DIY a Rug From Scratch With Just a Handful of Supplies

Several years back I set out to braid my very own very large area rug and… I would never do it again lol. I have a WHOLE new respect for people who braid or create their own rugs by hand now and absolutely no longer scoff at how much some of them cost. It was a tremendous amount of work! But, in the end, I really did like how my rug turned out.

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)

It would be an understatement to claim that every home needs a cozy and aesthetically appealing rug. Our homes are far from just bricks and mortar; they’re an extension of our personalities. Since our grandma’s days, well-designed spaces have been complemented with eye-catching decor.

The only major difference is that women in the past did it all by themselves, right from scratch. Fret not! We can also add more texture and color to our spaces just like our grandmas. This blog post will discuss how to DIY a beautiful rug from scratch.

Rugs are useful not only from the standpoint of comfort but also noise absorption and thermal insulation. This DIY project will ensure you get all these benefits without spending a fortune. Let’s see how to create a rug from scratch with just a handful of supplies.

Why This Project Would Be Fun and Healthy

As you’re aware, we do all things here just like our grandmothers would. While that is a big motivation to learn to put together a rug from scratch, it’s not the only one. Such a DIY project makes room for a high level of personalization.

You can easily choose the color, pattern, or texture based on different supplies. There is also an upcycling potential since a rug can be made even from fabric scraps or old clothes. Furthermore, it’s a realm where your creative expression can thrive.

We also mentioned ‘healthy,’ which may sound a bit odd. The truth is store-bought rugs and carpets are not as harmless as you think. Many of these products are stain-resistant, which seems tempting from the viewpoint of maintenance.

However, this exact characteristic is achieved via toxic chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals have a wide market, with applications across industry verticals like –

• Firefighting, where they are used to manufacture Class B firefighting foam or Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)
• Home goods like umbrellas, upholstery, and cosmetics
• Textiles such as school uniforms
• Food packaging to make them grease-resistant

Since firefighters were directly exposed to these chemicals through AFFF, they have sustained severe injuries in the form of cancer. Thousands of them have filed the AFFF foam lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers like 3M.

TruLaw shares that PFAS are chemicals that do not easily break down. This means they can remain in the environment or human body for an indefinite period. The coatings on store-bought stain-resistant carpets or rugs can also harm you by causing hormonal imbalance, liver damage, or even thyroid disease.

One thing is certain our grandmas would never risk their family’s health, even if it meant creating a rug from scratch. So, follow in their footsteps by taking up a fun and healthy project.

Supplies You Will Need

The market for rugs and carpets in North America generated a value of $13.3 billion in 2024. It is expected to become $20.4 billion by 2034 as it exhibits a CAGR of 4.4%. This should come as no surprise because rugs are an indispensable part of modern homes. Plus, they can be pretty expensive.

Thankfully, you can enjoy a warm, cozy, and eye-pleasing rug using your own efforts and the following easy-to-find supplies –

• Multi-use netting
• Cotton piping along with fabric from craft stores
• Small rubber bands like the ones you can find on a hair aisle
• Scissors

Keep in mind that cotton piping may be available in varying thicknesses. Whether you choose 1/4th inch or 1 inch, all will work for this project. Just remember that the thicker the cotton piping, the faster your DIY will proceed.

Step-By-Step Instructions

This is the part that will give you the most fulfillment. Even in general, it has been found that arts & crafts provide a greater sense of satisfaction and well-being than one’s job. Now, let’s jump right into the part where you get to bring your rug to life. Here are the detailed instructions.

Determine the Size and Cut the Netting

First, you need to determine the length of your rug. If the rug is to be placed under a couch, 5×8 size should be ideal. In any case, determine the size before cutting the netting.

If your roll of netting is small, determine the number of pieces needed to create a 5×8 rug. For instance, if the netting is 2 feet wide, you will require three pieces that are 8 feet long for a 5×8 rug.

Figure out the number of netting pieces required, roll out the netting, and cut using a pair of scissors.

Cut the Cotton Piping

Once you’re done with the netting, move to the cotton piping. Ideally, cut pieces that are at least 4 inches long. Take special care to keep each piece’s length the same so the rug looks relatively even after completion.

For a more textured and handmade look, you can keep some variations here and there. On a more important note, be prepared to use a lot of cotton piping! You may need over 200 yards of it for a standard 5×8 rug.

However, it would still be cost-effective because cotton piping is affordable. Moreover, the rug would be all thick and fluffy at nearly half the cost of what you would find in the market.

Weave the Cotton into the Netting Grid

The third step involves weaving the cotton pieces between the netting grid. Pull each piece upwards and tie them all together using a rubber band.

At this time, do not stress about the fluffiness. After you’ve secured each piece with a rubber band, you can fluff out all the piping pieces for a more pom-pom appearance. Just keep repeating the processes described in steps 2 and 3 until all netting pieces are completely covered with cotton piping.

Assemble the Pieces

If you’ve made it so far, well done! You’re almost there as the final step involves assembling the pieces into a single unit.

By and large, this process will be similar to the one described in Step 3. However, the slight variation here would be weaving all pieces through the end of each piece of the mesh. Essentially, you’ll be securing the fluffy appearance by bringing each piece together as one.

Once you’ve joined all the pieces together, all that is left to do is trim any edges with sharp scissors. You can trim the outer edges all the way around for an even appearance. Occasionally, there will be interior pieces too that need trimming.

A Few Additional Notes

Before we close, let’s talk about two important supplies of this project: the cotton piping and the rubber bands. As stated earlier, the thicker the piping, the faster your rug will be complete. If you choose thin piping, you may require double the amount to create a soft, fluffy look.

If you’re new to such projects, it may take time before you find the piping of your choice. It doesn’t hurt to buy a small amount of different sizes and test them out. Once you’ve found the size you like, shop around to buy yardage at affordable costs.

As for the rubber bands, they may indeed deteriorate or break over time. This shouldn’t be a problem for at least years down the line but if you’re concerned, consider using a string to wrap around the cording.

On a parting note, yes this rug will shed a little and is not stain-resistant. However, it will not require any extensive maintenance except for vacuuming and occasional handwashing. Statista states that the demand for good-quality handcrafted rugs is steadily rising in North America.

With this project, you can have such a rug easily and affordably. What’s more, is the satisfaction that comes from knowing that you did it all by yourself!

(This is a contributed post, for more information about my compensation please read my disclosure policy)