull and knot the fabric through the open grids. You may want to google it and see if it’s something that may make your project just a little easier. Otherwise the curved tweezers work just as good it may just take a little longer 🙂 Good Luck ~Jessica
You can use the extra fabric to replace any that gets stained. I love the rug and never thought about just buying the fabric I needed since I don’t own enough T-shirts. Thank you for sharing!
Lovely rug. I have a finnish/ swedish heritage and these kind of rugs are quite common at cottages around Finland as well as all kinds of rag rugs. I love them! Thank you for the inspiration and for sharing!
Hey, nice work! You should be such a patient person… I am looking the material for the base but dont find any around here. Hope to start this soon. Thanks for the directions 🙂
Love it! I was already planning to do this for my son’s nursery, since the hubby was sticker shocked by rugs online, but I was planning to use a latch hook canvas for the base. The rug mat makes so much more sense and will make the rug easier to move and won’t scratch our hardwood floors! My rug will be grey, so I’m getting grey t-shirts from lots of people and lucked out finding a bolt of grey jersey fabric on sale at a local fabric store too. 🙂 Hope mine turns out as beautiful as yours!
i use a latch hook. it is very easy to use. i also buy yarn on sale and make rugs . i use the same way you all do . when i get done with a yarn one will show pixs.
Hi, I was wondering where did you get your rug mat?
Also is it a rug pad or an actual mat? Thank you!
HI Milena, I purchased my rug pad from Lowes, but you can get them almost anywhere. You would be looking for a non-slip rug pad, I think i said mat in my post but they are officially called rug pad. Sorry for the confusion!!
How long should the strips be and is a single knot ok, or is double knot better? Also, I am ready to try this. Bought the fabric, but not the pad. Any ideas on a washable one?
Hi Megan, I made my strips 5″ long by about 3/4-1″ wide. I’ll be honest, I’m not really sure if there is a machine washable rug pad. I haven’t had to wash mine. I’ve picked it up and shook it off and figure if the time comes that I need to wash it I’ll probably just spot clean it. Sorry I can’t be of more assistance with regards to the rug pad!!
I love your rug. Taking into consideration the money spent on all the fabric and mat, plus your time spent to make it, what would you charge for the rug if you were making them to sell? I’m interested in making some to sell at craft shows.
I am in the early stages of the rug and couldn’t imagine making or selling one for anyone else. They are VERY time consuming. Will I ever get this thing finished?!? …Starting to wonder if there’s a faster way? Ugh!
HI Megan, I am with you on that, I felt the exact same way. It took forever, but it turned out so beautiful that it was definitely worth all the time I spent on it; however at the time I was making it I was definitely second guessing taking on such a large project. I will say several people have given some fabulous tips in the comments. Several people mentioned using a latch hook, I have never used one, nor was I familiar with what a latch hook was when I started this rug; however it may be worth looking into. I know you can get them at hobby lobby. Sorry it’s taking so long, but I promise you will be so proud of it when you’re done 🙂 ~Jessica
I saw this picture on pinterest and decided it will be my new project. I was at Joann’s Fabrics and they sell the rug mat by the yard there , I paid a $7.99 for a yard of the backing and that wasn’t even a sale price. Also reading your post you said that you bought the fabric my the yard , I was thinking it might be wise to see if you can go to a discount store like Ross or even goodwill to by jersey sheets I think it would be a whole lot cheaper, because $110 on material is just simply craziness !
This rug is truly beautiful – thanks for sharing I am going to have a go myself now
That’s beautiful!!! Thank you I found other instructions, but they did not tell me to tie the fabric into a knot. I was afraid to make the rug without tying. I didn’t want the fabric to pull out. Thank you, now I can start my shag rug after seeing how beautiful your rug is, I will be tying the fabric into little knots!
Just wondering if adding white fabric strips is too risky for a nursery? I have cut light pink, light peach, medium peach and light yellow strips. I do have white fabric, but am thinking maybe white is t the best idea. Thoughts?
HI Megan, Thanks for visiting my blog, I used ivory in my daughter’s nursery and although down the road when she gets older and is playing on it I’m sure you’ll be able to see the dirt easier, but at the same time if it’s going to get dirty it may be better that you could see the dirt so you’ll know to clean it (since it’s in the nursery and you’re going to have your little one playing on it). Plus you’re using enough colors so the white won’t be “prominent” it will just blend in with the other colors. I hope that made sense!!! Good Luck with your rug, I know those colors are going to look beautiful together!!
Love your rug! Perseverance pays!! Want to make one for my grandson’s room from all his sports t-shirts I’ve saved for 12 years. Then I’m going to hang it near a display shelf of his trophies. Thanks for the “recycling old t-shirts” idea. Bless you!
Hi D, Thank you so much for your comment!! I love your idea with all of the sports t-shirts!! That is such a neat and very sentimental idea!! I’d love to see pictures when you’re finished 🙂 Xo ~Jessica
thank you for tutorial, i have been searching all this long for this craft.
its awesome… thank you ^__^
DO you happen to have a picture of the back of your rug? I am making one right now in a 4.5X6.5 and I have 3 colors. One color in which I can’ t get any more of…..but I think I am going too close together. Yours look more spread out in the tying of the knots. I think I am going through a hole twice instead of skipping up to a new one. It looks great but I think I am going to run out of fabric, which wouldn’t be a problem if I could get the on color again. Thanks
I have wanted to make a homemade shabby chic rug and thanks to you, i will be starting one soon. I will be using old sheets and curtains for material….so stinkin excited
Thanks for the inspriation! I am very anxious to start a rug (or two)! My plan is to make one for in front of the washing machine, and eventually, one for in front of the dryer since they don’t sit side by side. My kids are grown, so I am decorating my laundry room. I like having a project, and it justifies sitting in front of the television. My suggestion would be to use Scotchgard to protect the fabric. It would help repel dirt and make cleaning easier. A new coating of Scotchgard after each cleaning would be needed. I have to protect my hard work!
Hi Debbie, Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I’m so glad that my post was helpful!! I love that you are going to make these for your laundry room, that will look great and it shouldn’t take very long! I love the idea about scotchgard. I think I may have to do that 🙂 Good Luck with your project and thank you for sharing that helpful tip 🙂 ~Jessica
Hi,
Just wanted to say thanks for your blog. I am considering making a large one for my daughters shabby chic room. I was wondering how soft/thick will this rug would be on wood floors?
Have only just found this post re your beautiful rug and the lovely clear tutorial. I have wanted to try a rug for a long time and this has inspired me to have a go. Maybe not brave enough to try anything as big as this jusy yet though. Thanks for taking the time to share this
I love the ideas here! I think this might be my solution to not finding a rug I like and can afford. You have had it for a few months now. How is it holding up? I would like it to be durable and be able to wash it.
Hi Nichole! My Shag Rug is holding up great! I haven’t had to wash it yet, I just pick it up and take it outside and shake it off and it is as good as new. I’ve got mixed feelings on washing it in a washing machine. Some people say they’ve done it and it held up fine while others say it ripped their rug. I think washing it in the bath tub is honestly the best option, to be safe. I hope this helps!! :-)~ Jessica
Hi Jessica,
I’m attempting this rug for my baby’s nursery! I just love it. I was wondering if you could tell me the approximate size of the holes on your rug mat? I got a 3×5 rug mat, and ordered 10 yards of fabric, and I’m not even going to get through half of the rug with the fabric I ordered. Maybe I’ve made it too dense?
