Lost Art of Braid-in Rag Rugs Part 2

[@helenhunter4540]

Highly nostalgic to see and hear you using the old sewing machine. My mother had a Singer. I learned later to use a treadle as well as an electric machine. Haven't used any sewing machine for years. Thanks for the memory!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

How lovely to have you share ❤ 😊.

[@patricialee-forry7840]

I used to braid rugs with my grandma years ago. I'm 75 and now going to braid for Kitty "catnip rugs". Some of my t-shirt material will be soaked and dried with catnip tea. Loved your video.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Very cool. I have never heard of that. Thank you for sharing with me.

[@browneyedsusie1]

My mother-in-law taught me how to make 7 strand rag rugs approximately 40 year ago. At the time, she was76 years old. The work of starting and braiding was exactly as you are showing here. The difference was that she used a rug hook vs a needle of pin. I still have the hook rug today, which could be very easily made - just a heavy wire that won't bend too easily, a small hook made on one end and a circle on the other end that you can slip over your finger. Works great! This is a great series of videos- love it!!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Thank you. Very interesting. Perhap you could send a photo othe that hook. It sounds quite interesting. [e-mail] Thank you for sharing.

[@browneyedsusie1]

I will do so when I find it. Have some family illness going on right now so I won't get to it for a bit.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+browneyedsusie1 no problem. I hope things will be better for your family soon. Take care!!!

[@TheSuzberry]

Thank you so much for posting. I've been looking for a project that will allow me to pass on my husband's favorite clothes to the grandkids and this looks like just the thing.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+Suzanne Berry Great! Please remember on this braid-in rug you need materials that will give some like t-shirt, jersey, polyester, nylon etc. I did not have good success with sheets because going around the corners needs the extra give as well as the extra stitches. Good Luck with our project!!

[@katisme5137]

I really love this. Going to do this since I have all these old t-shirts. Thank you for your lovely demo. ♥♥♥

[@RagRugsbyErin]

kay lee My pleasure! I hope you enjoy it.

[@cactuswren9771]

Your wonderful old sewing machine reminds me of my Cherokee great grandma (born 1884) who made rag rugs with her ancient treadle sewing machine when I was little! She used to use nylon stockings and other fabrics! Just seeing your machine brought back fond memories of her love. I never knew how grandma made rugs except to watch her sew the strips!! I think she used a loom to weave them. But I love this method that requires no loom!! :)) Anxious to try this!! Makes me very happy. THX!!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Great. Glad the tutorial stirred up so many pleasant memories. Hope you enjoy making the rug.

[@hibiscusfreak]

Same here! My grandparents (born in 1893 and 1895) had a machine exactly like this. Doesn't it also have a foot pedal? The last time I saw it was 1972.

[@joshangout9609]

Thank you Erin! I am so excited!!! I went to the store to see how much a cheap rug would cost me. And remembered that I have piles of fabric scraps and old shorts, pants, etc... that I can upcycyle into rugs, skipped paying $7 for something that I don't really care for, and headed home to learn how to braid my OWN rug. I am so thankful for these videos!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+Joanna Bewley Great. I certainly enjoy hearing that. I have over 70 videos on rag rug making, perhaps you will see another rug or 2 that peaks your interest. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

[@Christiarc]

Can’t wait to try this! BTW, love your machine. I have used a ‘45 White Rotary since ‘73 🤗 I love my ancient machine, too

[@RagRugsbyErin]

I hope you enjoy the process. I have over 100 videos on rag rugs.

[@Ptsd8741]

Erin, I am so glad to have found this tutorial. Thank you!! I would love to see the cabinet of your Universal sewing machine and a look at the machine as well. It's gorgeous

[@RagRugsbyErin]

It's darker wood. Nothing spectacular but I like it.

[@judymcelwee1078]

Erin, you are THE best teacher I've seen on You Tube. You are clear, you explain well and I certainly am going to watch again and then begin one. I've wanted to make a rag rug for years. After viewing other instructors on here I ended up with a mess. I will let you know how I did, will send you a picture if you like. Thanks too for making the final tutorial, I too was wondering how to finish it. Thanks Erin you are great. Keep up the good work.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+Judy McElwee Wondeful, Judy. I hope you have amazing success with your rug. Thank you for your kind words. I have been traveling this week teaching and meeting some of my viewers. Please feel free to send me a picture of your rug when you are finished. [e-mail]

[@mrhodes7015]

My granddaughters and I made small crocheted rag rugs but I have never tried a braided rug. Great video, you are easy to follow.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Thank you. Maybe a new project with your granddaughter 😉.

