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making toothbrush rag rug

14 years ago

This is just a method for using a toothbrush handle as a tool. The old toothbrushes had hole in handle, but now I quess some use a plastic handle from a spatula.

I will put in a link.

If that doesn't work go to utube search under toothbrush rag rug. LauraJaneV82 has the best instructions. Thats how I learned. I use sheet for my fabric with occasional scrap fabric. I tear the fabric strips rather than cutting, lost of strings but thats ok.

I am working on my 2nd one.

I know there is a croquet method to do this also, that is probably easier. I am going to try that on my nest rug after I learn to croquet.

Here is a link that might be useful: toothbrush rag rug instructions

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Comments (6)

desert_bound
14 years ago
I have made a number of crocheted rag rugs but like the toothbrush method best. I agree, that is a great tutorial.
sunshines
14 years ago
Thanks izzie.
I have had the desire to make a rag rug for a long time but never thought I could but that tutorial is great and is inspiring me.

I will tear my strips to but how wide ? Does each strip have to be the same width? I would love to see a picture of your rag rugs. How do you wash them when they become soiled?
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You can find quite a few free rug patterns at crochetpatterncentral.com. I am adding a link below with a video to teach you how to make a beginning chain and then single crochet. If you want to make a square or rectangle rug using what you learn in that video, you would just make a chain the length you want your rug to be and then make as many rows as it takes to make your rug square. You will need to make 1 chain at the end of each row and turn your work and single crochet across the row. If you want to make a square or rectangle rug in rounds, that is a different technique and you will need to know how to make a ring and join with a slip stitch. Google it and you should find lots of places with videos or photo tutorials that will help you. It is still really basic crochet, but you will need to know how to increase stitches at the corners. I believe I used a K hook when I made rugs many years ago. Also, if you have a nice piece of material that you want to cut into one long strip, this site has a tutorial on how to do that so that you don't have to do the knot thing: http://vintagechica.typepad.com/the_life_and_times_of_thi/2006/10/rag_rug_tutoria.html There is only a slight advantage to cutting or tearing the strips on the bias and that is that the fabric has a little more give. Won't really make a difference in the finished product, but it will be slightly easier to crochet. I say slightly because working with fabric and huge hooks does tend to be hard on your hands. I would be happy to help you if you run into any trouble. Here is a link that might be useful: learn to crochet
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I just finished a knitted rag rug using cotton strips 1" wide on #13 needles and it turned out pretty darn good. I also snuck in a few strips (again 1") of heavier fabric almost but not quite a denim weight kinda like a heavy linen. It was rougher going and didn't "boing" as nice as the cotton fabric. I would think a 1" wool strip would be nice for you to try also, of course if you do decide to sew the raw edges (UGH) , I'd cut it 2" to result in a 1" strip. Honestly, I think I'd felt (full?) the wool first, then cut it into 1" strips.
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izzie
Original Author
14 years ago
I tear my strips in 1 1/2" width. I cut with scissors for the first 2" all along the width them tear the rest of the way. The first one I made is about 2 1/2 feet x 2 feet. I read somewhere if you are going to use heavy thick fabric such s denim its easier to work with in thinner strips. You can really make them as wide as you wish. The first one I made was all wavey and look more like a potato chip. But after walking on it it flattened out.
Someone said you have to "train" them to be a rug. Put them on the floor and walk on it jump up and down and say...be a rug, be a rug, be a rug..it worked!!

I washed mine in wash machine and threw in dryer, it was fine. I guess you could dry outdoors also. Lot of strings came off it the first time I washed it so make sure you have one of those strainer things on water hose to tub so it doesn't clog your drain.

There is a formula for figuring how long to make the first row (making an oval rug) the dimensions, I can't seem to find it...I'm looking.
sunshines
14 years ago
Thanks for the info izzie.

Can't wait to get started, I'm exctied.
I have tons of 100% cotton fabric so I'm hoping it will look like a Shabby Chic when I'm through. Saw one in Target and it cost a fortune.
vicki_lv
14 years ago
I wish I had the patience for that!
izzie
Original Author
14 years ago
I found the formula for figuring oval rug.
Example: if you want rug to be 36" x 23". Subtract the width from the length, the remainder, 13" will be the starting row length before you turn and go the other way.

I found the original place where I found information

ragrugcafe.com

go to the comments that were made under the toothbrush rug complete video instructions part 1.

***Also, you need to add increase stiches, ie 2 or more stiches in a hole at corners to keep it from becoming a bowl. I guess like croqueters make..I haven't done croquet yet.

Here is a link that might be useful: rag rug cafe

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