Thanks,
Sara
I tried one of these a couple of months ago, only I was using towels, which I saw on another tutorial. After cutting my strips and tying a few on I discovered that the were raveling badly! Wasn’t a pretty sight! I was wondering if you experienced any of this with the cotton jersey material you used? I would love to do one of these but was disheartened with mine and quit! Is jersey cotton like flannel or sweatshirt material?
Your rug is beautiful! I would love to get your thoughts and answers on this!
Thanks, Sheri
Hi Sheri, Thank you so much for the compliment on the rug I made!! I hate that your material started unraveling, that’s so disappointing, especially after you spent all that time cutting the fabric and tying it onto the the rug pad!! Fortunately, the Cotton Jersey material I used did not unravel after cutting it into strips and thankfully the rug itself has held up fabulously over the past 7 months. If you are open to different materials I can send you a link where you can purchase a fabric like I used for way cheaper than I paid (after seeing how cheap you can buy it online I’m mad I didn’t do that, I could have saved a TON of money). As a side note, Since I posted this tutorial I’ve learned some additional information around how to make and care for this type of rug, as well as several cost saving tips, so I am planning on updating this post soon!! Let me know if you have any other questions that I can try and assist you with! 🙂 ~ Jessica
I would love to make one of these! What website would you suggest to find the fabric and how much should I buy?
Can you send me the link to the kind of fabric you used? I started with cotton polyester blend fabric and it is fraying a little and not sure it will stop. Wanted to look into a different fabric. Yours hasn’t frayed at all?
Hi there, my rug hasn’t noticeably frayed, after washing it the edges of some of the pieces look a little worn, but the rug still looks great! I used cotton interlock fabric. Here is a link to this type of fabric. https://www.fabric.com/buy/0390186/interlock-knit-heather-grey?cm_mmc I hope this helps, if you have any other questions please just let me know! Good luck!!
Thanks for offer the link for the material that you used! I would love to use the link to order it, if it isn’t too much trouble for you! I’m getting excited about the prospect of a rug like yours!
HI Sheri, I apologize for the delay. I decided to try and get some additional information, as I didn’t understand why I was able to find the fabric for so much cheaper; however what I found out was the fabric I used wasn’t jersey cotton it was cotton interlock which is stronger than jersey, which is why it has held up so well. Here is the link to the fabric I used (I’m having trouble getting the link to attach to my comment) so in case it the link doesn’t show up I decided to update this post with the link to the fabric. If you click on Cotton Interlock Fabric under materials it will take you to the cotton interlock fabric I purchased!!
How we’ll does this rug vacuum?
HI Erica, I don’t vacuum it, I just pick it up and shake it off and then it fluffs right back up. ~Jessica
Dear Sheri, love your rug… Please send me the link for material….iam computer illiterate ….what do you mean by website? Thanks
2 days of searching and I think I found the rug I have been wanting to make. Love your tutorial! I just have one question, in the photo where you started the tying process with the ivory piece and then the pink piece, do you work at an angle? It looks like you’re tying on the corners, but then when I look at the photo where you’ve done a few pieces it looks like some holes were skipped.
I do not have one craft molecule in my body so I do apologize for what I am sure is a silly question 😀
Hi Denise, I’m sooo thrilled to hear that my blog post is helpful!!! Okay so the way the rug pad is structured it has one row of open holes and then the next row is made so that the open holes are in-between the open holes on the first row (I hope that makes sense). I left the first row on all 4 side empty and started with the second row so I weaved the first piece through the bottom hole and then through the hole on the second row. Since the holes on the second row aren’t on top of the holes on the first row I weaved it through the hole above and to the left of the bottom hole. When you tie the knot sometimes it looks as though you skipped a hole just b/c of the way the knot ties but I did every hole. I truly hope this makes sense. If not please send me an email and i’ll be happy to try and explain it. And don’t worry about not being crafty at heart b/c this is the easiest project ever; however it takes FOREVER, so pop in a movie while you’re working on it, it makes the time go by faster 🙂
Just so you know, walmart has shag rugs (not exactly in these colors) 5′ x ‘8 for only $94.96, which, as creative as your idea is, and as nice as the rug you made is, I personally wouldn’t wanna do this, just because I know where to get a larger one for less than the cost of this one, plus, very time saving. But, very good job on the rub, it’s really nice, and very creative. 🙂
Kelsey, who cares that you don’t want to do this and would rather spend $100 at Walmart.
I’m 1/3 of the way through and my rug is leaning, womper jawed. I think I should have turned it for each row so that it didn’t pull to the right, which is the way the fabric lays once I pull the knot. I’m hoping it won’t look too crooked when I finish.
Also, maybe I pulled the knots too tight. The only other thing I can think of is that I should have started on a long end and stayed on that same path all the way. Instead, I did a couple rows up the center and a few rows at each end before starting to fill in.
I hope this isn’t confusing, but I wanted to put this out there so others won’t do the same thing as I, because I’m determined to finish it, but I’m also concerned that it isn’t going to look right after all my effort. I’ll let ya know.
Hi Tammy, I’m so sorry to hear that your rug is leaning!!! I didn’t have a consistent way of doing mine. I did like you and did a few rows up and then did a few rows horizontal. I don’t know that I pulled the fabric a specific way either. What kind of fabric are you using?
Lightweight denim. I took it to sewing circle last night. The ladies didn’t notice until I pointed it out so maybe I’m just doing what I tend to do wich is to be overly critical!
Tammy, I’m sure your rug looks great, we all tend to be much more critical on things we do ourselves, I know I am very critical on things I do as well. The only thing I can think of as to why it may seem like it’s favoring the right side is the material. Since I didn’t use that material I really don’t have anything to compare it to, but like I said I’m sure it looks great 🙂 ~Jessica
This project is fabulous… the one you made reminds me of rose petals… I found your posting through a “Hometalk” posting on “Facebook”… Thanks for sharing… Best to you and yours… 😉 me
Thanks Lesa!!! I really appreciate your compliment!!! I wish the best to you and yours as well :-)Xo Jessica
I also saw this on Facebook through Hometalk!
Beautiful rug, would love to give it a go.
I need to work on my patience though, I made a no sew king size blanket for my Dad at Christmas and tying those knots, let me tell you!! Phew. Well worth the time spent…your baby girl has a beautiful handmade rug from Mommy. Easy tutorial.
Aww, Thanks Vicki!!! I really appreciate the complement!!! The knots weren’t the hard part for me, it was actually cutting the fabric pieces that were the most annoying, but I would do it while watching tv or listening to music so it made it a little more fun 🙂 I hope you will try it at some point!!! 🙂 Thanks again!! ~Jessica
With your folding instructions, I don’t quite see how long your strips are. Could you tell me how long you made your strips?
Thx
Hi Carolyn, Sorry for the confusion. The strips were approximately 5″ long by 1″ wide.
Thanx alot. I think this is worth the time spent, I’ve not later than tomorrow to give it a try. I have a lot of labour force around me.
Hi there,
Love the rug..do you think you’d be less nervous to wash it in the washing machine if it had been double knotted. I love the idea of a single knot but will put in the extra work if you feel it would hold up better for cleaning.
Hi Nicole, It’s the rug pad that scares me about putting it into the washing machine. I”m worried it may come apart 🙁
I would love to make this! Do you think a soft a comfy dot fabric (from Joanne’s) would work?
Hi Becki, Hmmm, I’m not sure, I have that kind of fabric on the changing pad in Riley’s nursery. I’m thinking that fabric may not do as well when you cut it into strips, but it would feel amazing on your feet!! I would cut a few pieces and test out how it looks once you cut it. ~Jessica 🙂
This kind of fabric (also called minky), frays horribly. I would not recommend using it for this type of project. If you can’t sew the edge and turn it to seal it it will unravel.
