From the page: The towel that still wants to hug
Idea 2
Braided strip rug
The three-strand braid is one of the oldest textile reuse techniques: popularized in times of scarcity, it turned used clothing into sturdy rugs. It works because the braid distributes tension among the strands — no single point concentrates force, so the piece withstands footsteps and washes without tearing.
What you need
- 2 or 3 old towels (colors that match, if you want a pattern)
- Scissors
- Safety pins or masking tape (to hold the braid)
- Strong thread and a thick needle, or a sewing machine
How to make it
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1
Cut the towel into strips about 3 inches wide, always in the same direction of the fabric — strips of equal length braid more easily.
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2
Join strips by rolling the ends around each other or sewing with wide stitches; a tight seam becomes invisible inside the braid.
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3
Join three strips at one end and secure with a pin or tape, so the braid doesn't slip while you work.
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4
Braid firmly and evenly, alternating the outer strands over the middle one — constant tension is the secret to keeping the rug from going crooked.
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5
Coil the braid into a spiral starting from the center, sewing round by round with firm stitches along the back, forming a circle.
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6
When you reach the desired size, tuck the final end underneath and finish off securely.
Finishing touches
Vary the strip colors with each spiral for an organized rainbow effect. For the bathroom, a layer of non-slip fabric glued to the back makes the rug safer on wet floors.
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