[@pyrettablaze248]

Thank-you! Thank-you! Thank-you! Easy , informative and simple. FANTASTIC tutorial! Just what I was looking for, starting my rug soon!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Great. You may want to watch my 5 strand rectangle braid-in rag rug too. It gives a lot more close ups and details for adding enough extra stitches as you go around the curves.

[@pyrettablaze248]

@@RagRugsbyErin I've book-marked them all! tysm!

[@titaniaa1456]

Loved your ancient machine😍😁

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Thank you 😊.

[@hossenfeffer8383]

I love my little antique sewing machine the best of all my machines too. Never fail, good strong stitches, ready for anything. Thank you for excellent videos.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

That makes me 😀 grin.

[@lauraclay8708]

i have been wanting to make a rag rug for years. your video was inspiring! i love your no nonsense approach, and you very patient and your instructions very clear. this gave me the confidence to get started. i am ready to start gathering fabrics,. i am sure i will be visiting this site often , and i hope you will be adding more . thank you...

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Lovely. Thank you for sharing. I hope you have a wonderful time creating.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Check out my Facebook page, Rag Rugs by Erin. I a lot there. 😀

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Thank you. I hope you have loads of fun. I have over 100 tutorials mostly on rag rugs.

[@roxannesumners5039]

Ooohh, thank you Erin! I’ve always loved these rugs but could NOT figure out how to make them. Your videos are GREAT.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Great. I hope you enjoy creating your own rag rug.

[@deniseheredia3117]

Fantastic! ! your explanation of this lost art was superb. ....

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+Denise heredia Thank you and thank you for viewing. Enjoy the rest of your week!!!

[@beckybailey6695]

Thank you! Your instructions are very helpful!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

My pleasure. I am glad you found it helpful.

[@marianjhart1231]

Hi! I've been trying to figure out braided t-shirt rugs for about a year! This is do helpful!!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Great!! I am so happy it helped. This is my motivation to making these videos. I will be making a video soon on how to finish the braid-in rag rug.

[@LindaMenzies]

Whoop!!! Whoop! You got me hooked :) Thank you Erin

[@RagRugsbyErin]

LOL! ! You got me grinning! Enjoy!! My pleasure. Have a great week.

[@crystalhart1094]

Your machine is something to be proud of....

[@peacefulMae]

Erin, I LOVE your videos - thank you SO much! :)

[@RagRugsbyErin]

My pleasure. Thank you so much for viewing.

[@SavedbyGraceCT]

Love your sewing machine 😊

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Thank you!!!

[@missyretzlaff758]

Love your old machine! I have one similar to it, But it needs repaired and they guy I use to take it has passed on, so No singer sewing repair man anymore. But I still have it hoping ti find someone to repair it yet.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

I hope you find someone to work on your older sewing machine. I certainly enjoy mine. You might ask in an independent fabric or quilting store and see if they have any suggestions. Thanks for viewing.

[@missyretzlaff758]

Thank you! I live in a rural community, so it's hard to get somewhere that has those type of stores

[@diannep6945]

Love your machine,I have come across your videos at a awesome time (we are all quarantined right now 4/2/2020 🤩‼️

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Stay safe and healthy!!!!

[@wasanthed8214]

Me too 2020.04.18😙😙😙😁😂😃

[@АмарЖан]

Хакикий мастер жуда зор тукиб кучркпн рахмат урганябмиз , Узбекистон,,,

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Ташаккур барои суханони нек ва саховатмандонаатон.

[@lisajarvis3820]

A clipboard 📋 comes in handy to start the braiding!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Good idea 👍.

[@TRACELHENTZ]

Thank you Erin. I bought a few handmade gorgeous rag rugs on the Oregon Coast in the 1990s and need to fix one. Hope you show how we could fix one.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

I don't have a tutorial on how to fix a rag rug. There are many different types of rag rugs. I have repaired a braid in one like this and that inspired this tutorial series. If you are interested you can email me pictures and I might be able to suggest so things. [e-mail].

