Last time we met, we worked on the preliminary work for our braid rug. Today we are going to get to the fun part.
The first thing you need to do is to decide what size and shape you want your rug. Start simple. My first braid rug was heart shaped and I caused myself a lot more work than I had to.
Materials Needed:
- Heavy gauge or upholstery needle
- Upholstery thread
- Scissors
- Fabric strips
- Optional-fabric cones
Fabric cones are metal pieces that you feed the fabric into and it folds it as it works through the cone. They aren't necessary but can be nice to have. Without the cones, you will need to fold in the sides of the fabric to meet in the center and then fold them in again. This will give you a thick surface. You can tack it along the length if you choose but it is not necessary.
When doing a braid rug you need to be flexible in allowing it to evolve. It may mean you need to stop and repeat the prep work occasionally depending on how much you have on stock. That's alright.
In determining the length of your beginning base you need to do a little math. Don't panic, it isn't too bad. Say I want a rug that is 3' x 2' for in front of the kitchen sink. I will subtract 2 from three and start with a one foot section. On the same note if I were making an 8' runner that is 2' wide, I would subtract 2 from 8 and begin with a 6' length as my core.
Using the needle and thread, sew together three folded lengths of fabric. We will be using three pieces for the braid. That is the minimum. You can actually use more but for a first time, I would recommend using three.
Braid the fabric as you would braid anything, end over end. Continue until you get near the end of your fabric length. Leave the end open to be able to attach the next fabric strips.
Lay out a one foot length. We will be working around this piece. It is considered your core.
Wrap the fabric so it lays flat side by side to your core. Using your needle and thread, sew these together. The closer the stitches the stronger it will be but you don't need to get too small. I would recommend about 1/8th inch spaces between stiches. Continue wrapping and sewing. Make sure the braids are laying flat next to each other.
When adding the next fabric strips, open the fabric you are working on and overlap the new fabric into it. Then fold it back up and continue sewing.
Continue around until the rug is the desired size.
End off by clipping off any remaining fabric. Sew the ends into the side of the rug, tapering as you go so you don't have an abrupt ending to your rug.
Congratulations! You have just made your first braid rug. Try different shapes, fabrics, colors and sizes. Have fun with it.
