How to Make a Denim Rug
Recycle your old jeans by using basic quilting tools and sewing know-how to piece together this country-inspired throw rug.
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All you need is a needle, thread, some fabric, and these step by step instructions to start sewing.
You Will Need
- Several pairs of old blue jeans
- A seam ripper
- A measuring tape
- Scissors or a strip cutter
- A sewing machine
- A sewing needle and heavy thread
- Heavy cotton or nylon thread
- A thrift store (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Prepare jeans
Cut the legs off of your jeans and open up the seams on each side of the pant leg with a seam ripper. Measure and cut the fabric lengthwise into long, one-inch-wide strips with scissors or a strip cutter.
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If you don’t have enough denim on hand, shop for inexpensive jeans at your local thrift store.
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Step 2
Sew the strips
Sew three strips together, end to end, using a sewing machine. If you sew by hand, use a simple whip stitch.
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Step 3
Braid strips
Braid your strips of fabric together into long, tight plaits.
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Step 4
Coil the braids
Decide on the shape of your rug -- oval or round -- and coil the braids accordingly. Stitch the ends of each plait together with heavy thread.
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Step 5
Tuck the end
Tuck the end of your last plait between the folds of the coils and sew it into place. Find some bare floor and lay down a little piece of country in your own home.
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Levi Strauss, who invented denim in 1873, left $6 million to his family and various charities when he died in 1902.
