Making A Braided Rug

Day 11: I have my friend Patty to thank for inspiring me to get started on this project. I've been thinking about recycling some of my old t-shirts into rugs for the longest time (read, "years") and just never seemed to get around to cutting the fabric into strips. In fact, there were several occasions when I sent a bagful of t-shirts off to the thrift store because I was tired of falling over them. When Patty found her mother's hand-made, foot-operated braiding clamp and sent me a photo, it was just the nudge I needed.

Rug braiding was popular during the Depression, and worn-out clothing (particularly wool suits) were recycled in this fashion as a matter of economy. Today, braiding is considered a craft, something done for leisure. Fabrics can be obtained from cast-offs or may be purchased new, specifically for the purpose. Of course, the latter option permits the rug-maker a greater opportunity to select colours and work in themes. T-shirt fabric curls in on itself naturally, so the braiders aren't really necessary when using it. I've installed one here just to demonstrate the principle. It also makes a narrower braid than wool gabardine and therefore requires more sewing, but other suitable fabric choices include terrycloth towels, flannel and fleece. Kitchen rag-rugs can even be made from calico prints, although if braided rather than woven, the time involved in creating a mat is substantially longer. As the fabric passes through the metal braider, the raw edges are folded toward the center where they will be less likely to unravel. The braid is kept tight, and my preference is to braid in short sections, splicing on new lengths of fabric when I reach the end of each strand. When a sufficient length of braid has been completed, sewing can commence. The braid is folded or curved around on itself, keeping it flat on the table, and then it is stitched with rug warp, buttonhole twist or cotton twine picking up one loop at a time, alternating between the inside edges of the folded braid. At the top of the curve, adjustments will need to be made for the greater distance, i.e., picking up two loops to one. There are specialized tools which make braiding a little easier, but if you're on a tight budget as so many people were during the Depression, all you need is some old fabric, a yarn needle and some twine to start making your own rugs.