There are several methods for recycling old rags or torn clothes into carpets. If we can become environmentally friendly, wise, and creative human beings, why not? Here are instructions for embroidering, sewing, and braiding a patchwork rug.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Embroidered Carpet
Step 1. Provide a woven canvas with a minimum opening of 0.6 cm
There are also wider openings in sewing and craft shops. Most have woven canvases with readily available motifs to guide your color choices.
If you buy a sewing kit, you will be shown everything you need. Follow the instructions on the box when selecting embroidery needles and fabrics
Step 2. Cut the fabric into small pieces
The size you choose depends on your webbing. If possible, use recycled fabrics such as old clothes. Cut lengthwise with a maximum width of 1.25 cm and a length of 7.5-10 cm. Keep it a uniform size.
Trimming the fabric will take more time than cutting it to a uniform size. Once you cut one out, use it as an example and match it with the rest
Step 3. Draw the sketch you want on the canvas mesh
Of course, if there is no motif on it, it's best to use a permanent marker and be careful not to leave any marks on the bottom surface of the canvas.
Patterns don't really matter, if you want to create abstract works, fine! It will add a beautiful impression to your carpet
Step 4. Embroider your patchwork pieces
And a few hours later, you'll have your own new rug. Simsalabim! No need for glue, sewing machine, or qualified skills.
Method 2 of 3: Sewing Carpet
Step 1. Cut the fabric lengthwise to the width of your finished rug
This method will produce a rectangular rug of standard sizes. But it's up to you if you want to have a fringe on the edges or not.
If you have some usable patchwork but it's too short, sew it up! The beauty of a patchwork rug is in its uniqueness, not perfection
Step 2. Gradually tug at the ends of the fabric until they are well curled along the edges
This can make the rug look thicker, more textured, and have character. Who knew that patchwork had character? Well, according to your wishes of course.
Step 3. Lay the rolled fabric side by side along with the ends
This is done so that we know how the colors and motifs are formed. Maybe you don't like it when the colors overlap and need to be adjusted before you make it permanent.
Step 4. Sew the fabric perpendicularly
This will make the carpet sturdier and display attractive visual lines.
You can also make a small gap in the carpet for circulation with an ideal distance of 2.5-3.75 cm
Step 5. Sew parallel lines as well
Maybe you'll find some untidy edges. If so, turn the rug 90 degrees and start sewing parallel lines.
You can make a distance of at least 6cm. If you think that looks good, then move on! But if the distance is around 15 cm, it can cause your carpet to become loose
Method 3 of 3: Braided Carpet
Step 1. Cut the fabric into strips of equal width about 7.5 cm
Cut as long as possible. You'll know you need more fabric when you get to the ends, once the rugs are rolled together to the same size.
Different fabrics will braid differently. Since the technique is braiding, you can easily add more if you run out of fabric or if you feel that your rug is not big enough. So don't worry
Step 2. Sew all the pieces from end to end to make 3 long strips
Don't worry about color and material match, you only need 3 very long strips to make it.
When your strips are combined into three very large strips, sew the top three ends using a sewing machine or manually. This will be the simplest starting point
Step 3. Braid it together tightly
It will be easier if you find another way to hang it so that you can stand while braiding the fabric. A tongs will be very helpful.
Braid tightly! You don't want holes in your carpet, do you?
Step 4. Once you reach the end, roll the braid
Start over again and tie. If the rug is big enough, then you've done it! You have finished with the braiding and can continue to sew into certain shapes. If the rug is not large enough, sew more pieces of fabric to extend the 3 main strips and continue the braiding process.
- You don't need to roll it up and make a circular rug, just make it easy and look neat. A square shape with a snake-like pattern is also good, but it will take more time to sew the edges.
- If you need to join more strips, then continue braiding until you reach the new end then roll up one more time.
Step 5. Sew all the finished braids
Unfold and work from the very center. Sew along the inner edge to join the braid to the length of the surrounding fabric, sewing again, again, and again. Tie your rug in a row.
You need to put them together after completing all the processes. The beauty of the patchwork rug may not be visible. As long as you sew yourself, then you're great! Add some embellishments where you want. Et voila
Tips
- Cut all the fabric to the required size. It's better if you do it at the beginning.
- Choose your fabric. It would be better if you use one kind of fabric. Mixing different kinds of fabrics (wool with cotton for example) may be possible, but the results will not be optimal.
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Wash the cloth to be used. Wash with warm water and dry in a hot place.
Note: When choosing a color, it is best to choose a color that will not fade when washed. It is highly recommended to combine colors well
- Weaving and knitting rugs have their own level of difficulty, this is meant for the other 2 ways of making rugs.
