Turn Rags into Rugs

Join this workshop and turn old clothes and sheets into rugs for your home or for Christmas gifts. In this relaxed and interactive workshop you will learn how to make your own rag rug from scratch using second-hand materials. No sewing needed, just braiding with simple stitching.

You will be shown a simple looping technique for making your own rug and will finish the workshop with enough knowledge, and the start of a project, to complete it at home. This is a great opportunity to upcycle those surplus fabrics and old clothes in your cupboard, divert fabric and clothing from landfill and reduce your waste footprint.

This is a ‘nomadic craft’, that can be worked on the lap without elaborate equipment. All you need to learn is how to start making an endless braid that can be coiled into a rug, and held in shape with simple stitches and it can be picked up, worked on a little, and put down until next time.

What to bring: fabric – an old shirt, blouse, pants, sheet, or pillowslip. Don’t bring stretch materials, t-shirts, knits, or heavy denim as these are not suitable.

If possible bring your scissors suitable for cutting fabric, a clothes-peg to hold the braid, cotton crochet thread for sewing and tapestry needles. If you’d like to learn a trick for heavy-duty sewing, bring a small pair of pliers and a thimble. Some spare equipment will be available if you don’t have these items.

This is a COVID-Safe event with pre-registration essential by Friday 26 November.