A Project for Today: DIY Braided Rug

Art + Science + Free

Braiding rag rugs is a time-honored tradition from the days of our grandmothers and great-grandmothers.

I found a great tutorial for a simple 3-strand braid that is sewn into a rug at the end. This style of rug lets one child work on a long braid (without needing your help) for a long time, but several children can also make separate braids that are later sewn together.

Once children have basic sewing skills, they can make simple gifts using this technique. I like the re-use of old clothing and bedding to make the strips of cloth because it helps children actively learn to be thrify with materials and money.

For using inside your home, it is best to avoid using plastic bags for braiding material. I see many people doing it, but plastic tends to harbor biofilms — and they are pre-seeded with pathogens at the grocery store.

Nice materials include favorite clothing that is damaged beyond repair (like hubby’s new dress shirt), ribbons from packaging, outgrown children’s clothing, bedding that is still good around the edges, and other clean things.

The braided object can be small like a potholder, medium like a trivet, medium-large to warm a chair seat, or varying sizes of bigger for a rug.

Love to see what you make!!