From the page: The t-shirt has many chapters ahead
Idea 2
Round braided rug
Braiding fabric strips to make rugs is a countryside tradition in Brazil and the United States since the 19th century, when clothing scraps became soft floors in farmhouses. It works by pure structure: the three-strand braid is one of the most stable ways to distribute tension, and the sewn spiral becomes a firm disc that withstands daily footsteps.
What you need
- 3 to 5 old t-shirts (well-washed cotton)
- Sharp scissors
- Large pins or clips
- Strong waxed thread and a thick needle (or a sewing machine)
- Measuring tape
How to make it
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1
Cut the t-shirts into continuous strips about 1 to 2 inches wide, turning the scissors in a spiral around the piece — continuous strips don't need joins.
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2
Join three strips at one end and start a regular braid, pulling tight with each pass — uniform tension now guarantees a flat rug later.
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3
When a strip runs out, sew the next one onto its end, nice and firm, and keep braiding.
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4
Start coiling the braid in a spiral from the center, forming a disc, and pin it so it doesn't unravel.
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5
Sew the coils to each other, catching the edge of one coil and the previous one with firm stitches — each stitch transfers the force of the step to the whole piece instead of concentrating it in one spot.
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6
Continue until the desired size and finish the end underneath the rug.
Finishing touches
Alternate t-shirt colors to form rings or gradient spirals — a bathroom rug looks lovely in two colors. For large rugs, work on a table to maintain tension and keep the piece from "warping".
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