I was having a hard time picking a rug to use in my new sewing room, when I came across these TÅNUM runners at Ikea (Sadly discontinued, but replaced with the Rangstrup). They're made using leftover fabric (scraps!), from their bed linen collections. I loved the idea that they were made from scraps, and figured they'd be good at hiding threads and trimmings. Plus they're sort of low-volume! The only problem is the two available sizes (2'4"x5'x11" and 2'0"x2'11") were much too small for my room.
Then I remembered this idea I saw on Apartment Therapy a few years ago, where someone had taken smaller rugs and stitched them together to create one big rug. I decided to try that! I took some photos of how exactly I made my rug to share too.
Materials:
- Runners or other small rugs
- Cotton twine
- Metal darning needles
- Clips (I used Clover Wonder Clips)
- Scissors
1. Shop for your rugs. I used four runners* to create a rug that is 5'11"x9'x4". It's pretty close to a 9'x6' standard size, which meant it was easy to find a rug pad that was a good fit.
*I used the TÅNUM runners from Ikea, which have unfortunately been discontinued.
Take a measuring tape with you when you shop and measure each one to ensure they are the same size. My first trip I bought four just based on the colors, and then realized they vary some in length. A few returns and another trip later and I ended up with four runners that were mostly the same size.
2. Place the two rugs you're joining right sides together. Clip the rugs together at each end. Find the center and place a clip. Continue to find the center between the clips until the whole length is clipped together. This allows you to slightly stretch the rugs and ease them together if one is a little longer than the other.
3. Cut a long length of cotton twine, knotting one end. Leave a tail around 5" long so that it can easily be woven in when you're finished.
4. Using a whipstitch, begin sewing the two rugs together along the edge. Don't pull the stitches too tight, you want the seam to be able to lay flat when you're finished. I found this method easier than trying to do it with both rugs flat.
5. When you run out of twine, make a knot and thread a new length. Continue stitching until you're done. Weave loose ends into the back of the rugs before trimming.
6. Pull the rugs flat and smooth with your hands. A good steam can also help relax the seams flat. I use this steamer, it's great for steaming wrinkles out of quilts too.
I'll admit, there a few spots where my seams are a bit lumpy, but I'm hopeful that they will relax with time. I'm really happy with the end result. I only spent $60 on the runners I used for this rug, which is pretty hard to beat considering the finished size of approx. 9'x6'!
Happy Crafting!
Looks great! Doris in Ct.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job creating what you needed from what was available. I used a bound jute rug purchased from Pier 1 in my sewing area. It caught all of my loose threads and fallen pins. The one you made is super cute. Enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI have these all over my house because I have a lab with big, sometimes muddy feet, and they can easily be washed. Thinking about sewing a couple together now :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a smart idea! I’m going to do the same thing. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!
ReplyDeleteFor any of you readers who have arthritis, one way to assemble these is to use a crochet hook. A slip stitch will hold them together, and if you need to wash them, you can undo the stitching and crochet them again. It's an easy job that can be done without looking at your work if you're really focused on the latest episode of your latest video series.
ReplyDeleteAlso, we've had rag work placemats for 30+ years that we bought in Appalachia, and they still look new, even after many, many washings. The light colored ones come out in spring and the bright ones in fall. They are always visually and tactilely interesting.
That's a great idea! I have arthritis and I had to break it up over several sessions. And anything that can be done while watching a show is a win!
DeleteOh, so funny! I picked out the exact same rugs for MY sewing room! (I have only been to Ikea twice....it’s four hours from my house.) I am covering up some old carpet, so I just needed one of the small rugs and one of the longer rugs, and didn’t sew them together. I have already washed them once (on delicate/cold water and laid on edge of bath tub to dry) and they came through beautifully. I was so tickled to see you chose the same rug!!
ReplyDeleteThey were just begging to be in a sewing room!
DeleteWhat a great idea & thank you for sharing it! Certainly doable with many options. Yours looks fabulous!!!
ReplyDeletethis is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI love rag rugs. When I feel like they need to be cleaned, it is best after a good vacuuming, to just take them outside and wash them gently with a hose and let dry outside, or where ever. The washer does not clean rugs very well.
You came up with a brilliant idea
Good call, I can imagine the machine would rip them up!
DeleteYour rug is wonderful!! Thanks for a great idea. Hugs,
ReplyDeleteLove this idea but worry that they would be slippery.Do you know if there something you can put on the back other than the puffy stuff. My husband has Parkinsons and I am afraid of a slipping or tripping hazard.
ReplyDeleteVal
It's actually been pretty non-slippery on our floors even without a rug pad. I've also used these felt ones from ikea that are thin, but have more stickiness to them than regular puffy rug pads: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90132261/
DeleteI know there are some sticky rug tapes out there too, that might be something to try!
I love this idea! In Canada, it's still reasonably priced at about $80 for four runners. What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteI love it!!! I have the same rug as protection under my doggie's crate. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI somehow missed this the first time - how clever! It looks great in your space!
ReplyDelete