Beautiful shag rag rug! I’m in the process of making one for my daughter. I’m on my fourth row and it’s starting to look fuller already. Did you have to skip rows so it won’t seem ‘overly full’? I’m sorry if you’d already answered this question. Thank you! 🙂
Hi Meda, Thank you for the compliment! I’m excited to hear you’re making a shag rag rug for your daughter, I know she’ll love it and cherish all of your hard work 🙂 I didn’t skip a row. I did every row. It took awhile but it was worth it. One thing i’ve found is the holes on different rug pads vary; my rug pad had 2 holes per inch. If your rug pad has more than that it will end up really full if you do every hole and you may want to skip every other hole if that’s the case. I hope this helps 🙂 Best of luck ~Jessica
Just wondering how did you calculate you strips needed for that size of rug? How many 1″x5″ strips did you get out of a yard of material? I was calculating 360+ Strips per 1 yard if material was 52″ wide, which would mean your talking thousands of strips! Help!!
Jessica – having recently retired as a school secretary, I am going through a bucket list of “I’ve always wanted to do this” which includes a rag rug as silly as that seems. I have scanned through the comments and your replies have impressed me immensely. Your patience apparently is your virtue! You are a kind person and well…..here I go! Wish me luck! Bless you!
Hi Ferol,
You are so sweet!! Thank you so much!! I’m so glad that you came across my post and truly hope that it will help you as you take on your Shag Rag Rug!! I wish you the best of luck on your Shag Rag Rug and know that it will turn out AMAZING!! ~ Jessica
Thank you for this inspiration. I have started my own rug with interlock knit in 3 colors and can’t wait to finish it. The rug pad I’m using is different than yours and I’ve needed to play with it to get the density I want. Using every hole in the kind I have produces something a little too dense for my liking. But isn’t experimenting and finding “just the right” combination a satisfying part of the creative process?
I also wanted to weigh in on the tool to use. I tried the rug hooking tool and found it difficult to catch the wide strips of fabric. The curved tweezers have been working perfectly for me.
I’m curious, as you progressed and the rug became thicker and heavier, did you work in your lap or on a flat surface. At first, it was easy working in my lap but it’s now starting to get cumbersome. I’ve been trying different methods and am curious how you handled that.
Thanks again for a great idea, clear instructions, and beautiful photos.
Thank you so much for the comment and for visiting my blog!!! I’m thrilled to hear that you’re making your own rug!! I bet three colors looks great! I’d love to see it when you’re done!! Like you, I originally tried several tools to pull the fabric through the rug pad and found the curved tweezers were by far the best. I mostly made the rug on my dining room table. Every once in awhile i’d pull it into the living room and do it on the floor but it was much easier when i could just pull the rug pad towards me as I got further along. My dining room was a mess for some time but it was worth it. It also encouraged me to get it finished, every time i would walk by my dining room I’d sit and do a row. Then I would go on doing what I was doing. Good Luck!! 🙂 I know it will turn out fabulous!! ~ Jessica
<3 I love love, your rug! <3. I have been searching the internet how to make one. Yours is the best i have seen. I am considering making one.
Your rug is much prettier than the expensive store bought one you were looking at. I am going to make one of these. It is just gorgeous!!
Aww, Thanks Erica!! I appreciate your compliment 🙂
Just to let everyone know that Ikea sell the non slip rung base and it’s cheap!
Just got all of my materials to start this for my daughter’s nursery. She is due in two months and I have been unable to sew for her as sitting at my machine is painful right now. I am so excited to start this next
No sew project, and hope it turns out as gorgeous as yours! I am using blizzard fleece instead of jersey (on sale right now). Thank you so much for this fantastic tutorial!! Appreciate all the time and effort you put into this!
HI Tabby, Congrats on the upcoming arrival of your baby girl!! That’s so exciting!! Thank you so much for the compliment on my Shag Rag Rug! I’m so glad that you found my tutorial helpful!! I know that your daughter’s rug will turn out beautiful!! ~Jessica
If only I had found you a couple of months ago, I’d be finished with my pink shag rag rug by now! Your blog is exactly what I needed to give me the courage to try making this pink rug for my granddaughter. You see, her parents decided not to find out the baby’s gender so I decorated her room in baby jungle animals and lucked into finding a yellow shag rag rug (for a steal) at TJMaxx. Now that Maddie’s little brother arrived 5 weeks ago, the nursery suite is more suited for him. Maddie will get a toddler/little girl room. The curtains are made; the quilt is in the works; the pink shag rag rug has been my biggest problem. I should just buy it since I know the value of my time, and as a grandparent, I could $wing it, but there is more joy in making gifts. Your blog has answered all my questions so I’m not going into this blind. Thank you for being the pioneer who make the road so easy to follow! I’ll post a picture of Maddie’s room when it’s complete. 😉
Actually, I do have one question. Is the cotton knit cut horizontal or vertical to the selvage? I mean, do the strips stretch when you tie them? Length of fabric is stable; width of fabric stretches.
That’s a GREAT question, when I first started cutting the fabric I cut it so that it stretched when I pulled it (that was the wrong way) b/c it made the fabric look worn out, so I began cutting it the other way (with the grain) and the fabric looked great 🙂
Hi VickiGene, I’m so glad you found my blog!! Congrats on the arrival of your grandson!! That’s so exciting that you are helping with Maddie’s little girl room!!! It sounds like you have been a busy lady taking on lots of fun projects that Maddie will appreciate, if not today, when she gets a little older 🙂 Yes, please post pics when you’re done, I’d love to see her room!! Riley is 9 months now so it won’t be long before I’m turning the nursery into a toddler room. Yikes, time flies!!!
After two days of wearing my fingers out trying to get the fabric through the little holes (the cotton knit I’m using isn’t very thin), I found my old rug hooking tool. Now I think I’ll be finished before July!
Awww yay, I’m so glad you found it, lord knows if you hadn’t you probably would be working on it until July 🙂 While it’s one of the easiest projects I’ve done it’s also the absolute most time consuming one, I wanted to be done with it so bad that I came in a hair of cutting the rug mat to a 4×6 more times that I can count, but I knew I would regret it, so I kept at it and the moment I tied the last knot I knew it was so worth the time. I honestly don’t think I would be happy as happy as I am with the rug I made if I had a pick of any hand bought rug on the market. It was not only the perfect addition to Riley’s nursery it was knowing that one day she will be able to say, “My mom made this for me” that in itself makes it all worth while, so I promise when you’re done you will look at your BEAUTIFUL rug that you made for your precious grand-daughter and not only feel a sense of accomplishment but a sense of pride and joy. I always say it’s not just “Handmade” it’s “Handmade with Love”
I fell in love with your rug the minute it popped up on my search for rag rugs. I have started one for my 10 year old daughter, but haven’t gotten very far due to the ungodly amount of time it takes. Haha. I recently redecorated her room in shabby chic style and most of it is DIY, so naturally I wanted to finish off with a rug and yours was perfect! I am doing hers in pink and white and so far it looks gorgeous. I made the same mistake in my cutting against the selvage and wasted a full two yards of white fabric- I didn’t even think about that before I cut. So that is a VERY important point to make if you are using the same type of fabric. Thank you thank you for paving the road for so many of us embarking on this adventure!! You give me hope that I will finish one of these days. 🙂
Hi Wendy,
I’m sooo glad you found my blog and the tutorial on how to make the shag rag rug, I never even thought to put the way to cut the fabric, I can’t believe it’s been a year since I posted this and you and VickiGene are the only ones who have pointed that out. I need to add that to the tutorial for sure! I hate you wasted 2 yards of fabric 🙁 it’s not cheap and the absolute longest and most annoying part to me is cutting the fabric, so that stinks you had to re-cut the fabric as well 🙁 I would absolutely LOVE to see your daughter’s room when you get finished, I am slightly obsessed with shabby chic, so I know it’s going to be BEAUTIFUL!! What all DIY’s have you done for her room?? Thanks for your comment!! I wish you the best of luck in finishing your rug, hang it there though when you get done you will be so glad you finished 🙂
Wendy, if you haven’t already thrown away those white strips, save them. They and all your scraps make great stuffing for an animal bed. The charity quilting bee I belong to takes all scraps and stuffs pillow cases that are made of donated decorator cloth that’s not appropriate for quilts. After finishing a few in all sizes, we deliver them to the animal shelter. When a dog or cat is adopted, they have their pillow to take to their new home. It make a better transition for the pet and the new family appreciates it too. I actually started a pillow case at home so when I take my scraps to the bee, I’m really taking a finished pillow ready for delivery. >^..^<
Absolutely beautiful rug.
