From the page: The t-shirt has many chapters ahead

Idea 3

Crochet rug with t-shirt yarn

Medium 4 h

Crocheting with t-shirt yarn was born in countryside kitchens, when weavers cut worn clothing to turn it into thick, sturdy rugs. It works because t-shirt yarn is thick and elastic: the fabric becomes dense, hugs the floor and holds weight without unraveling.

What you need

  • 3 to 5 cotton t-shirts, washed and dried
  • Very sharp scissors
  • Thick crochet hook (size 6 mm or larger)
  • Thread or ribbon to join yarn ends

How to make it

  1. 1

    Cut off the hem of the t-shirt and set aside the sleeves and shoulder seam, because thick seams get in the way of the yarn. You'll be left with a fabric "tube".

  2. 2

    Cut the tube in a spiral, turning the scissors without stopping, to form a continuous ribbon 2 to 3 fingers wide. The continuous cut avoids knots mid-project.

  3. 3

    Stretch the ribbon lightly with your hands: the cotton curls onto itself and becomes thick, firm yarn, ready to crochet.

  4. 4

    Make a magic ring and work single crochet stitches in a circle, increasing a few stitches per round so the rug stays flat and doesn't ripple.

  5. 5

    Keep growing until you reach the desired size, always testing on a flat surface to fix ripples in time.

  6. 6

    Fasten off the last round and hide the yarn end inside the stitches, pulling it through with the hook itself.

Finishing touches

Mix t-shirts in similar colors for a gradient effect, or alternate bands of contrasting colors for a more cheerful look. A drop of anti-slip treatment on the back keeps the rug safe on smooth floors.

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