Learn Basic Rug Braiding
Braiding a rug is quite easy when using the rug braiding tools and preparing your fabrics prior to the actual braiding. You normally use three strands of fabrics, just as you do when you braid hair. As with hair, you want to divide the hair so each strand is about the same thickness. Apply this to your rug braiding for the most attractive results.
Cut strips of fabric all the same width if they are of the same fabric. Sew them together and roll into a ball. When using a variety of fabrics, such as lightweight cotton and heavy denim, you must use the following method to cut the lighter weight fabric into strips. Twist the denim and see how thick the twist is. Cut cotton strips wide enough that when you twist it, the thickness will be the same as the denim twist. If you do not do this, your braiding will be very unattractive and hard to work with when sewing the braid into the rug shape.
You do not have to use braiding tools to braid a rug, but they make it much easier if you do. They are metal guides, which you run your fabric through so the guide can turn the edges toward the inside, eliminating the raveled edges of the fabric from showing. This keeps the edges clean and neat. Some braiders prefer to leave the raveled edges show and do not use the guides. They feel the raveled edges give the rug character. Be warned that when washing a rug with raveled edges, you are going to have to do a lot of trimming of strings that ravel worse in the wash.
Once you have braided a long piece of braiding, you simply whip stitch the braid in a circular shape. This requires a strong carpet or button thread. I personally find fishing line works great! The stitching does not show and it really holds up very well. Purchase a couple books to view the various techniques used and patterns of how to shape your braids to make them round, oval or even how to create a butterfly braided rug. There are chair pads, purses, placemats, hot mats and other projects that use a braiding technique. Old Time Rugs is one source to find braiding books and braiding supplies.
Rug braiding is an excellent method to recycle your old blue jeans, sheets, curtains, blankets and other used clothing. Braided rugs make excellent rugs for your home, but they are also a hot item at craft fairs, so if you have the urge to create for money, rug braiding is a good hobby to learn.