[@elizabethtailor111]

General rule for all sewers- use the machine as a third hand by putting work in machine presser foot down is your hold. If it slips, put needle down. Sheer strength on needle will hold work. Also useful when taking apart work, done all the time in alterations. (Learn to use 1 edged razor blade to take apart each stitch.) Useful here, when you start. Should make it much easier to start. Again, cut sheets on bias for curl and stretch.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Thank you for sharing.

[@iwk-world]

Thank you, now I have an idea how to start. What a gorgeous sewing machine

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Thank you! 🙋

[@cathyarcher4187]

LOVE THE SEWING MACHINE...IM WAITING TO GO IN FOR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY AFTER FOUR BACK SURGERIES N NEED MY NECK FUSED N KNEES REPLACED...UGH!!! My hubby of 20 yrs this month is dying of heart n liver failure n I so need project ideas to keep me sane...thank u so much 4ur postings n showing me this lost art....my auntie makes these but told me NO WHEN I ASKED HER TO SHOW ME HOW...THANK THE LORD 4 UTUBE N PEOPLE LIKE U....BYE 4now...Cathy

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+CATHY ARCHER I very sorry to hear about all the difficult things you are facing. I can not begin to image how difficult things are for you and your family. Projects are indeed a good diversion to keep the mind occupied. My channel has over 50 videos dedicated to rag rug making. Lots of of help and information videos as well as many rugs. I wish you the best with what is facing you and may God comfort you and your husband. Take care!!

[@susanvasquez3625]

If you take your three strips of material and cut a slit at the end of each (as you do when joining new lengths in) leaving about an inch or so, then put all three on top of each other with the slits lining up, you can pull the ends through the slits - all at the same time. This will join the fabric without needing to sew. Then cut a slit in one of the strips where you want to add the 4th strip, and a strip through the end of the 4th strip, feed the new end through the existing and pull the end of the new one through its slit. Totally no sew. Alternatively, you could just take 2 strips of fabric, fold in half (not QUITE in half, make sure you stagger them to have 4 different lengths) and start braiding. You can either do a 4-strand braid or just hold two strands together as you braid.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

If you watch my 5 strand rectangle braid-in rag rug it does it some what that way.

[@vantran-orangecounty]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@RagRugsbyErin]

My pleasure!

[@jmoore0929]

looks like a good project

[@RagRugsbyErin]

jmoore0929 Thank you!

[@lisajarvis2838]

Clipboards are good for holding while doing the first braid section!!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+Lisa Jarvis yes. I have found I don't need anything because I don't braid it that tight.

[@lisajarvis2838]

I'm disabled- have bad joints- so the clipboard helped me a lot

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Great. I am glad you found something that helps.

[@umstetter]

An idea to make starting the braid even easier. Take a binder clip and clip it onto the strands just before or after where you've stitched them together. Put a pushpin or nail with a head into a wall, desk or just a piece of scrap wood. Then you can braid it without so much wobbliness in the fabric. Thank you for these videos. And personally, I think we could pass for sisters, you're just way slimmer than I am. lol

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+Darlene Burgess (umstetter) LOL. Thank you for the suggestions with the binder clip. I will have to consider one of those techniques in the future. Have a great day and thank you for viewing!!

[@maureenrobinson4474]

Thank you, starting to save fabric right now.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Enjoy the process.

[@frenchpizza9725]

Beautiful work you. Blessings to all

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Thank you. The same to you!

[@biggieshaq]

Erin my girlfriend loves your videos. I was wondering where to start to look for a used sewing machine for her. we both lost our jobs due to coronavirus but, I can spare a little to get her one.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Thrift stores. Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity etc. I hope you find one.

[@sandrataylor2323]

I learned to sew on a Singer treadle sewing machine.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

😊

[@vickijones3608]

To start your braid you could put it under the foot of your machine and put the needle Down and it would hold it for to to get started.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

😉😀

[@zosobean6249]

I need help with bubbling.. I think one of the fabrics I used was far more elastic than the others(this one stretching shirt has lasted far longer than others that were far bigger) in my defense (lol) this is my first time and my goodness the rug looks fantastic! I mean... I'm proud of this.. it just seems to want to turn into a bowl sometimes... If I put a large box of books on it will it finally settle after it's done?

