Now that I’m finished ranting and raving about how much I’ve enjoyed this project, I will tell you how you can make a fabulous, warm, and sturdy rug of your own.
First, you need several pairs of old blue jeans (I used 7). They can be well worn and loved. Cut away all the seams, hems, and pockets so that you just have jean fabric. I saved the pockets for a children’s quilt that I want to make.
If there are holes, use a sewing machine to sew the holes together. This is important if the knees are worn through, because it will take a long time to finish if you are using small scraps.
Now, starting at one end, cut a 3/4″ strip until you reach 1/2″ from the opposite end. Now turn your fabric 180 degrees, leave another 3/4″ and start cutting down along parallel. The idea is to create one long strip from each panel of jeans. You don’t need to be exact, where the fabric is wider, I cut wider to use up as much material as I could. Because the panel is a funny shape, there will be some odd pieces left over that you can’t make use of.
Wind the strips into skeins as you go, or else you will be stuck with a big tangled mess.
Now, it is time to learn to crochet, and for that you are going to have to look elsewhere. I suggest trying here. I would try to teach you, but as this is my first time crocheting, I really do think that you would be better off with someone a bit more experienced.
I started off making a chain of 18 stitches (using the largest crochet hook you can find, mine was K+), and then used a single crochet stitch to go around and around. How many stitches you start off with depends on what dimensions you want the finished product to be. My rug is approximately 41″ by 31″ and the original chain was about 12″. This means that if you do a chain that is 20″ then you will end up with an oval that is aproximately 20″ longer in one direction than the other. I am currently contemplating making another rug for my hallway, and that one I think would need a much longer starting chain.
When you get to the end of one strip of fabric, just make a half inch slit about 3 inches in into both the end of the fabric and the beginning of the next. Pull the ends through the opposite hole to keep them stable and just crochet them in, it won’t be noticeable in the end product.
I didn’t use a pattern, and just added increases as I went along, as needed. If you want a bit more instruction, Vintage Chica has a good outline as well.
I know that all of this seems like a lot of work, but it is easier than it looks, and it goes by quite quickly once you get the hang of it. The nice thing about crochet instead of braiding is that there is no sewing involved and you get to see the finished product as you go along, which for me is key. I really need the sense of satisfaction that I just added 5 inches to my rug to keep me going.
Your rug looks beautiful! WOW! well done!
Thanks! I’m glad you like it!!!
Hi Nofg,
I have tried to crochet with denim to make a rug just like yours. I found it very difficult to do because of how thick the denim was. Did you find this difficult. By the way, I am an avid crocheter. My problem is finding patterns that I really like. I would like to make money some day.
Deanna,
I think that you might find the trick is to make sure that your stitches are too tight. If you crochet very tightly, it can be very hard to pull the loop through.
I found it hard for about the first hour that I tried it, but after a while, it started moving much faster.
I hope this helps!
[…] How to Make Becca’s Jean Rag Rug […]
So great!!! Love the rug.
I would love to talk with you at your conveniance. I am very lucky I still have a 93 yrs old grand-ma that still teaches me skills that most people have never had the opportunity to learn. Like how to make the best spring soup with out buying anything.
Simona
Your rug is gorgeous and it is so kind of you to share your experience with us. I will try it. It would be nice to donate to our little Christian schools’ silent auction if I get it done in time. My first thought was to go to the Salvation Army to buy old jeans. Thank you.
I am a Volunteer at our community Food Bank. We’re a non-profit with a multitude of missions.
Members of our community regularly donate old clothing amongst other things to share with the less fortunate.
This leaves us ALSO with the problem of unused items going to the local landfill.
What a thrill to find your website. The idea of recycling our tons of waste into a rug to use…exciting.
Your directions…very easy to understand.
Your rug is lovely. Thank-you ever so much for sharing it with us.
Sunshine and Rainbows!
My son has outgrown many pairs of jeans and I was looking for a rug project. I found your website and am so excited to begin my new project. I’ll keep you posted on the outcome! Thanks for your website and the great idea!!
I’m making a rug as well. I have wanted to for years but just now have the time and patience. I, too volunteer at our local foodbank which also has clothes….clothes that aren’t fit for others are thrown away and they are great for rag rugs! I imagine that anyone could get a bag of rags from most thrift stores or goodwill stores if they asked or even donated a couple of dollars. I think maybe the problem one would encounter with a jean rag rug would maybe solved by cutting the strips a little narrower. My biggest problem with the rugs is adding stitches to make it bigger……not enough stitches and it bubbles and curls, too many and it ripples. Want some more great ideas like homemade soap and homemade laundry soap(which is REALLY easy to make and works better than anything on the market)? I found a lot of great stuff on TipNut.com I’ve just found a lot of great country girl ideas there.Great going on this site! And good luck on all of your projects!
Good directions and very nice looking rug. I tried a braided rug out of strips of blanket material and found the same problem with getting it too tight to sew the strips together. Took time to work it out, but the rug is wonderful underfoot during our mid-west winters. I really enjoy your website and am still learning at 70 years.