Braided Strip Rug

Strip Rugs

For years I have admired the look of braided strip rugs, but never made one myself. Why? I didn’t have access to an industrial sewing machine, or know anyone who did, to get the fringed ends sewn. I had also heard a few horror stories about botched stitching jobs by mom and pop upholsterers who had no experience or respect for the rug.

Recently I discovered a technique that eliminates the need for that end stitching, and it was done entirely on my little old featherweight sewing machine. No industrial sewing machine is necessary to stitch across the fringes at the ends- because there is no stitching. This way also eliminates some of the fringes, and therefore potential tripping hazard. 

This type of rug lends itself to playing with patterns across the braids, especially wide patterns that need four to six braids, since there are no skips, or increases, to make as when going around a curve.

If you already have some experience braiding rugs, whether round or oval, you might wish to add some variety and try making a strip rug. The link below will open a payment window from Gumroad, after which you will have instant access to download the tutorials and diagrams.

Wrapped Fringe Rug Tutorial