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Sorry you are having trouble. I don't think the book thing will work. You are probably not adding enough extra stitches as you go around the curves. Watch my 5 strand rectangle braid-in rag rug it shows more close ups and details as you go around the curves. I hope that helps.

[@Bunefoo401]

Oh man, I love your sewing machine ... it would scare me to death tho. Thank you for sharing

[@RagRugsbyErin]

This machine is the easiest one I have ever used.

[@melaniekrousseau]

Erin! I am so happy that I found your page. I inherited a room size braid in rag rug (its huge) and have spent so much time admiring it that I really wanted to learn how to make my own - or runners to go with it. Question, my rug has solid braids colours rather then a mix of colours within the braid like your tutorial does - if I were to use one colour for the four parts of the braid - would i create the same effect? Maybe you already have a video on this - if so could you direct me to it? Again, very excited to have found your channel! 10/10

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Melanie, Glad you are excited to make your own braid-in rag rug. I don't have a tutorial on using one color nor have I ever done one that way. If your rug is one color than of course you could do it that way. My 2 concerns would be keeping the strands in order without having different colors and finding enough t-shirts one color. If you have additional questions please email me because response to this could be missed because of the way KZbin organizes things. [e-mail] Hope that helps.

[@maryhettig6198]

Hello, I cant' wait to get started. How do I figure how much material to get? As you suggest I am going to use jersey. Thanks much!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+mary hettig It depends on the size of the jerseys. I would say 12 to 25 shirts. It depends on how big you want your rug. I have not bought cut yardage. 3 to 5 yards? Update me if time permits. Have fun!

[@lorikilpatrick7848]

this is just what i was looking for, thank you for sharing this. however, i was wondering can you use old bath towels to do this??or would they be too thick?

[@RagRugsbyErin]

My pleasure. I have been asked that question before about using bath towels. I do not know the answer for sure however based on my experience I do not think it would work well. Towels do not have much give and I think going around the corners would be difficult. I also make a lot of crochet rag rugs with sheets. If the sheets are not high enough thread count they are difficult to work with because they are not smooth enough. Towels would be the same or more difficult. I think the towels will be difficult to pull through the stitches. Using towels would however be nice for rugs used in the bathroom. Hope that helped!!! Thanks for watching and good luck.

[@lorikilpatrick7848]

Erin Halvorsen that is what i was afraid of after watching your video! thanks for such a quick reply!

[@peacefulMae]

+lori kilpatrick Did you ever make/start one, Lori?

[@katevonkorff4150]

+Erin Halvorsen I have not tried it, but others make bathroom rugs with old fleece, from shirts, pants or those throws they sell cheap. It is supposed to be quite absorbent. Not sure how it would braid, this was with the toothbrush method.

[@christiyorkartist]

Is this method better for specific fabrics than the other method (braided THEN sewn)? Trying to choose a method to get started and I can't decide which one to try. I will have a mix of different styles of fabrics. Thank you!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

I recommend, especially for the first one, t-shirt yarn. Something with some a bit of stretch. My many free help videos are on my website www.ragrugsbyerin.com . No account needed. Just click on the link in the Playlist description and view as many times as you like for

[@MsDee1129]

I would really like to try this but I'm not sure as to how to cut the t-shirts ... I'll look to see if those instructions are in another video

[@RagRugsbyErin]

My tutorial for that is T-shirt Yarn No Sew Method ONE Long Strip. Hope that helps 😊.

[@leslietait2445]

Can you use three strands or does it have to be four

[@RagRugsbyErin]

I have only made it with 4 or more strands.

[@angelalewandowsk6945]

When you say jersey material, how s that different than T-shirts? Any materials to look for or not look for?

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+Angela Lewandowsk I would say that jersey material has more polyester and more give then standard t-shirts. You need to use a material that gives. Examples: T-shirt, jersey, polyester, nylon. Avoid material that does not give. Examples: sheets, towels, linen, wool etc. If the material does not have enough give you will have trouble getting your rug to lay flat and not pucker. I hope that helps. Remember to add some extra stitches as you go around the corners/ends or your rug will start to cup up like a bowl.

