It seems like area rugs get kinda ignored in the DIY world. There was a day when most peoples’ rugs were made by hand, usually from scraps of fabric, and were meant to be serviceable and practical. They kept the floors warmer and more comfortable, and if one was lucky, added a little color to the room. Today it seems like a rug can be one of the more expensive decor items in a room! So DIY it! DIY rugs define space, pull open floor plans together, add interest, texture and color to a room. They ground a room, and yes… they still add comfort and warmth! So get to it, DIY’ers! Make one of these DIY rugs that are unique, beautiful, and practical!
How to Make a DIY Rug
Learn how to make a large DIY rug from rug samples with this how-to from ‘Paper and Stitch‘. This patchwork style rug has a contemporary vibe too, so you could use it almost anywhere. And, you don’t need a sewing machine to make this rug.
Make this DIY rug from scratch with this simple tutorial from ‘The Sorry Girls‘. This accent rug would be perfect for… well, just about anywhere. And anyone with a little time can make this!
Want an easy, no sew DIY rug idea? No problem, just jump on over to ‘The Handyman’s Daughter‘ and check out this drop cloth rug she made! Lots of step by step photos, and easy to follow instructions.
So you know those chunky knit throw blankets that are everywhere? (If you want to know more, check out our post DIY Chunky Throw Blankets you can arm knit over at our sister site, TBD!) Well if you love the blankets, you are going to be obsessed with this DIY rug from ‘Tinker About‘. Love. Love. Love! Full instructions on how to make a rug just like this!
Add tassels to an existing rug to bring it from boring to beautiful! From ‘Fall for DIY‘, this is a quick update to a rug you already own, or a plain one you can pick up cheaply from any discount store.
Find out how to make a rug from felt from ‘Conversation Pieces‘. Check out all their photos and see how they made this into a larger area rug that would fit their entire room.
This rope swirl tapestry pom pom rug from the blog at ‘Free People‘ is one of the most unique we’ve seen! This is true art, and the perfect DIY rug project for someone who loves crafting and sewing, to be able to show off their talent. This would make an AMAZING wedding present for someone! (Ok, maybe tone down the color choices? Or maybe not!)
Love this DIY pom pom rug from ‘Pippa Patchwork‘! It looks so cute and cozy, you just want to cuddle your toes into these type of rugs. She admits it’s time consuming, and so it’s probably a great “sewing bag” project that you pull out every night in front of the tv. I’d love it in either pale pink or yellow for a nursery!
This chevron DIY rug from ‘The House that Lars Built‘ is a version of an old fashioned rag rug DIY, with an updated pattern! Great tutorial!
Learn to make your own rope rug from ‘A Beautiful Mess‘. I love these type of DIY rugs, because it looks nothing like my Grandmothers! I saw a rug like this recently that was selling for over $300.
From ‘Viva le Jar‘, make your own rug loom and turn out this gorgeous area rug! This is the same idea as those potholder looms you buy as kid’s craft kits. But with a grown up result!
Remember latch hook rugs? The original DIY rugs! I was always making ones of animals… well, in the likeness of animals, to be clear. Cats, horses, dogs. I always thought I would hang them on the wall, but it seems they never got there. (Thank goodness, but to be fair, I was 10.) This version of a DIY latch hook rug is made with old t-shirts instead of yarn, and is perfect for warming up those cold floors! From ‘Xoelle‘.
From ‘Yes, I Made That‘, this felted stone DIY rug is elegant, and looks like it could grace any upscale home. I’ve seen area rugs just like this sell in modern furniture stores for thousands… (Ok, they were a bit bigger. But still.)
Finally , if the felty, fuzzy and fabulous wasn’t enough, this coffee bag DIY rug tutorial from ‘Maiden Jane‘ is a throw rug just right for adding a conversation piece to your room!
Update : A ton of our readers have written to ask what our suggestion is for online affordable area rugs they can buy. So we did an entire post on Affordable Designer Rugs You Can Buy Online!
(This one is our fav from that post, jump on over and check it out!) The Antioch from Boutique Rugs
We’re glad you had a chance to read our post on DIY Area Rugs! Jump on over to our posts on How to Reupholster Almost Anything or Do It Yourself Floor Projects for more great DIY! Or check out our post on DIY Blanket Ladders and learn How to Make Chunky Knit Blanket over at TBD!
And don’t forget to join the OhMeOhMy Facebook group and our Pinterest page so you see right away when we post new ideas and advice!
Note: This post has been refreshed with updated projects.
Get Kathy the website for the loom rug is no longer working. Great ideas
Author
Thanks Robyn, will look at a replacement project!
Hi Kathy, the rug from A Beautiful Mess is my personal favourite. Really love the details in the rug
Melinda.
Author
It IS beautiful!
Does anyone have a step by step video on how to make these rugs? I would love to try this.
Author
Each project has its own tutorials, you can just click on the links to see if they have a video…
So how do you clean the large round black and white rug? I love how it looks was wondering how would you clean it?
Hi, I’d love to know how to make the crafty felt rug at the top of this article how do I find out more about this rug thank you in advance.
Author
The link is there with the photo at http://www.conversationpieces.co.uk/2010/07/16/friday-im-in-love-with-our-crafty-felt-rug/
Hope that helps you!
Hi
I love the rugs but where are the directions,,
The pompon so so cute…
Thank you
Dotty
Author
Hi Dotty! It looks like the link to the pom pom rugs no longer works, so we will work on finding a new one to replace it! Thx for bringing it to our attention!
I cut up t-shirts, then braided them. My problem is when I sewed my braids together with a zig zag my rug is not staying flat.It’s like lumpy. I unsewed it all could you give me advice or tip how to sew it please
Author
Anyone have advice for Lorraine?
I hand sewed it all, and yes it is a very long time, but the results so far are beautiful. Keep in mind you may still get some little imperfections……it is a very long process. I recommend doing it by hand and flattening as you turn it to sew and not over tightening it as you sew either as it will make it bind if you pull too tightly. Hope this will be if some help – Good luck!
Kathy, is there any way you can fix some of the links on this article? Thank you!
Author
Did not realize any of them were having issues, so thx for brining it to our attention! We will fix them ASAP!
Thanks so much for sharing my coffee sack rug tutorial!
Author
Thanks for such a great project Jane!
TYVM you’ve solved all my prbleoms
Hi Jane! I followed the link to your site, but can’t find a tutorial for that coffee bag rug. There is only a link to your etsy store, and the coffee bag rug is, sadly, not available. Do you still have that tutorial on your site somewhere? TIA!