As a seasoned crafter with years of experience making recycled home decor, I've perfected a quick, reliable method for braided rugs. This approach uses simple braids and a sewing machine, cutting traditional weaving time dramatically while yielding durable, professional results.
Cut the t-shirt just below the arms and remove the hem. Discard these pieces.
Fold the shirt in half, aligning side seams. Leave a 1-inch gap at the top and cut 1- to 2-inch strips from the bottom crease up, stopping short of the gap. Use a rotary cutter, scissors, and ruler for straight edges.
Lay the shirt flat with the uncut inch in the center. Make diagonal cuts connecting each strip's end to the next, creating one long continuous yarn strand.
Gently pull each strip to curl the edges naturally, mimicking traditional yarn texture.
Roll the yarn into balls for easy handling.
Repeat with additional shirts. For a 2' x 3' rug, prepare 5-6 skeins; for 4' x 6', use 10-12.
Knot the ends of three yarn skeins together. Braid tightly and evenly for about 5 feet to start. (Pro tip: Braid as you sew to avoid tangles—my preferred method from years of rug-making.)
For an oval rug, start with a long center strip and coil clockwise. For a circle, form a simple clockwise spiral. Wrap 2-3 times and pin securely.
Select a zigzag stitch with the longest length for flexible seams.
Stitch along braid edges, connecting layers securely as you coil outward.
At curves, pivot the machine smoothly. T-shirt knit stretches, so keep tension loose to prevent puckering— a common pitfall I've learned to avoid.
At braid's end, lower the needle into the rug, raise the foot, braid more length, then resume sewing. For skein ends, tie loosely to a new one and continue.
At desired size, cut thread, tuck under, and zigzag-sew the end in place.
Press with an iron for a smooth, professional finish.
Relax on your eco-friendly, custom rug—crafted sustainably from upcycled tees.
