Here we have another wonderful project using strips of fabric. Recycling is so important in today’s world. All you need are strips of fabric from old shirts, jeans, bed linens, tablecloths or curtains. You don’t need any other special equipment. As you work you can change the colors creating unique effects. You can create subtle color changes or bright and dark contrasts. Try coordinating colors with other color themes in your house.
Materials:
8-10 assorted fabrics of similar weight.
Scissors
Pins
Needle and thread
Safety pin
Backing fabric according to the size of your completed rug,
Basic Method:
1. Cut or tear the fabric strips into 2 inches wide. Now hand stitch the strips end to end with right sides facing. Make 3 long strips each measuring 40 inches.
2. Fasten the ends of 3 strips together with a safety pin. Hook the safety pin over a cup hook which is screwed securely into a flat surface such as a wall in your basement, garage, or studio.
3. Start braiding near the safety pin. Bring the right hand strip over the middle strip and then the left hand strip over the new middle strip. Continue braiding, turning the raw edges under as much as possible until you have about 8 inches of fabric left. Secure the loose ends with a pin. Remove the safety pin from the top and taper the beginning of the braid stitch neatly to conceal raw edges.
4. The tapered point will be the center and now you can start winding the braid around in a spiral. Stitch it together as you go using strong thread. Work with the spiral flat on a table and try not to pull the thread too tight or the rug will pucker; we want a nice flat rug.
5. Every 2 ¾ inch sew through the braid and back again to secure it to the spiral.
6. When you get near the end of the braid add more strips of fabric and braid them. As the rug grows you can change colors.
7. When your rug grows to 28 ½ inches in diameter taper the strips for the last 8 inches. Braid, and then stitch a tapered point as at the beginning. Keep your stitching neat throughout the project.
8. Now place the rug on a backing fabric and cut around the rug shape leaving an extra ¾ inch. Lay the rug face down and pin the backing fabric on the back turning ¾ inch under. Back stitch across the backing fabric, sewing from the centre outwards.
9. Now sew the backing fabric to the edge of the rug using neat stitches.