I love this! I see that Joanns has cotton interlock fabric on sale today ( only $3.99!) but it is 60% cotton and 40% polyester. Do you think that would work?
Ahh, how awesome, that’s sooo cheap, yes, I definitely think that would work!! Good find Amanda!!! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Great tutorial!! I’m going to make one for my son’s room! I’m 6 months pregnant so this will be a good way to pass the time!! Also, I ended up buying sheets to make my fabric strips. I hope it has the same effect!
Lovely rug!!! Do you think regular cotton fabric would be ok? Or would that fray/unravel overtime too much? I want to make my baby one in coral, aqua, white and teal but its impossible to find those colors in interlock fabric.
Hi Whitney,
Thank you so much!! I wish I knew more about fabric and how/when to use a certain fabric for certain things, but i”m still new and learning, but I know Cotton will work just fine. I would suggest actually feeling the material, so take a piece of interlock and see how it feels then see how the cotton you like feels. You’ll be able to tell the durability based on the way the material feels. I hope this helps!!! PS- I love the colors you’ve chosen!! I know that will look FABULOUS!!! Good Luck 🙂
Hi! I love your rug! I decided to try one myself but after four rows I’m finding that it is rolling up. I don’t think I’m tying the strips too tight but since I have never made one I’m not sure. Am I doing something wrong?
Hi Jennifer!! I hate your rug is rolling up 🙁 What kind of fabric are you using? It could be the material.
Maddie’s rug has been in limbo for a month while I worked on other projects. I feel sure I can finish it while I’m on vacation since we will be visiting family. Can hardly wait to post a picture of it on her bedroom floor.
Here’s an idea I’d like to throw out to the community of HAPPY HOOKERS and potential rug makers. Why not use polyester fleece? It certainly won’t ravel but it might curl a little depending on which direction you cut it. (Remember, there is more stretch across grain: selvage to selvage, than with grain: length). It comes in so many colors, easy to wash and dry, and tough as nails. Depending on the gridded mat you select, you will have to find out what width works best before you cut all your strips. My mat has smaller holes so I don’t need to tie any knots. That’s a plus and minus because pulling the strips through is wearing out my index finger’s top knuckle — but I don’t have to tie a knot. BTW, the mat I’m using is non-skid to keep rugs from sliding. Because the holes are small and I’m trying to use every other one, this rug is getting HEAVY! It’s very plush but I have no idea how much fabric I’ve purchased to this point. I’ll weigh it when I finish to get an idea.
One important lesson I’ve learned is start at one corner and work across. I made the mistake of starting in the middle and then scattering the colors around since I didn’t have enough fabric to finish and couldn’t buy more in that dye lot. My colors are whites, pinks, and apple green. The green is used sparingly because it represents leaves.
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
My question is can I use old cotton sheets and pillowcases? I have some old simply shabby chic sheets that I wanted to use. Didn’t know if they would fray or not. Always could I add old white cotton curtains or white jersey sheet with that too. Thanks
Yes, you definitely can, that’s a fabulous way to save money!!! 🙂 I use sheets, curtains and shower curtains for my fabric projects all the time 🙂
Hi there. I am very excited to start this project. I am due in December with a little boy, and really wanted a nice rug for his room. I couldn’t find anything that I liked, but saw this on pinterest.. I knew right away that I wanted to make it. This is a first for me, so I do not know too much about crafting. I want something soft & Cozy, but at the same time, I want to save some money. Do you know if Flannel Fabric would work ok? It is on sale at Joann fabrics, and they have the colors I would like to use. I’m just curious. I’m not sure if it would be too thick or just right? Thanks again! And I love your tutorial, the rug is beautiful.
Hi Monica, Congrats on the upcoming arrival of your baby boy!!! With regards to using flannel, I think it will work, I’ve seen where others have used fleece. Another idea that comes to mind is to buy a king size set of sheets from Marshalls or TJ Maxx, you get a lot of fabric for a very reasonable price 🙂
That’s beautiful. I made one the same way out of 1×5 strips of fleece, taking colors from a blanket in my daughter’s room. It was a 3×5 rug and is nice and heavy. I have washed it and it washed well. I picked up fleece scraps when I could to keep it affordable, because it does take a lot of fabric. The good thing about the thickness of the fleece is you don’t have to tie on every row. It is full enough skipping rows. I think it took me about a month to finish it last year. I am ready to make another one. Just have to figure out what colors I want to use and where it should go. I will try the tweezers this next time.
Hi Janet, Thank you so much for sharing the information about your fleece rug!!! Good Luck on your next rug, I’m sure it will turn out just as good if not better than your first 🙂
Hi! I’m going to make one of these for my daughter’s room and I’m just wondering if I can use any type of fabric… broadcloth? Thanks! Your rug is gorgeous!
Hi Kimberly, Thank you so much 🙂 Broadcloth would probably unthread and would not hold up the same as cotton. If you cut the fabric and it starts to fray then I would steer clear from that type of fabric. I hope this helps!!!
Kimberly, your question about types of fabric appropriate for the shag rag rug brought back memories of the beginnings of the rug I just finished for my granddaughter. I wanted to incorporate strips cut from the scraps of the dresses I’d made for her and her cousin. I thought if I scattered they throughout the project they would be fun reminders in the years to come. As I worked on the rug (which took much longer than I anticipated) I noticed the woven cottons were fraying and didn’t have the resilience of the interlock knits.
Another observation. Since knits come in different weights, you may need to change the cut size of the strips to work with the holes of the grid you have chosen. I used a non-slip rug pad that really grips to the floor. The structure of the pad is probably a super strong nylon or polyester fiber that’s coated with a rubber similar to those Rubbermaid shelf liners. I started out with knits I already had in my stash, selecting whites and pinks. Some were indeed the Jersey knit suggested in Jessica’s instructions. They are thin and easy to pull through with my fingers. Some were patterned (thick and thin to make the design) and a little more difficult and time consuming. When I ran out of knits, I took a swatch to the fabric store match the color. That turned out to be impossible. So I selected a variety of pinks and whites. All were interlocks but not all were the same weight (thickness). My project would have gone a lot smoother if I had TEST CUT a strip from each fabric and adjusted the width for the size of the hole in the grid.
I ended up digging out my old rug hooking tool (from the 70s) to pull the strips through the holes, but I didn’t use the rug hooking technique of folding each strip in half to pull it up through one hole (forming a loop) and then bringing the loose ends through an adjacent hole through the loop. This forms a knot and is easily done with rug hooking yarn.
