From the page: The t-shirt has many chapters ahead
Idea 5
Handwoven fabric rug
Hand weaving is one of the oldest techniques in the world: before large looms, people wove fabric strips and cross fibers by hand, right on the floor or on a simple frame. It works because interlacing the strips at right angles (one over, one under), the friction and tension between the threads lock everything in place — no glue and no heavy sewing.
What you need
- 3 to 5 old t-shirts (preferably cotton, very soft)
- Scissors
- A rectangular frame: a rigid cardboard box, an old picture frame without glass, or 4 pieces of wood nailed together
- Thumbtacks or small nails (if using wood) or strong tape (if using cardboard)
- Strong thread, twine, or thin t-shirt strips for the warp (the base)
How to make it
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1
Cut the t-shirts into continuous strips 2 to 3 cm wide: cut in a spiral around the t-shirt to get the whole strip without joins. Stretch each strip so it curls onto itself and becomes a fabric "yarn".
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2
Stretch the warp threads on the frame, vertical and well tensioned, spaced about 1 cm apart. The warp is the fixed base that holds the whole rug, so the firmer the better.
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3
Take a t-shirt strip and pass it horizontally over and under the base threads, alternating each thread. This crossing is what locks the weave in place.
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4
When you reach the edge, turn the strip and come back, reversing the order (where it passed over, now it passes under). Press each row firmly with your fingers before continuing — the pressing is what makes the rug dense and firm.
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5
Alternate strips of different colors to form stripes or blocks. Join strips simply by tying small ends and hiding the knot underneath the weave.
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6
When the rug reaches the desired size, cut the base threads leaving about 4 inches and tie pairs of nearby threads at the edge, forming fringes that finish the work.
Finishing touches
Mix t-shirts in neutral colors with one or two printed ones for a stunning, cozy look. If you want a thicker rug, use wider strips — and for the bathroom, prefer 100% cotton t-shirts, which absorb water better.
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