DIY Recycled Clothing Rug: Upcycle Old Clothes into a Stunning Home Decor!

Updated at: 09/05/2025

Tired of overflowing closets and landfills brimming with unwanted clothing? Turn your textile trash into treasure with this exciting DIY project! Transform your old clothes into a unique and stunning recycled clothing rug, adding a touch of personality and sustainable style to your home. This project is not only environmentally friendly, repurposing fabrics that would otherwise end up discarded, but it's also incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to achieve. You'll be amazed at the transformation from discarded garments to a beautiful, functional piece of home decor.

This guide will walk you through each step of the process, from gathering your materials to creating a captivating rug that reflects your personal style. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, this project is accessible to all skill levels, requiring only basic tools and a little bit of patience. Ready to upcycle your old clothes and create a gorgeous, eco-conscious rug? Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed

Sewing machine
Iron
Scissors
Measuring tape

Safety Guidelines

Always use sharp scissors or fabric shears to cut fabric strips. Dull blades can lead to slips and injuries.
Ensure adequate ventilation when working with fabric dyes or paints, as fumes can be harmful.
Handle your chosen backing material (e.g., burlap, mesh) with care to prevent cuts or snags. Consider using gloves if necessary.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Material Preparation
- Gather and sort recycled materials (knitted sweaters, pants, shirts, etc.)
- Deconstruct clothing into strips (3.5 cm wide)
- Iron the strips to create a neater look (optional)
Material Preparation
Prepare Weaving Threads
- Prepare threads for weaving (3 threads combined)
Prepare Weaving Threads
Weaving the Rug
- Connect strips using a zigzag stitch
- Weave the strips together, maintaining 2 cm spacing between threads
Weaving the Rug
Finishing Touches
- Secure the side straps
- Sew side straps (5 cm wide with interlining)
- Iron the finished rug
Finishing Touches

Tips

If you lack materials, consider buying from charity shops or secondhand stores.
Ironing the strips makes the rug neater.
Use 3 threads together to avoid breakage during weaving.
Be careful when sewing, ironing is crucial to avoid breaking needles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Cutting of Fabric Strips

Reason: Inconsistent strip widths lead to a lumpy, uneven rug.

Solution: Use a ruler and rotary cutter for precise cuts or consistently measure each strip before braiding or knotting.

2. Using Too-Thin or Too-Thick Fabric

Reason: Thin fabrics create a flimsy rug that easily frays, while thick fabrics make it difficult to braid or knot tightly and can result in a bulky, uneven rug.

Solution: Choose medium-weight fabrics like denim, cotton twill, or canvas for optimal results.

3. Insufficient Knotting or Braiding

Reason: Loose knots or braids result in a rug that easily comes apart, while the rug could be too loose or poorly shaped.

Solution: Securely knot or braid the strips, ensuring consistent tension throughout the entire process.

FAQs

What types of clothing are best for making a recycled rug?

Soft, relatively thin fabrics like t-shirts, jersey knits, and old sheets work best. Avoid thick, stiff materials like denim or heavy upholstery fabrics, as they can be difficult to work with and may make the rug too bulky.

How do I prevent my rug from unraveling?

Secure the edges of your fabric strips thoroughly before braiding or knotting. You can use fabric glue, a sewing machine to stitch the ends, or even carefully melt the edges with a lighter (use caution!). Once the rug is complete, you can also add a backing or binding for extra durability.