Lastly, I didn’t tie the strips because the rubber coating on the grid held each piece firmly in place.
Just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration! I’ve read this post plenty of times while I’ve been working on my own rug. Your rug really appealed ot me over other rugs I’d seen online as it was so thick!
I followed your cue and used cotton interlock/double knit fabric. I’m making my rug for my living room floor, when finished it will be 2.1m x 1.5m (about 6ft10 x 5ft) so it’s taking a while!
Miss Direction has more ambition than I ever will! I’d love to know what colors are being used in the huge living room rug. It’s going to be amazing and she will be so proud to say ‘I made this’. 😉
So going to do this for my sons room!! Do you have ANY clue how many strips you would have used?!?! So excited to try this!
Hi Kari, I have no idea how many strips I used. I honestly think if I would have counted them I would have gotten super overwhelmed, so it’s kind of a good thing that I didn’t know 🙂 I am so glad you’re going to make one for your son’s room 🙂 Good Luck X0 Jessica
Love it this is beautiful.
Wow this is great! It’s a great post and full of information. I’m so inspired and I’m going to start one of these very soon! I’m due on December 15th and I hope I can finish it before he comes!! My little man needs ones of these for his nursery! Hope I can finish in time. Wish me luck!!
Megan, I’m soooo glad my post was helpful!! Your little baby will be here in 5 days, howwwww exciting!!! I hope your rug is finished or almost finished 🙂 Sending fabulous vibes your way 🙂 Xo ~Jessica
Hi Jessica,
I love your rug! You have now inspired me to make one for my nursery also. What is your opinion on cotton interlock fabric that is 100% cotton (Hancock) vs cotton interlock fabric that is 60% cotton 40% polyester (Joanns for half the price as the other)? My apologies if someone has already asked you this question. Thanks for your time!
HI Lisa, I’m so sorry for the delay, I must say, I’m not an expert in the fabric area, but I’m pretty confident that the cotton interlock fabric (60% cotton 40% polyester) would be just fine. I would feel the texture of the fabric. If it feels like a good quality material that will hold up then I’m sure it will work perfectly!! Yay for half the price, go girl!! 🙂 Xo ~Jessica
I love the rug! I just started one today. All white. Made out of TShirts. If I can figure out how, I will post pictures. I’m excited.
Patricia, I’m so excited that you’re making a shag rag rug, and YAY for using re-cycled t-shirts!! When you finish your rug please email me pictures to jessica@myloveofstyle.com and I’ll be sure to post it on my facebook page!!! Good Luck!!! 🙂 Xo Jessica
I love your rug. It must be such a joy to have in your house. Like a million roses have dropped their petals, but they’ll never turn brown! Me and my gf gonna try and do the same, but with my old clothes that we don’t reckon the charity shop will want to take off us (some of them are already brown!!!). Thanks for all the inspiration
Hi Josh, Thank you so much for the comment!! My daughter loves the rug, she loves laying and rolling on it. lol. I think it’s great you’re going to re-use old clothes!!! I wish you and your gf the best of luck 🙂 Thanks again for the comment!!! ~Jessica
Thanks so much. I love the rug and bought the stuff today to do my own. I have one question. How do you keep your hands (my right thumb esp.) front hurting? I hope that mine comes out as lovely as yours did.
Hi Kimberly, Thank you so much for the comment!! Honestly that’s a good question, my fingers got sore as well, so I just took frequent breaks. I would work on it an hour and then take a break and then get back to it a little later. Sorry, I wish I had a better answer!! I know your rug will turn out beautiful 🙂 Xo Jessica
Thank you so much for the reply, Jessica. I will have to take MANY breaks and I may even get one of those thumb gloves for crafting cramps on Amazon. I will send you a picture in a year (lol) when I finish. Thanks again.
Ahhh, that would be awesome, I’ve never seen the Crafting Cramp gloves, but I will have to look into that 🙂 Yes, please send me a picture when you finish, I would love to see it!!
This is wonderful I love it! Would be a great winter project, thank you so much for sharing,
i have never done one of these, but would very much like to try, i am disable and in a wheel chair and this would help me. My question is, how did you start it, where do you get the material with the holes in it or do you make it, i know this sounds stupid but i am real old and didn;t under stand that part, thank you?
Hi Julie, Awww, I think this would be a great project for you!! I purchased the piece with the holes. It’s a non-slip rug pad. If you click on the link that says Non-slip rug pad in the post under the part that says “what you will need” it will take you to place where you can buy your rug pad.
I hope this helps!! I wish you the very best of luck in making your shag rag rug 🙂 Xo Jessica
Love your idea and it looks easy, will be using a rotary cutter to cut my strips and will be making one for my grandaughter who will be making her big entrance to the world in Feb. 2015 🙂
I am embarressed to say this but I’ve never used a rotary cutter; however I’ve been told it makes cutting fabric soooo easy, so I am planning to get one in the near future 🙂 Congrats on your upcoming new addition, I know your grandaughter will absolutely love it!! Xo Jessica
RE: rotary cutter
You will also need the cutting mat and ruler. Wait until you have a coupon from Joann or your local craft store, i.e. Hobby Lobby. Sometimes you can get a “kit” for beginners with a 40-50% discount. You might also want to check online, Amazon or eBay. I recently bought a brand new cutting mat for $.75 at an estate sale. You know there are people who buy things, thinking they are going to start a new project, and they never get around to it. It was a lucky find.
Also, the rug hook is very easy to use and will save sore fingers.
Hi Jessica,
I really love the look of this rug. Thanks for posting. If this has already been asked and answered, I apologize for missing it. How long are the strips you use to weave and tie off? Thanks in advance!
Catherine
Great Job Jessica
I made a rag rug using t-shirts that were solid colors and made it the shape of a fish about 4 x 3 ft. I used burlap material and pushed a crochet hook thru the fabric and pulled the material thru. I did not tie the pieces because they did not lay down correctly. Just sew the burlap edges with a long strip of material or binding tape with a machine first and they will not ravel before adding the strips. I made the colors different sizes so it gave dimension. I have a friend that makes quilts and asked her for scrapes and I have 2 big garbage bags full of strips that she had left overs from quilts that the guild has made. They do not want to throw away any thing and were thrilled to find a place for them. I sorted them out by colors and maybe will make bedspreads you can also use a sheet for backing just cut 2 slits and put fabric into slit and tie…I try to make things that are inexpensive since I am retired I have more time than money..
Donna
Hi Donna, that’s so awesome, I would love to see your fish rug, that sounds really awesome!!! I’m thrilled to hear you have so much scrap fabric and are going to be able to put it to good use. I love the bedspread idea. Just curious, how are you planning to use it to make a bedspread? I’d love to hear about it!! Thank you so much for the comment 🙂 Xo Jessica
How long are the strips that you cut?
Pls suggest me an alternative for rug pad.. but very similiar to it. I am from india. I don get rug pad in my place.. kindly help..by the way ur rag rug is awesome…
Hi Uma, Thank you so much for the comment. I included a link in the post for the rug pad. If you click the link it will take you to where you can buy it. Amazon has international shipping, so you should be able to purchase the rug pad from the link and have it shipped to you. I hope that will work. If not let me know and i’ll try to help!!
I love this!!!! We are re-doing our bedroom and bath. I think I will try this. I have washed my rug pads like this many times in the washing machine and even put them in the dry for about 5 mins to get excess water out then hang to dry. I think i may do a smaller version and try to sew it on there to see how that will work! :O) Thanks for sharing.
