CTF E81: Making a Toothbrush Rag Rug (aka Amish Rag Rug)

[@bryansloesshillshomestead4523]

I'm going to try this. My mom crochet's. I've tried it when I was little. I have always been a fan of rag rugs. Always wanted to know how to make them. Now I know. Thanks! Great video!

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

This is SO much easier than crocheting! Thank you so much for watching today, Bryan!

[@artiehellenga368]

This is only video I’ve seen that doesn’t use that second strip to work around. Great informative video!

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

I love crafts that are versatile in their production. The great thing about the Amish Toothbrush Rag Rug is all the different ways to make it! :) Thank you so much for visiting with us today :)

[@BlueGardenCottage]

Thought about a rag-rug a couple of weeks ago and then forgot about it. Consigned it to the 'sometime in the future' pile of ideas. Thanks for the reminder. This seems a much quicker and simpler method so it may move to the top of the list!!!

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

You sound like me. I have like 40 projects in various stages. I sort of float to one or the other as the whim moves me, lol. They all get done eventually or in the order that they're needed. This rug is fast and uses up scraps, old clothes, etc. I love it.

[@CreatingASimplerLifeOffGrid]

This is AWESOME!! I so have to try this with some old sheets I was saving❤️❤️

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

Bed sheets work awesomely in any type of rag rugs! Have fun!

[@CreatingASimplerLifeOffGrid]

Canterbury Trails Farm I can’t wait to try!

[@blissfulacresoffgridhomest2098]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@hardnackfarms1736]

I am watching again to make sure I have the technique down, this is so neat. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful art. Wendy

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

I have one I need to finish so we can rip out the old flooring in my sewing room/room where the kids hang out at the homestead! lol. Thank you for watching, Wendy :)

[@EastMesaUrbanHomestead]

Very cool 😎

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

Thank you!

[@KathgoKat]

Very cool way to start the rug...never seen them started this way ! ,Beautiful rug!!!

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

Glad I could be helpful! Thank you so much for the kind words. Thank you for joining us today :)

[@120acrewood7]

Thanks for following us. Subbed back. Beautiful and great historical information on where they came from.

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

Thank you for the sub! Looking forward to sharing y'all's adventures!

[@hardnackfarms1736]

I love this! You are so talented! Wendy🥶

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

Thank you, Wendy. And, thank you so much for your continued support :)

[@orbs66]

Thank you sooo much, love your easy way of showing how to make a rug!!!. Definitely going do it ASAP

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

I am so happy you enjoyed the video and found it helpful! Have fun making your rug! It's an addicting craft :) Thank you for joining us today :)

[@orbs66]

Yes def dear one, amazing how fast it grows. God bless you Karen 🙏

[@hardnackfarms1736]

This is very neat, I would like to attempt one of these someday! Thank you for sharing!

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

I hope you do...and share it with us :) Thank YOU for watching

[@MicroFarmStarter]

Very nice!!! I make a toothbrush rug also. But I make mine different. I bought a book on eBay and my first needle. My pattern shows me how to make increases and decreases so I can make ovals, hearts and circles shapes. Thanks for sharing! I enjoyed week g a different way to make a toothbrush rug. ❤️❇️❤️~Kelly

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

Oh, yes, increases are easy, you just add more stitches per loop so each row is larger than the first. I've always found the decreases a bit trickier, lol. Hearts would be pretty!

[@theuniversalhomesteader7155]

I tried to make a braded rug our of old teashirts. Total fail! So when I get time I will have to try this! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

Braided rugs are a long process. I still make them from time to time, but this toothbrush method basically is just a blanket stitch and goes soooo fast. The key is to watch each row and add more loops to keep it flat. Experiment on a smaller project like a placemat type size. You can do it! :)

[@yearsgoneby7435]

Very similar to net making, looks like something I coul do with a bit of practice

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

It's super easy! And so satisfying putting all that rag scrap to use. Thank you so much for watching!

