Craft: Rag Rug from Recycled Fleece Clothing

By

ms_surri

Hello Isobel!
I just ran across your lovely article for the fleece rugs and I am in awe! I do have questions about the kind of stretcher that you use...how big do you recommend, where do you buy them...etc. I am a novice at this kind of thing and would like to also know where hessian is found. Thank you so much for inspiring me. If you could also send me exact instructions that would be really great too!! Feel free to contact me at the email address listed.
Thank you bunches! :o)

By

Yenski

Hi Isobel, This is the best rug I've seen from old clothes. I would like to make a rectangular one from the way too many t-shirts I have cluttering my life! I have some latch-hook backing that I have had for years in my studio - do you think I could use it rather than the hessian? Also, could you explain in more detail how the loops are secured. I was going to try a latch hook style, but this looks neater and more professional. Could you please send me some information? (Great design too, might I say). Yenski :)

By

Hmscholer

How do the loops stay in place? Very nice!

By

susanmajp

Years ago, when I was in Art school, a dear friend made several rugs like this. As crafty as I was, I just could not get the hang of it, and mine never turned out. Your picture makes me remember why I was upset that I couldn't make mine work. It's such a wonderful craft and the rugs are so beautiful. I just may try my hand at it again! Thank you so much for the inspiration.

By Pinky (Guest Post)

Another request for instructions. PLEASE, pretty please, with sugar and cream on top!
From the instructions you have, I'm thinking the rug ends up being flat vs. looped. But I may be so confused. PLEASE! Now I'm begging. I'll quit.

By

barbjoan

I have crocheted rag rugs but this is something different. Never used a backing. Is the backing the same as for a latch hook rug? Your rug is really beautiful. Would love to make one for me.

By

RealtorRose

Hi,
Yes, more details would be helpful. How do you secure the strip on the back so the loops do not pull out?

By

su554

Well, Isobel, it seems you have a following! LOL I, too, am very interested in the process! If memory serves me, I think a hessian is just like a canvas or burlap sort of backing, is that correct? I do hope you post some instructions soon. These would really go over big in the craft shows and flea markets. You could do well for yourself! Thanks for the tips.

By

jules1963

I must have the instructions. I have many fleece jackets that are of no use anymore, not to mention the scraps that I accumulate from making fleece no sew blankets. PLEASE PLEASE post instructions.

By

chrissy1313

Isobel - I love your rug & recycling. I've been wanting to do this, tried rag rugmaking years ago. The fleece I've been thinking about lately because I have scraps from sewing & clothes and am an avid second hand shopper. I would love further directions, Where do I get a hespian. I just did mine on canvas with a rug hook, then machine and hand sewing. It was ok, but nothing like this beautiful creation. Thank you so much.

By

labsah

I am also interested in learning this procedure. Please post instructions or a link. The rug is beautiful.

By Beth (Guest Post)

It is beautiful! Also instructions would be great.

By

jess

(submitted via email)

You are so gracious to take the time to do this. I'm sure many of our
thrifty friends will want instructions. I have many scraps of fleece and
some yardage also. Will be happy to find a different way to use it.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mary

By

Milesky

How amazing. When I saw the pic, I thought it was wall art. I would love to have the instructions on how to make this for myself. Thanks so much...

By Becky (Guest Post)

I would love to have the instructions also.

By istalynn4 (Guest Post)

I have bags of second hand clothes (including fleece articles) from my 4 teenagers. Would love to have the instructions to make this rug. It is gorgeous!

By Heather (Guest Post)

Isobel, Your rug is AWESOME;) It looks a lot like some very expensive rugs I've seen (and wanted!), in the high-end stores. You could, most definitely, make a living at this. I'm sure ;) I, too, am very interested in instructions on how to do this, as I'm in love with high-end decorating... but, on a low-end budget, lol;) Thanks for sharing your talent with us!

By rosi (Guest Post)

I found instructions for circles cut out of fleece fabric, you then sew them on a backing (could be corduroy, or towel), the circles are about 2 or 2.5 inches in diameter. The end result could be beautiful with different colors sewed in straight lines. It's also very warm on the feet!
Rosebud

By

popet

Another request for the instructions please.
Lovely job!

By

fab4mom

You rock! Please post directions. What kind of backing are you using, or is it tied into itself without the need for a canvas backing?

By

thriftmeg

A work of art! I too would like some instructions on site

By Grandma Sherri (Guest Post)

Yes, please post the instructions - our new puppy would love a rug!

By

cherished

Would love to have the instructions posted here.

Thanks so much! You're brilliant.

Mary

By Nance (Guest Post)

Too nice for a pet! Beautiful rug!

By

chriself

This is brilliant! I'd love to know how you started this project.

By Pat (Guest Post)

Isobel, you are so creative, I'll bet those are so soft. Many years ago, I made rugs from hooking yarn in a backing, they are very pretty and durable. I think you can use most any fabric as long as it is of similar weight.

This craft was a practical use of hard-to-come-by fabric, many years ago. People made use of every bit of clothing too worn to wear. It's hard for most people to imagine not having all the things we have today but years ago, life was more difficult and most things were made by the people using them. For clothing, they sheared the sheep, spun the wool and made the clothing from it. Now, I don't have personal experience with that LOL but almost!

By

Cathy S

Awesome! How did you make that? Did you cut strips and hook them through cloth? I have never made a rag rug before

By Gerri (Guest Post)

I am interested in how this rug is made. I have made several different types, and am currently working on a primitive rug hooking, but I love the idea of recycled fleece, and would be interested in how it is made. Could you post some basic directions or an explanation of type?