It seems like area rugs get kinda ignored in the DIY world. There was a day when most peoples’ area rugs were made by hand, usually from scraps of fabric, or recycled supplies and were meant to be serviceable and practical. They kept the floors warmer and more comfortable, and if one was lucky, added a little color to the room. Today it seems like an area rug can be one of the more expensive decor items in a room. Area rugs define space, pull open floor plans together, add interest, texture and color to a room. They ground a room that seems top heavy, and yes… they still add comfort and warmth! So get to it, DIY’ers! Make one of these DIY area rugs that is unique, beautiful, and practical!
How to – DIY Area Rugs
Our first project is this DIY rug from felt from ‘Conversation Pieces‘. Check out all their photos and see how they made this into a larger area rug that would fit their room.
This rope swirl tapestry rug from the blog at ‘Free People’ is one of the most unique we’ve seen! This is true art, and the perfect DIY rug project for someone who loves crafting and sewing, to be able to show off their talent. This would make an AMAZING wedding present for someone! (Ok, maybe tone down the color choices? Or maybe not!)
Love this pom pom rug from ‘Pippa Patchwork‘! It looks so cute and cozy, you just want to cuddle your toes into these type of DIY area rugs. She admits it’s time consuming, and so it’s probably a great “sewing bag” project that you pull out every night in front of the tv. I’d love it in either pale pink or yellow for a nursery!
This DIY chevron rug from ‘The House that Lars Built‘ is a version of the old fashioned rag rug DIY, with an updated pattern! Great tutorial!
Learn to make your own rope rug from ‘A Beautiful Mess‘. I love these type of DIY area rugs, because it looks nothing like my Grandmothers rugs! I saw a rug like this recently that was selling for over $300.
From ‘Viva le Jar‘, make your own rug loom and turn out this gorgeous DIY rug! This is the same idea as those potholder looms you buy as kid’s craft kits. But with a grown up result!
Remember latch hook rugs? The original DIY area rugs! I was always making ones of animals… well, in the likeness of animals, to be clear. Cats, horses, dogs. I always thought I would hang them on the wall, but it seems they never got there. (Thank goodness, but to be fair, I was 10.) This version of a DIY latch hook rug is made with old t-shirts instead of yarn, and are perfect for warming up those cold floors! From ‘Xoelle‘.
From ‘Yes, I Made That‘, this DIY felted stone rug is elegant, and looks like it could grace any upscale home. I’ve seen area rugs just like this sell in modern furniture stores for thousands… (Ok, they were a bit bigger. But still.)
Finally , if the felty, fuzzy and fabulous wasn’t enough, this coffee bag DIY rug tutorial from ‘Maiden Jane‘ is a throw rug just right for adding a conversation piece to your room!
We’re glad you had a chance to read our post on DIY Area Rugs! Jump on over to our posts on How to Reupholster Almost Anything or Do It Yourself Floor Projects for more great DIY!
Image Credits: Conversation Pieces, Free People, Pippa Patchwork, House that Lars Built, A Beautiful Mess, Viva le Jar, Xoelle, Yes, I Made That, Maiden Jane
Thanks so much for sharing my coffee sack rug tutorial!
Thanks for such a great project Jane!
TYVM you’ve solved all my prbleoms
Hi Jane! I followed the link to your site, but can’t find a tutorial for that coffee bag rug. There is only a link to your etsy store, and the coffee bag rug is, sadly, not available. Do you still have that tutorial on your site somewhere? TIA!
Kathy, is there any way you can fix some of the links on this article? Thank you!
Did not realize any of them were having issues, so thx for brining it to our attention! We will fix them ASAP!
I cut up t-shirts, then braided them. My problem is when I sewed my braids together with a zig zag my rug is not staying flat.It’s like lumpy. I unsewed it all could you give me advice or tip how to sew it please
Anyone have advice for Lorraine?
I hand sewed it all, and yes it is a very long time, but the results so far are beautiful. Keep in mind you may still get some little imperfections……it is a very long process. I recommend doing it by hand and flattening as you turn it to sew and not over tightening it as you sew either as it will make it bind if you pull too tightly. Hope this will be if some help – Good luck!
Hi
I love the rugs but where are the directions,,
The pompon so so cute…
Thank you
Dotty
Hi Dotty! It looks like the link to the pom pom rugs no longer works, so we will work on finding a new one to replace it! Thx for bringing it to our attention!
Hi, I’d love to know how to make the crafty felt rug at the top of this article how do I find out more about this rug thank you in advance.
The link is there with the photo at http://www.conversationpieces.co.uk/2010/07/16/friday-im-in-love-with-our-crafty-felt-rug/
Hope that helps you!
So how do you clean the large round black and white rug? I love how it looks was wondering how would you clean it?