[@TheBearRiverHomestead]

That is so cool...gonna have to give it a try! Just found your channel...new subscriber here! Keep up the awesome videos ❤🌿

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

Thank you so much, and welcome! I hope you have fun with the rug :)

[@BlueGardenCottage]

Such a great idea for the pathways. Will be looking forward to see how that works for you. I am always looking for natural ways to crate stuff for the garden or home. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

I'm hoping to get some of that done this year so I'll have them ready when I want to start planting. Need a couple of years to amend the terrible soil though. Happy to have inspired :)

[@theuniversalhomesteader7155]

My braid rug that I failed on puckered in the middle. I did the same continuous way to add the straps. As I watch this it looks cooler. I really need to try this. We need RV rugs.

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

That's a common problem, especially with round rugs. It takes on a basket type effect -- which is caused by tension. Making sure each new row is wider than the first is the key. Braided rugs also need to be sewn on a flat surface to make sure they are sewn level, if not, the sewing can also make them "basket up" in the center.

[@builtontherockhomestead9390]

I have a friend who volunteers at the thrift store. They throw away a lot of clothes that no one would buy. Either stained or damaged some how. This would be a great way to repurpose some of that clothing

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

That would be an excellent source of fabric, just cut in strips. I've found you can cut a shirt, etc in almost continuous strips by starting at the bottom and going up in a spiral. Skirts have a lot of fabric too. Seams don't matter in the strip as you don't usually see them in the finished rug.

[@blissfulacresoffgridhomest2098]

Is this hard to do? I can do basic crochet. This looks to be a lot easier. I want to make some of these for our home. Got to ask, do you actually walk on it😳😰🥴?

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

No, these are soooo easy. I make traditional braided rugs too -- and those take F.o.r.e.v.e.r.! These you can whip out in a couple of hours (depending on how many sit down hours you have, lol). We use them until they basically fall apart. That's why I love using scrap fabrics or left overs from making quilts, or old clothing otherwise destined for the rag bag. You don't even really have to have an implement, I've used just my fingers before. I don't make many things that don't actually get used -- I'm all about saving money and practicality. Give this a try...the strips don't even have to be uniform, lol.

[@blissfulacresoffgridhomest2098]

@@CanterburyTrailsFarm I can hardly wait! I already have some strips and the fact that they don't have to be exact ask perfect for me! videos are so awesome!

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

Awesome! I can't wait to see your finished rug! Have fun!

[@blissfulacresoffgridhomest2098]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4KWaqKdepmUaZI I posted my video response. Sorry it took so long!

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

@@blissfulacresoffgridhomest2098 Thank you so much! I love your design. Very cool. Happy to have inspired!

[@theuniversalhomesteader7155]

How does it keep adding loops?

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

When you're adding new loops to the loop beneath, instead of just sewing one new loop per old loop, it's sometimes necessary to add 2 new loops per 1 old loop, if that makes sense. The best way to construct the rug is on a flat surface so you can constantly check the center and new rows and start adding more loops or sewing looser loops to decrease the "basketing" tendency. When doing large rugs, at a certain point, I usually move to working on the floor so the entire rug can be spread out evenly.

[@cindysmith3720]

you know for a needle..you can cut off the handle of a spatula or any kitchen tool with a hole in the handle,,go to Dollar Tree and fill up your sewing basket!!

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

Great tip! I used the end of a toothbrush with a hole in it (Plastic) for years before I bought a "real" one, lol. The larger items like you suggest would be really good for people with more difficult arthritis in their hands! Thanks for stopping in today!

[@cindysmith3720]

@@CanterburyTrailsFarm You can also order the toothbrush needle nr Ebay or Amazon for around $7.00...I have ordered several cause I keep losing mine...Love your videos...

[@CanterburyTrailsFarm]

@@cindysmith3720 Yes, I believe I mention that in the video. I have several.

[@KathgoKat]

Made a few out of tips of deer antlers to use with heavy flannel strips..but my favorite too is a BIG Safety Pin !!!