Hi MIchele, thank you so much for sharing your experience with rug pads, that’s great to know!! Good Luck on your next shag rag rug and re-doing your bedroom and bathroom!! That’s very exciting, I LOVE re-decorating!! 🙂 Xo Jessica
Hi, I really loved the shag rug! I would love to try to make it, however I would need to make it larger for my living room. How much more material would I need to make a 7 X 10 rug? I can’t wait to check out your website too. It looks like I am going to totally enjoy it. Thanks!
Hi Rita,
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, I’m so glad you’re going to checkout my website, I hope it will be helpful to you 🙂 So I used almost 11 yards of fabric total for 24 square feet (4×6), if you break it down to how much material is needed per square foot it comes out to aproximately .45 (almost 1/2 a yard) per square foot. So if you take your rug size (7×10) and break it down to square footage it would be 70 square feet. Take the 70sq ft x .45 and it’s about 32 yards. I did have about 1/4 of pink and 1/4 ivory left over after making my rug so in theory it really only required 10.5 yards of fabric, so if I adjust the formula to base it on me using 10.5 vs 11 yards of fabric it would come out to .43 sq ft per yard making your total yardage 30.6 yards. Sorry if this is confusing, feel free to email me if you have any further questions!! Thanks again!! Xo Jessica
Just an old quilter that is facing problems with detail, may give up on it. I have read all the comments, enjoyed, and think I may have to take on a rug. Keep up your zeal to interact with people, you are a blessing to all.
Hi Judy, Don’t give up on quilting, it’s a gift! I wish I could quilt! Maybe just take a break for awhile and try making a rug then you’ll have a fresh start 🙂 I really appreciate your sweet comment, it truly made me smile!! Thank you so much!! 🙂 Xo Jessica
I live in Wales, UK. Can you please tell me what the backing material for the rag rug is called and if possible where I can obtain it? Very many thanks. I think this rug is just beautiful. Gillian
Hi Gillian, Thank you so much!!! Did you try clicking the link in my post under materials where it says “Rug Pad”. It should take you to Amazon where you can purchase the rug pad. I believe Amazon ships to the UK. If not let me know i’ll see if I can help you find somewhere to purchase one 🙂
The rug pad (slip proof padding) I used was by Rubbermaid. The holes are small so you don’t have to tie each strip. I made a 4’x3′ rug and recently the rug needed laundering because my granddaughter had a stomach virus. My daughter was able to just throw it in the washer and dryer without worrying about strips falling out. Pulling those strips through the smaller holes was time consuming, but in the end I think they saved me time as I didn’t have to tie knots.
See my blog for pictures of rug, lamp, and valance.
http://quiltingstitches.blogspot.com/2015/01/nothings-dull-in-hull.html
Hi Vicky. Using the smaller hole rubbermaid pad, how wide did you cut your fabric?
Latrell, did I ever answer your question? I just saw your comment.
I cut my knit fabric ¾” wide and 4″ long. I used a rug hooking tool to pull the fabric through but as I mentioned before, it was such a tight fit I didn’t need to tie a knot. How far along are you on your rug?
Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait to try this. I am redoing my daughters room and this sounds like the perfect special touch.
I just found your tutorial. Your rug is beautiful. You could use the latch hook canvas, just overlap it a few row and and go through both layers. I’ve seen directions to turn in a few row on the edges and work thru to finish the edges for a smoother finish. This way you can make a rug as large as needed. Latrelle
I love the idea of joining two pieces of the grid. That’s a good way to use up pieces that are left over from other projects. I also think folding under the edges is brilliant! I’m ready to start on a new rag rug. My granddaughter loves to take naps on her rug. She says it’s “so soft”!
I’ve never posted my blog url so I don’t know if it can be opened by others. If you can get in there, I’m really happy with the lampshade I made for Maddie’s room.
Hi Vicki, did you post pictures on your blog of the shag rag rug you made your granddaughter? I couldn’t find your blog url. if you reply back with it I’d love to check it out 🙂 Xo Jessica
I love the idea of joining two pieces of the grid. That’s a good way to use up pieces that are left over from other projects. I also think folding under the edges is brilliant! I’m ready to start on a new rag rug. My granddaughter loves to take naps on her rug. She says it’s “so soft”!
I like yours better than the all pink one. It looks like flower petals, so pretty.
Sophia, thank you so much for your sweet comment!! 🙂 Xo Jessica
Jessica, my “blog” can be found at
http://quiltingstitches.blogspot.com/2015/01/nothings-dull-in-hull.html
If you cannot open it, please let me know. I’m new at blogging and haven’t shared the url before. I hope it’s not restricted. If so, I need to fix that.
Your shag rag rug tutorial has really taken off. I’m so glad other people are making their own rugs. No better way to get exactly what you want! I’m very happy I made one for Maddie.
Jessica,
I’m getting a message back from your server saying my message is a duplicate “looks like you’ve already said that.” How do I work my way around that?
http://quiltingstitches.blogspot.com/2015/01/nothings-dull-in-hull.html
Sorry about sending twice. I thought my message had been refused. 😉
That’s okay, It looks like it did come through 🙂 I will definitely take a look at your blog!! I’m thrilled to hear that you have started blogging, I absolutely love it and really wish I had more time to share tutorials, tips and inspirations. I just love being creative and really love helping others!!!
Thank you so much for following my blog and for all of your helpful comments on the shag rag rug post 🙂
Xo
Jessica
Jessica, it comforts me knowing that “the younger generations” are still creating, designing, making things with their hands. Even quilting, which I thought was a dying art, seems to be reviving. I love your blog and how your tutorial on the shag rag rug has inspired so many people! Creativity lives!
Soon as my daughter sends me a picture of the finished rug, I’ll post it. My current project is making a youth bed quilt for Maddie. It will be inspired by the lampshade. The pattern I’m using it called Baby Rose Bud Quilt and is now on my design wall waiting for me to make a decision. At my age, 72, it’s important to leave tangible evidence that I loved so many friends and family. Knowing the longevity in my family, I hope I have at least 20 more years to make quilts and costumes and a few more shag rag rugs for my grandchildren and others.
First of all, thanks so much for your informative blog. Your rug is beautiful. I know this is a very time-consuming project so wanted to ask you a couple of questions before I embark on this.
1) What do you think is best, a canvas rug backing or the non-slip rug pad? I will be using the rug on vinyl plank flooring. I called MCG Textiles, which is a company I found online. They only sell the canvas backing, but they suggested that if I wanted the canvas, I should buy 3.3 canvas which has 3.3 holes per inch so the largest holes of anything they sell. But they don’t sell the rubber non-slip rug pads, so they couldn’t give me any guidance as to which would be better. Obviously, I want something that’s going to last if I’m going to invest so much time in this project.
2) I’ve been reading all the comments on your blog. If you were to make another rug, would you do it the same way where you tie knots, or would you do it the way latch hook rugs are made? (That’s basically where you fold the strip in half and then bring the folded edge up through the hole to form a loop and then you pull the two loose ends through that loop to secure it. Hopefully, I’m describing it in a way that makes sense.) Again, I’m spending a ton of time on this, so I don’t want the strips to come loose. I don’t which way is more secure, a knot like you did it or pulling the two loose ends back through a loop.
Thanks so much for your help. I’m sure your little girl loves the rug you made and will appreciate it even more as she gets older.
Hi Laurie, Thank you so much for your comment! I’m thrilled to hear you’re going to be making a shag rag rug. My daughter is just now starting to really love the rug. She loves running across it and it’s so soft she thinks it’s a blanket. lol.