[@annaalva2320]

My grandma had these all over the house. She made them. I am sure looking at them she did them this way, and not with a loom

[@RagRugsbyErin]

It is so nice to have things spark memories from our childhood ✨️.

[@krispagani4560]

Erin, i am on my second rug and seem to be having a repeat problem,,,, seems that as my rug gets bigger, it tends to buckle. could you give me some advice. i'm using cotton tshirts, and i am making sure my stitches are not pulled too tight. my strips are cut about a little over an inch wide.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+kris pagani I know you said you are not pulling too tight but I think that is probably your problem. The only other thing I can think of is you are not adding enough extra stitch as you go around the corners.

[@krispagani4560]

define extra stitch

[@RagRugsbyErin]

As you go around the corners you must use some of the same holes/stitches/entry places and go in twice. Thus adding extra stitches to get around the corners. When you go around any arch the bigger the arch gets the longer the line must be. There are 4 parts to this tutorial plus how to finish a braid-in rug. One of my Playlists Rag Rug Information and Help Videos has 17 videos to help explain certain aspects in more detail. One of the videos might help explain this concept with more detail and clarity even though it is talking about an oval crochet rag rug. It is Keep and Oval Rag Rug Flat and Smooth and here is the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3Orl56Qiq6YbMU I hope this helps.

[@krispagani4560]

thank you so much for your help,, i am sure this was my problem.

[@mregister3945]

Instead of using t-shirt fabric, would using bias-cut cotton fabric work?

[@RagRugsbyErin]

It could help but the trick is adding enough extra stitches as you go around the curves. My 5 strand rectangle braid-in rag rug shows more close ups and details with this.

[@ginamawson3829]

Have the general idea..BUT CANT FIND A VIDEO WITH YOU SHOWING HOW TO START??

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Gina Mawson Gina, Thank you for viewing. The "Lost Art of Braid-in Rag Rugs" has 5 videos. Part 1 is an overview. --- Part 2, at approximately the 1 minute mark, shows how to get started.---- Part 3 shows how to add the 4th strand and start braiding it into the rug. Part 4 shows more details about getting around the corners. The 5th video is called "How to FINISH a Braid-in Rag Rug". I hope that clarifies which Braid-in Rag Rug has what on it. My KZbin channel "Erin Halvorsen" has 23 videos all on rag rug making and includes all of those videos. Good Luck and have a good day.

[@suzettemontgomery4964]

My first rug is about 2 ft in length now but it is buckling terribly :(. I’m doing double stitches on the curves, tried double stitches but skipping a loop, nothing seems to work. When done, if I wet it and flatten with books or something do you think it will flatten or what am I doing wrong?

[@RagRugsbyErin]

I am sorry you are having trouble. "Tried doing double stitches but skipping a loop". I am unsure what that means. If you have not watched my 5 strand rectangle braid-in rag rug tutorial I suggest you watch that. It shows more close ups and details about adding extra stitches as you go around the curves. You are probably not adding enough extra stitches as you go around the curves. It is easier with t-shirt yarn until you get that mastered.

[@craighartley435]

Can you please tell me if that is a size 13 or 16 (UK sizes) Tapestry needle? My wife and I are going to start this as a joint hobby/project and are in the process of getting everything together.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+Craig Hartley I do not know in UK. However it is the bigger of the 2 or should I say it has a larger eye.

[@craighartley435]

Erin Halvorsen OK thank you. We will get the 13 size as that is the bigger of the two here. :)

[@RealMelodyBlue]

My grandmother had one of those sewing machine!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

😊 nice memories!

[@michelledarkling6690]

I love that old Singer machine! Is it genuine or is it a replica? Either way, it's really cool!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

It's genuine. It been in my husband's family for years. ☀️🙂

[@teresaburkedukes1165]

Can you make them with any materials I don't have much tshirts material.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Some people use cotton but I prefer material that is stretchy. You should watch my 5 strand rectangle braid-in rag rug tutorial it shows more close ups and details about adding extra stitches as you go around the curves.

[@ellyberghoef1866]

Erin, have you tried braiding with flannel sheets? Someone gifted me several sheets! Thank you!!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

No, but I am sure it can be done if you add enough extra stitches as you go around the curves.

