Learn how easy it is to make a no sew rag rug using thrifted bed sheets with this easy step-by-step tutorial!

People have been making rag rugs for generations, but they’re starting to come back in popularity and I’m here for it! They’re the perfect mix between farmhouse and shabby chic in my opinion and they’re a great way to reuse materials. What’s great is there are so many different ways to make a rag rug including, using an old toothbrush, crochet, braiding and sewing, so it really depends on your skillset and the amount of time you want to spend creating your new rug. There’s also a lot of different materials that can be used as well to make a rag rug including old clothes, scrap fabric twine, old sheets, old blankets and so much more. Making your own rag rug makes good use of fabric that may otherwise end up in the landfill and breathes new life into it. They’re also totally customizable and you can make a wide array of sizes like larger rugs, a circular rug, runners and more.

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FAQs

What materials can I use to make this no sew rag rug?

You can use fabric scraps you may have laying around, old t-shirts cut up into strips, thrifted and/or old bed sheets or whatever material you can get your hand on that can be upcycled into a fabric yarn.

Do I need a sewing machine to make this rag rug?

This is a no-sew method, which means no sewing machine or hand sewing required! We’ll be using a very simple crochet method to create our rug. Don’t worry if you’ve never crocheted before because it’s a lot easier than you might think and I’ll break it down step by step in this tutorial!

Are rag rugs machine washable?

Yes! You can wash your rag rug in the washing machine as you would towels and sheets. Because you’re using old sheets, it’s assumed that they’ve already shrunk, so washing on warm or hot shouldn’t be an issue. You can also dry them in the dryer as well. I prefer to wash in cold with the occasional hot cycle, and hang the rug to try as opposed to putting it in the dryer. Just note that the rug will continue to fray when you wash it, but that’s kind of the look anyway.

Tips for Making Fabric Strips

There are a few ways you can get the fabric strips for this project. Check them out and decide which one works best for you.

1st Method: Measure a 2″ width of fabric, make a cut with your scissors and rip the fabric. This is easy, but the strips turn out inconsistent in width, in my experience.

2nd Method: Use a fabric measuring tape and scissors to cut 1.5″ to 2″ strips.

3rd Method: Use a rotary cutter and cutting mat, along with a ruler to get super consistent and even strips of fabric.

4th Method: Fold the bed sheet in half across the center of the width, then again, and one more time (if you have a thinner bed sheet) then cut your strips every 2 inches. This gives you two long strips at a time and was the easiest, fastest and most consistent method for me. Note that it might be harder with a flannel or a thick cotton sheet, but can be done if you have really good scissors.

HOW TO Make a No Sew Rag Rug from Thrifted Bed Sheets

Tools You May Need:

Scissors
Cutting mat and rotary cutter (optional)
Large crochet hook (15 mm or larger)

Materials Needed:

Strips of fabric from old bed sheets or t-shirt yarn (I used 4 queen top sheets to complete my rug)

Directions

To Make the Fabric Yarn

Wash and dry the thrifted bed sheets before beginning this project.

Cut the fabric into 1.5″ to 2″ strips. Check above for different methods of making the strips.

Fold one short edge of a fabric strip over 1/4 inch and make a small cut on the fold. Then do the same thing with another strip.

Lay one strip of fabric on top of the other with the holes lining up.

Feed the end of the strip that is on top up through the bottom of the hole. Pull the strip all the way through the hole and pull tight to join. Continue until you’ve got a couple large balls of yarn (or less if you’re making a smaller rug).

To Crochet a New Rug from Fabric Yarn

Start by determining the size of your rug. Create a foundation chain the length you want the rug, making sure to end on an odd number of chains.

In the second hole from the chain, insert your crochet hook and pull up a loop. You should have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through both loops. This is one single crochet.

Continue putting a single crochet in each of the foundation chain stitches until you reach the end. At the end of the row, chain two and turn your work so it’s facing the opposite way. Repeat the first row for as many rows needed to achieve the width you want your rug.

Weave in the ends of the rug by pushing them through multiple stitches and cutting off the ends once they’re woven in a few inches.

Add a non-slip mat under the rug before using!

NOTES

If you’re using a thicker material like flannel sheets, I suggest cutting them to 1″ or 1.5″ to make it easier to work with.
The wider you cut your strips, the bigger the crochet hook you’ll need and vice versa.
I used a total of about 2 top sheets for this project (this is before I’m done, so don’t know for sure)–4 (1/2) sheets
Add a non-slip mat under your rug to prevent it from becoming a tripping hazard.

No Sew Rag Rug

Active Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours

Learn how easy it is to make a no sew rag rug using thrifted bed sheets with this easy step-by-step tutorial!

Materials

Strips of fabric from old bed sheets or t-shirt yarn (I used 4 queen top sheets to complete my rug)

Tools

Scissors
Cutting mat and rotary cutter (optional)
Large crochet hook (15 mm or larger)

Instructions

To Make the Fabric Yarn

Wash and dry the thrifted bed sheets before beginning this project.

Cut the fabric into 1.5" to 2" strips. Check above for different methods of making the strips.

Fold one short edge of a fabric strip over 1/4 inch and make a small cut on the fold. Then do the same thing with another strip.

Lay one strip of fabric on top of the other with the holes lining up.

Feed the end of the strip that is on top up through the bottom of the hole. Pull the strip all the way through the hole and pull tight to join. Continue until you've got a couple large balls of yarn (or less if you're making a smaller rug).

To Crochet a New Rug from Fabric Yarn

Start by determining the size of your rug. Create a foundation chain the length you want the rug, making sure to end on an odd number of chains.

In the second hole from the chain, insert your crochet hook and pull up a loop. You should have two loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through both loops. This is one single crochet.
Continue putting a single crochet in each of the foundation chain stitches until you reach the end. At the end of the row, chain two and turn your work so it's facing the opposite way. Repeat the first row for as many rows needed to achieve the width you want your rug.
Weave in the ends of the rug by pushing them through multiple stitches and cutting off the ends once they're woven in a few inches.
Add a non-slip mat under the rug before using!

Notes

If you're using a thicker material like flannel sheets, I suggest cutting them to 1" or 1.5" to make it easier to work with.

The wider you cut your strips, the bigger the crochet hook you'll need and vice versa.
I used a total of about 2 top sheets for this project (this is before I'm done, so don't know for sure)--4 (1/2) sheets
Add a non-slip mat under your rug to prevent it from becoming a tripping hazard.

Looking for more easy DIY home decor projects?

Looking for more easy sewing projects like this rag rug tutorial? Check these out:

Did you try making a rag rug? If you did, I’d really love to see it. Tag me on Instagram (@thesimplehomeplace) to show me your own recreation of this tutorial!

How to Make a No Sew Rag Rug from Thrifted Bed Sheets

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VIDEO TUTORIAL

FAQs

What materials can I use to make this no sew rag rug?