Braided rugs DIY

Braided rugs tend to be great, but an interwoven braided carpet is more powerful. Here's making one your self.

By Mary Pledge Peterson
November/December 1979

With the addition of one additional step to the standard three-strand braiding procedure, you are able to create a dense, sturdy interwoven rug which is reversible as well!

The provides you'll need because of this braided rug task are most likely currently on hand, too: needle, bond, thimble, scissors, a sizable crochet hook (about dimensions K), plus some securely woven, medium-weight cloth (including worn out sheets, tablecloths, curtains, and garments) that will not ravel too much.

For a 2' X 3' oval carpet, slashed 300 strips of fabric at the very least 1" X 24." In the event that you rip the material, the resulting ravelings is going to make for an unsightly floor covering. Even though the cutting procedure is tedious, keep in mind that the pieces don't all have to be identical size. Simply measure the very first one which means you'll understand what to aim for, and "eyeball" the remainder. You should be certain your errors create wider, instead of narrower, pieces. (Variations in total are actually beneficial, considering that the basted-on extensions will not all appear in the exact same destination and cause lumps within braided masterwork.)

How It Functions

To start the carpet, align the ends of three fabric strips over each other, make two diagonal slices through all three layers—so which they come to a point—then baste them together within tip.

Next, split the pieces, crush them slightly, and work out a free 12" braid. When your "weaving" procedure takes you towards end of a strip, add-on another by trimming the finishes diagonally, overlapping all of them about 1/4", and basting them collectively.

When a 12" part is completed, switch the braid around so that the working end is from you (be sure to keep the "loose stops" in position maintain 'em from unraveling). Look carefully at what you've done. Notice that— for each region of the midline—there's a series of the thing I call "loops." Throughout the first round, you will be working together with the loops on the left. Then you'll definitely turn the corner and employ each loop on right .

To do this area of the procedure, insert the crochet connect down and all how through very first cycle in the left, then fold the free finishes associated with pieces around into left—to form a corner—and commence to braid toward you. However, the initial strip that comes from within the others is pulled—with the crochet hook—completely through very first loop and is crossed over to the left while you commence to braid once again. The after that strip which comes underneath is drawn up through second cycle.

Keep Writing!

Resume in this manner, pulling a strip (constantly the main one originating from underneath) up through each successive loop, before you reach the past one thereon side. This final cycle should-be passed away through by a second strip to offer extra material for a set part. (another three "place" loops should each have two strips pulled up through all of them as they're "rounded.")

Switch the braid around once more, make the 2nd spot, and consistently work, pulling one strip up through each continuing to be loop on the other side of this original 12" braid. Then repeat the cornering treatment: utilize the last cycle two times, change the task, and employ initial cycle two times. That will bring you towards end regarding the very first round and you will be the past time it is necessary to pull two strands through an individual loop.

When the initial "circle" is completed, you are going to work with the exterior braid loops for the past round. Consistently braid and pull one strip up through each cycle until all of the pieces are utilized. Then—to complete your projects of art—pull all three strips through a loop, sew them in position firmly, and cut them flush with the carpet. The conclusion will not be apparent if the braiding is ended only before you turn a large part.

And one other thing: The secret to a rug that never ever puckers when you look at the center is free, also braiding. For that reason, make certain you loosen the last "knot" after each pull-through. And remember, it really is specially essential that you work loosely across the corners.