[@ellyberghoef1866]

Erin Halvorsen, thank you, Erin! I appreciate your quick reply. I’ll send you a photo if I’m successful. It will be a winter project! 💕

[@jmsauctionbarn2492]

Do you have to go through the same stitch a couple of times at the ends even when you have gone around a few times

[@RagRugsbyErin]

You do need to continue to add extra stitches as you go around the curves.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

This is a 4 part series plus a video on how to end it. You might want to watch my 5 strand rectangle braid-in rag rug tutorial it shows more close ups and details as you go around the curves and adding extra stitches.

[@jmsauctionbarn2492]

@@RagRugsbyErin thanks I figured it out almost have one done

[@RagRugsbyErin]

@@jmsauctionbarn2492 Wonderful

[@monnysilva3102]

Boa noite Erin eu amo máquinas antigas dessas aí elas são lindas e fortes , mostre os detalhes dessa máquina por favor tá 👍Deus -lhe abençoe !

[@RagRugsbyErin]

É uma beleza. Ultimamente não tenho costurado muito. Estou viajando e ensinando no momento e longe da máquina. Obrigado por seu comentário agradável.

[@Deodoto]

I see one of the strips is a pattern. What material do you use for this?

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+Nathan Zumwalt It is a woman's jersey. It is a poly-cotton blend. The orginal rugs that I got to view and handle where made with nylon materials. You need to use something that has quite a bit of give. Sheets did not work for me. Good luck!!

[@Deodoto]

+Erin Halvorsen Thanks. Loveyour site.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

Great!! My pleasure!!

[@brooke54220]

How do the different widths affect the look of the rug.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

The wider the sheet yarn the thinker the rug. You can also use 2 pieces at the same time. You can view that on one of my 2 ply rag rug tutorials. That really changed the look of the rug.

[@cjlee-e]

Do you happen to know shirret rug making (I think that is the correct spelling) I would love to know how to start a shirret rug. I have a book and the needle it is just starting I'm confused on. thanks

[@RagRugsbyErin]

I am sorry to say I don't have a tutorial on that. Hope you can find someone to help you with that 😊.

[@cjlee-e]

@@RagRugsbyErin ok thanks

[@jturtle5318]

Maybe you mean shirred? I've seen rugs made by "old folks" using a fabric strip with a gathering stitch run down the center, then gathered or shirred and then coiled, so that the rug is standing on the edge of the fabric instead of flat.

[@cjlee-e]

@@jturtle5318 Yes thank you that is what I mean. I've seen some KZbin's on this but none really explain how to start it. I have the needle, twine and fabric so I may just attempt it . Thanks again

[@robertcarey8294]

Why not put it under the presser foot , move your chair away and start to braid ?.

[@RagRugsbyErin]

👍😊

[@andyforbes6632]

If you know how to braid 4 strands can you start with 4 strands instead of 3??

[@RagRugsbyErin]

I would say so. I am working on a different shape braid-in rug and I am starting with 5 strands and it is working well. Good luck. Let me know how it turns out if time permits. Take care.

[@lisajarvis2838]

Instead of needle or safety pin - you could use a crochet hook yes!!

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+Lisa Jarvis I don't think that would work for this rug. Let me know if you try it and have success.

[@rusynbaba]

I didn’t use either. I forgot to take safety pins with me when I took my scraps in a bag to work. I just wove the t-shirt fabric in with my fingers.

[@wade99able]

Can't wait to try this! About how many shirts does it take to make 1 rug?

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+wade99able 12 to 25 - It depends how big you make your rug and what size the t-shirts are. Hope you have fun!!!

[@mygirl1129]

❤️

[@RagRugsbyErin]

😊😊

[@yakkyjoe1]

How do these rugs hold up if washed in a machine?

[@RagRugsbyErin]

+A Shipman Fantastic. I have a video on that. How to make a rag rug last for years. It's in my playlist Rag Rug Information and Help Videos.

[@karenfoster5705]

Your video ended before we were able to see how to add in the forth strip. Disappointed

[@RagRugsbyErin]

You can watch part 3. There is also the final tutorial that shows how to finish the rug 🌞.