With regards to the questions you have I definitely understand being thorough, as you really do want your rug to last, it’s too much of an investment to have it tear up. I’ve never used a canvas backed rug mat, but I think if you’re going to use the rug on a vinyl floor then the non-slip rug pad is most likely the best option; I can say first hand that now that Riley loves running back and forth across the rug the fact that it’s non-slip keeps the rug from moving and her from fallig. VickiGene, who has been pretty active on commenting to help others on this post made a shag rag rug and has successfully put hers through the wash. Vicki, what size was your rug? I haven’t put mine in the wash, as my washing machine is too small, I think i’m going to wash it in the bath tub and let it air dry.
With regards to the latch hook I’ll be honest, I’m not sure how to use the latch hook. I would experiment, if they are not very expensive I would buy a latch hook and see how it works. If it were me, I would still want to tie them in knots, as I would be afraid that they would come lose over time. I also know that if they weren’t tied in knots Riley would literally sit and pull them out one by one if she could.
I hope this helps!! I wish you the absolute best of luck in making your shag rag rug, as I know it will be BE-YOU-tiful!!
Xo Jessica
Hi Jessica,
Your rug is beautiful! My daughter wants one for her first child’s nursery (my first grandchild!) Do you think the t-shirt yarn would work? I saw some on etsy and thought it would be easier than cutting up tshirts. Thanks, Cheryl
Hi Jessica,
About to start my rug and was just wondering if you pre-washed your fabric before cutting it!
Hi Carole, Thank you for your message! I didn’t pre-wash my fabric. I’mn honestly not sure if this plays a factor (good/bad or indifferent). My rug is still in great condition. If anyone has any advice as to whether you think it would be beneficial to pre-wash your fabric, please chime in! 🙂 Good Luck on your Rug!!! 🙂 ~ Jessica
I love the rug!! My question is did you have any left over fabric? I am wanting tj make one a little larger and wasn’t sure how much to buy. Also, what does it feel like when you walk on it? I thought i could make one for my livings room but wasn’t sure if it felt bumpy or not. Do you vacuum it?
This is total genius and easy at the same time! Gotta try this
Have not started on this rug yet but when I do I think I will try one of my larger size crochet hooks.
I am interested in learning how to make mats from scraps of material.
I just love this beautiful pink mat you made, exquisite.
Hi Marlene, Thank you so much for your comment!! To use scraps of material you just need to be sure that all of the material is made of the same type of material (to give a consistent look and feel) and then cut the pieces to the same length and you’re ready to go 🙂
Beautiful job on this rug! I will be working on one for my granddaughter, I will be doing a 3 x 5, you purchased 11 yards for a 4×6. Did you have enough fabric or did you have plenty left over?
HI Carol, Thank you so much!! I’m so glad to hear that you’re making one for your granddaughter, as I know she will love and appreciate it! I had about 1/5 of a yard left in the pink and 1/5 of a yard left in the ivory. I’m actually thankful I had some leftover because I spilled latex paint on it so I was able to remove and replace the pieces with new fabric. I hope this helps!! Good Luck on your rug!!! I’d love to see a picture when you finish!!! 🙂
Thank you, info was helpful. Well, I started the rug it has become a family project. Lol. I love it. Will send picture when completed. Hope it comes out as pretty as yours!
HI Carol, That’s so exciting! I love that it’s a family project!! I can’t wait to see it when it’s complete!! Xo ~Jessica
No need to prewash the interlock unless you have a sensitivity to the new fabric odor — the dyes and finishes used in the factory. Interlock is not going to shrink
Funny story: I was helping my granddaughter get dressed in her room, and my grandson was playing on the shag rag rug I made last year. I watched him fold back one corner and with his teeth, he pulled out one of the strips! I didn’t bother tying them because I used a slip-proof rug mat, and the holes were so small, I had a hard time getting the strips through in the first place! Though I knew they would never fall out, I didn’t consider what a baby might do if so inclined!
Hey everyone!
I was just wondering, you said you bought 5.5 yards of pink and 5.5 yard of ivory, however, how wide was the fabric ( total yards wide) before cutting it?
Thanks!
so beautiful
Hi Elena, thank you so much!!
Such a lovely rug and clever DIY hack! If you want to do it again or need to cut strips, you could use a quilting 6×24″ clear ruler and a rotary cutter. It really speeds things up with no marking and quicker cutting! I’m really thinking of making one for our spare upstairs bedroom which can get quite chilly in the winter. This rug looks like it would keep your toes warm. Thanks for the lovely tutorial!
Hi Jean, thank you so much for the comment and the tip! I completely agree with you, I’d I every do it again I would Def try using a rotary cutter! I doubt know why I didn’t try that before. Thanks again xo ~Jessica
Hello! Thank you for sharing instructions on making a beautiful shag rug. I was wondering what other fabric besides the cotton interlock fabric would you suggest? It is $12.99 a yard at my local Hancock. Thank you for sharing….. Your rug is beautiful!!!
Hi Tammy, thank you for your sweet comment! Yikes, I hate to hear hancock fabric isn’t running a sale on their cotton interlock fabric! I wonder if you could use a coupon. They always have coupons! Have you checked Joann’s? They should have it And they have tons of coupons and honor all competitor coupons as well. You could try jersey knit fabric, it’s not as heavy duty bit it shouldn’t fray and I’m sure it would look great! I hope this helps! Thanks again for the sweet comment! Xo ~Jessica
Hi Tammie, thank you for your sweet comment! Yikes, I hate to hear hancock fabric isn’t running a sale on their cotton interlock fabric! I wonder if you could use a coupon. They always have coupons! Have you checked Joann’s? They should have it And they have tons of coupons and honor all competitor coupons as well. You could try jersey knit fabric, it’s not as heavy duty bit it shouldn’t fray and I’m sure it would look great! I hope this helps! Thanks again for the sweet comment! Xo ~Jessica
Do you think this can be done using a thick/bulky yarn like alpaca wool rather than fabric?
Hi Evelynn, If you use a thick yarn, I would use a non-slip rug mat that has small grid openings. The non-slip rug mat that I used has larger grid openings, so a material any thinner than 3/4″ wide would look very sparse (if that makes sense), but I think if you a rug mat with smaller openings that alpaca wool yarn would look great 🙂 I hope this helps!!
Wow, this reminds me of the “hooked rugs” that my grandmother used to make. It’s basically the same process using a latch hook but hers all had patterns and were done on a “stretch-frame”. If I remember right, the colors for hers were printed on the backing. She did use yarn to make hers and I’m thinking that if you wanted to use bulky yarn, you could double it to make it take up more room so it doesn’t look sparse. If I wasn’t 70 yo with a “trick” middle finger caused by too much crocheting, I’d definitely try this.
I think I am going to try this in a U shape to go around my son’s bed. The bed has built in underneath storage so a U shape would be perfect and not take near as much time.
I have a lot of denim scraps, jeans, etc. Would this material be too thick to weave through the rug pad? What if I made the strips 1\2 the width?
Hi Kathy, a denim shag rug would look awesome, I’m just not sure how it would feel to walk on and how easy it would be to weave through the rug pad, but I think that 1/2″ width would work better just because of how thick the material would be. I would try a 12×12 square and see how it looks and feels and then go from there, that way you won’t waste too much material or time if it doesn’t look or feel the way you envision it looking. I would love to hear how it turns out if you try it 🙂 Xo ~Jessica
Had previously seen one of these rugs on a site somewhere but she did not “tie” the fabric which is very necessary. I made a small rug which turned out fairly well. My sister-in-law asked why I couldn’t make a decorative pillow the same way so I tried it out. For 12″ pillow, I cut rug pad to 24″ square. Tied fabric strips like you did for the rug leaving outside row empty. Bring 4 corners together and join by tying more fabric. Before finishing, insert pillow form or batting. Takes approx. 4 to 4-1/2 yards of fabric (I purchased 5 yards just to be safe). Our Walmart has a promotional jersey knit fabric at $1/yard or to get the right color sometimes have to pay $2/yard. That’s $10 for fabric, $3 for pillow form and $6 for larger rug pad which will make 3 or 4 pillows. Fairly inexpensive if you don’t consider your time. Hope you give it a try.
