Recycle a Rag Rug

Julien K., Hometalk Team
by Julien K., Hometalk Team
5 Materials
$5
30 Minutes
Medium
Rag rugs are easy to throw in various places of your home. They're also cheap and easy to replace. So, what do you do with those old ones? Before you throw them in the trash, check out these ways to turn them into something else for your next home decor DIY project.
Idea #1 - Rag Rug Wreath
Step 1) Cut along the warp threads of the rug to release the strips of fabric.
Once the threads are cut, you should be able to pull out the fabric strips easily.


Step 2) Using a wire wreath frame, begin tying cut strips of your rag rug fabric onto the outer two wires. Continue along the entire outer edge of the wreath.
Step 3) Once your outer edge is full, complete the same process for the inner two wires. Knot each fabric strip as you go along.
A cute, country-style fabric wreath. You can decide what colors to used based on the variety of rag rug variations out there. Have fun with size and go crazy with rug strands too.
Idea #2 - Rag Rug Wastebasket
Give a plastic wastebasket some pizazz, by wrapping it with a rag rug.
Step 1) Using heavy-duty adhesive, like E600, apply glue all over the outside surface of the trash can.
Step 2) Wrap the trash can with the rag rug and let the glue set. Cut off the excess rug from the bottom and top portion of the trash can.
Step 3) Cut tightly along the edge of the trash can and trim any loose threads or fabric scraps.
A fancy new wastebasket. Now you can match any decor in your home.


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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  2 questions
  • Alice Alice on Feb 13, 2019

    How long are the tie strips

  • Tho75126460 Tho75126460 on Dec 17, 2022

    I have an old thick rag rug my grandmother made. Any idea how I could disassemble it (it's in pretty bad shape) and make some pillows from it ?

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3 of 24 comments
  • Katen Katen on Mar 16, 2019

    I like the trash can idea; it inspires me for other uses for the dollar tree rugs that I love the colors but until now did not get beyond a rug concept. Thank you

    • Jo cross Jo cross on Mar 19, 2019

      They would make beautiful floor pillows.

  • Bzm11686139 Bzm11686139 on Mar 16, 2019

    I think I would like the top edge or the trash can with some sort of finish--maybe wide ribbon or bias stripfolded over. The cut edge would be susceptible to frayin. Of course, if you like the frayed look . . .

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