Hi,

does anyone have any fave websites where I can look for instructions/materials for making my own rug. I'd like to make something that's big, about 9x5, that won't break the bank. I was going to buy something, may end up if it's cheaper but I'd like to give it a try (and have another unfinished project, ha)

http://www.netw.com/~rafter4/index.html is a neat site about making all kinds of rag rugs, braided rugs, etc if that's what you're looking for. good luck with your project. i've been thinking about doing something like that for a long time, but it keeps getting pushed back and i don't get around to it.

My braided rag rug from old t-shirts is taking forever. The braiding part is easy and fast, but the sewing part feels very very slow. (Nothing like as slow as latch-hooking a 2.5x3 foot rug was though.)

9x5 will take forever regardless of method, unless you happen to have a full sized loom available?

sapphire chan, that site i posted has examples of a braided-in rugs where you incorporate the braid into the previous spiral and then you don't have to stitch it. i think the site owner cautions that stitching is actually easier. seems like braiding-in would at least give you the satisfaction of being closer to done when you were done braiding, though :shrug.

do check out that site. it has the most extensive examples and descriptions and resources on rug making of all kinds of any site i've seen.

I checked a book out a few months ago about knitting rugs and there were some really neat looking projects in it. I've not tried but am contemplating something for our front room. You can knit with strips of fabric and fabric can certainly be inexpensive, depending on what you're interested in!

I am an EX-handweaver. It will also take forever WITH a full size loom. :lol Though you could warp a loom about 2' wide, weave strips, and then sew together on a machine. Still a PITA. I met one lady who wove wall-to-wall wool carpets for her basement. Can you say retired?

Depending on your purpose for the rug (warm feet, decor, spill avoidance) you might be able to make a floor quilt. felted wool scraps + sewing machine zigzag + optional backing. Use with a non-slip pad. Or just check out IKEA :-)

If you have wood floors, you can make a floor cloth. (google this!) canvas + many layers of latex paint + a coat of varnish. Good for "decor" and floor protection, but not padded!

Thanks all! I know it would take forever to do something this big, but thought maybe I'll get some opinions. I might do a quilt type thing (that's a great idea) and hang it up on the wall. Ikea was my first choice to check out - I'll probably end up getting something there. I want something thick and padded for comfort and some sound dampening. We have hardwood floors upstairs and no rugs. I think some floor covering will make a difference with the creaky floors and noise.