Hi Jessica! I am totally in love with your shag rug and I want to make one for baby girl’s nursery. I want to make a 6 foot round shag, I found the rug mat for it now I am just wondering if you could help me figure out how much material to get? Also did you use jersey knit material?
Hi Susie, thank you so much! I’m sorry for the delay in responding. The Sq footage of a 6′ round rug is 28.25. Take the Sq feet 28.25 and multiple it by. 44 which comes out to 12.43 yards of fabric. I would round up to 12.5 yards of fabric to make it easier. I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck with your rug and a huge congrats on your upcoming addition:-)
Xo
Have just discovered your tutorial on the shag rug. The timing is super as I have just cut up several sweat shirts that were too large for me. I am using the decoration to be the top of a small throw for me and then I saw your rug and thought that would be a great way to use up the rest of the shirts. Do you think it would be best to cut the s s material with a straight edge or pinked? I’m still going to have to figure exactly how you started the fabric/hole pattern. Thanks for sharing a beautiful project!
So three years since you posted this tutorial…I’m just seeing it, and have already started making my rug. I just love the look and feel of it. Thank you so much for putting the instructions online. I was so happy to see your beautiful rug — just what I was hoping to make for my own bedroom. I’m using ivory and white strips of fabric to make a 4×6 rug, and have to say it may look as nice as yours lol! Thanks again!
Hi Sharon, thank you so much for the message, I bet your rug looks fabulous, using white and ivory will def create a serene look! Riley’s rug is still getting good use. I washed it, which I plan to share my lessons learned from that soon, but I had to replace about 125 pieces of fabric:-/ but it still looks fabulous!:-)
Love the rug. Do you have an estimate of how much fabric you used for your rug. I’m just afraid of not purchasing enough at the outset and then not being able to get the same dye lot or even the same colour.
Hi Cloe, thank you so much! I used about 10.5 yards for my rug. It’s a little less than 1/2 a yard per square foot (approx .44 of a yard). To determine the total amount of fabric needed take your rug size and multiple Length x Width then multiple that by. 44. Here is how i calculated the fabric needed for my rug.
4 x 6 = 24 Sq feet.
24 Sq feet x .44 = 10.56 yards of fabric. I purchased 11 yards but only used about 10.5. I am glad I had the extra fabric bc I used it when I spilled paint on it. :-/ I hope this helps!
You are so creative thanks so much! I was wondering if you have ever done a yarn rug? I want to make an area shag rug for family room because our apartments are all tile (I know it’ll be a Huge project!) but I can’t decide because it might be too big to throw into the washer? And you probably can’t vacuum it? Sorry weird questions haha!
Hi Annalyn, thank you so much for the sweet comment:-) I haven’t ever done a yarn rug. My rug is 4×6 and it’s too big to go in the washing machine. I hand washed it myself but it took WAYYYYY to long to dry, so I ended up having to dry it with a blow dryer (talk about time consuming) but I think next time i’m going to see if I can have it dry cleaned. With regards to vacuuming I usually shake it off really good and then use the wand on the vacuum to gently go over it. I hope this helps!! 🙂 Good Luck on your rug!!!! I’m sure it will look fabulous!!
Thank you so much Jessica that helps a ton! ?
Awesome job! I’m actually looking to make one of these for when I move out as the building I’m looking at moving into has hardwood floors (which aren’t so kind when your feet are nice and warm), but I want to make it for the living room so it’ll have to be quite a bit larger (probably 6×8?). I used to make latchhook rugs (the picture ones) when I was in middle school and still have a hook or two somewhere in my desk drawers, so I think that would be perfect!
I will also be moving out with a small dog and a cat though, so just in case…how has this held up against washing?
Hi Kristin,
To be honest, washing it was not a fun task, but it’s held up well; however the edges did end up fraying a little during the washing and drying process and about 50 pieces came out while drying it. I’m going to take it to the dry cleaners next time. I’ve found if i shake it off really well every few weeks it doesn’t really need to be washed unless it has something on it that needs to be washed out of the fabric.
I hope this helps and good luck on the move and your upcoming shag rag rug!!:-) XO ~Jessica
Thank you for your tutorial. I am going to try a small one first then a bigger one. Great idea
how do you make the rug mat so big? Ive seen them cut already
Im loving your rug! What an inspiration. Im hoping to do this in vibrant color scheme for our 5 yr olds room.
Do you know how many strips it took to make this? I could do the math, just by counting all the other holes in a 4×6 mat but b4 doing that I was realy hoping you knew or had a guestimate.. Thanks for sharing! luv it..
Hey there! I love that you’re going to make one in vibrant colors, that will look awesome!! Here is the easiest way to come up with the number of strips…Since each piece of fabric goes in two holes you only need to count half the holes to come up with the number of fabric strips you’ll need. Here’s how I would do it…..Fold you rug mat in half vertically (then count the number of holes that are in 1 vertical column). Then fold the rug mat in half horizontally (count the number of holes that are in 1 horizontal column). Then multiply the number for (1/2) vertical holes x the number for (1/2) horizontal holes = total number of fabric strips needed. I will warn you, this number may scare you!!
I hope this helps!! XoXo
Sorry if this was already asked, but I was reading through the comments to find it and there were so many!
I want to make one of these for our playroom but I’m just wondering how comfortable this rug is to sit or walk on with all of the knots in it. My son has sensory processing disorder and it seems like even for me (who doesn’t have it) I would be able to feel the knots under my feet or hiney and it wouldn’t be very comfortable to walk or sit on.
Can you let me know what your experience is with this?
I’m starting this! I bought fabric (4 colors, kind of felty/fleecey, the only kind I could find in the colors I needed: day-glo! Pink, orange, yellow & green). Cutting all the strips now! Excited to get on it. Making a neon rug for my 1 yr old’s playroom.
Hey Katey, your rug sounds fabulous!! Thanks for sharing!!
It sure is beautiful but is it practical? Can you wash it clean? what happens when it stains and gathers dust etc? Looks like a breeding ground for dust, mites, insects, (boogers if you have kids), lost legos and allergens!
No, seriously, can this be cleaned and if so, how/how often? It would be a shame to put in all that effort and make such a beautiful rug only to throw it away after a while ‘coz it’s dirty and can’t be cleaned!
Anyway, lovely job and thanks for sharing! ?
Hi Ava, I pick it up and shake it off weekly, I’ve only washed it once bc my daughter never stepped on it until about a year ago, but it was a nightmare to wash, so I’m going to have it dry cleaned next time!!:-)
Thank you, Jessica, your instructions helped me make up my mind that this will be one of my next projects… Your rug came out beautifully and on the wood floor it really looks awesome… Nicely done!!
Question… Have you ever seen anything with this being done with sweatshirt material?? Just a curiosity, not looking to reinvent the wheel lol
Thanks Again!!
Hey Jamisen, thank you so much for the kind words!! I havent seen it done with that material. I am not 100% sure but it may fray or curl up. I would try cutting a few strips and seeing how it looks after you cut it, you’ll probably be able to tell if it’s going to fray or lose its form. Let me know if try it!!!! Thanks so much for the kind words, I’m so glad to hear my tutorial is helpful!!!:-) Jessica