How to Make a Rag Rug using a Hula Hoop

Ready to learn how to make a rag rug? A few years ago Family Fun magazine had a tutorial on how to make a hula hoop rug and my daughter wanted to try it. We went through our old t-shirts and found some to use. Of course, you can get t-shirts from your local thrift store as well. Literally, any old t-shirts will do the trick. Then just upcycle those old shirts into something fun for your home. Want even more? You might also like our teen room home decor ideas!

This one was first published on April 17, 2011, however, I am republishing with more information.

Supplies needed to make a t-shirt rag rug:

• old t-shirts
• hula hoop
• scissors

How to make a rag rug:

1. Cut off the hemmed bottom of all shirts and discard.
2. Cut one shirt into one-inch horizontal strips so that they are loops. You will need 14 strips.
3. Stretch these loops in pairs around the hula hoop in a pinwheel pattern. You should have seven pairs of loops equal distance apart.
4. Start cutting shirts into one-inch strips. This time you will want to cut the loops so you have long strips of fabric.
5. Then weave these strips in and out of the loops that are on the hoop already. Go over and under as you weave. Just tuck in the ends and continue with a new piece as needed. Treat the pairs of loops as one.
6. Once you have about an 8-inch diameter rug, you will want to separate the loops that are on the hula hoop and start going over and under them individually.
7. Once your rug is 6 inches or so from the end, you can actually separate the loop itself and treat each piece as an individual as you weave over and under.
8. When you are happy with the size, just cut the loops from your hoop and tie them in a double knot. You can leave these ends as fringe or tuck them in.

We used a mix of pastel colors for our rug but you can use whatever colors you like for your version.

This t-shirt rag rug turned out great! And was super easy to make as well. If you love upcycling with your kids, this is definitely a craft that you want to try.

It is time-consuming…so put in a movie before you start! But what a great project to make out of a pile of old t-shirts.

Want to see how I used this same technique to make something completely different? See my DIY demijohn basket here! Now that you know how to make a rag rug, you can make all sorts of things!

Love this rag rug tutorial and want more ideas? Try the links below!

• Free Narwhal SVG File Perfect for Kids Crafts
• Lego Activities Perfect for Kids
• Pool Noodle Games: Summer Fun for Kids
• Make Your Own Felt Food for Kids with the Cricut
• School Year Memory Boxes

Want to print this tutorial for making a hula hoop rug? You can use the card below!

Total Time 2 hours hours

How to Make a Rag Rug

You can make a t-shirt fabric run in an afternoon with a hula hoop and a few supplies!

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Supplies

• old t-shirts
• hula hoop
• scissors

Instructions

• Cut off the hemmed bottom of all shirts and discard.
• Cut one shirt into one-inch horizontal strips so that they are loops. You will need 14 strips.
• Stretch these loops in pairs around the hula hoop in a pinwheel pattern. You should have seven pairs of loops equal distance apart.
• Start cutting shirts into one-inch strips. This time you will want to cut the loops so you have long strips of fabric.
• Then weave these strips in and out of the loops that are on the hoop already. Go over and under as you weave. Just tuck in the ends and continue with a new piece as needed. Treat the pairs of loops as one.
• Once you have about an 8-inch diameter rug, you will want to separate the loops that are on the hula hoop and start going over and under them individually.
• Once your rug is 6 inches or so from the end, you can actually separate the loop itself and treat each piece as an individual as you weave over and under.
• When you are happy with the size, just cut the loops from your hoop and tie them in a double knot. You can leave these ends as fringe or tuck them in.

Tried this project?tag us to show off your work!