Braided Rugs... from vintage fabrics

Braided rugs.... If you have vintage, or antique fabric, that is very used up... maybe you have washed it, and it still has yellowed or faided, and could not really be useful in a piece of clothing, or even a quilt.. DO NOT THROW IT AWAY!.. braided rugs are back!

If you want a very rustic looking rug or mat, then you would tear your fabric into approx 2 inch strips and braid just the way it is, with the raw edges showing thru.. it has a very rustic effect.

Or you can cut your fabric into 3 inch strips and then fold or turn in the sides so as to have no edges showing while braiding.. either way, you need to sew a lot of strips together, depending on what size of mat you are making.. This is also perfect for placemats, if you are limited on fabric.. I found just adding strips of different patterned fabrics, as long as they were the same weight was a great way to use up leftovers, and this is the same for vintage fabrics, that you may have picked up in a yard sale, or antique shop.

You can also buy special braiders at your local sewing or craft store that you fold your fabric and thread thru, but personally, I have done it the old fashioned way, by tying it to a post and wrap your fabric into 3 balls and just start braiding away!. I personally like the effect of raw edges, and if you braid it tight enough then never fray enough to cause any problems, just give it that added rustic look.. so don't waste those scraps!..make some braided rugs..! Just make sure to sew it together with very heavy polyester thread, you can actually get upolstery thread that works well, and weave inbetween the rows. If you use heavy fabric, you can actually mold them into pot holders for your plants.. very cool and retro!