How to Reuse TShirts to Make a Latch Hook Rug

If you enjoy finding ways to reuse household items, rather than throwing them away, this recycled tshirt rug is for you. Much like latch hook kits you find in the store, you can make a latch hook rug from old t-shirts with canvas, a latch hook tool and old tshirts. Tshirts that are in good condition are best put to use by donating them, or giving them to someone that can wear them, but for tshirts with holes, or that are no longer wearable, why not make this tshirt rug?
You will need:

• hook rug canvas - 2' x 3' is standard size for a rug, but you can make it any size you wish
• tshirts to be reused
• rotary cutter and mat
• darning needle
• string
• latch hook

 

Step 1: Prepare the TShirt

Get the tshirt fabric ready by removing the seams and sleeves. All you want to have left is smooth fabric that can be cut into strips. Cut across the fabric to make sections that are 6 inches tall. Use a ruler to ensure you cut in a straight line. Most shirts will leave you with 2 or more sections that are 6 inches tall. Next, cut vertically, or down these sections to create strips that are 1/2 an inch wide. You may be able to stack the sections and cut through more than one layer at a time, depending on the sharpness of your blade.

 

Make the Latch Hook Rug

Before you begin hooking your scraps of fabric, you may wish draw a pattern on the canvas to help you know when to change colors. For example, you could draw a simple smiley face, a heart, or rows where you wish your color to change if you are making a multicolored latch hook rug.

Feed the latch hook tool up through under the first canvas string and back up over the top of it. The tip of the hook should be resting back on top. Wrap the tshirt strip under the bottom of the tool. Holding the ends of the tshirt strip together with your non-dominant hand as you hold the hook tool with the dominant hand. Bring the ends of the strip to the tip of the tool and over the hook. After hooking them, pull them through the canvas with the tool and tie them in a knot.

 

Securing the Edges of the Rug

When you are finished hooking the strips of tshirt to form the rug, fold the edges under and sew them to the back side of the rug. This prevents them from fraying. You could also tape them to the underside of the rug, if you prefer it to sewing.

If you liked this article, you may want to visit more crafty "Ways to Reuse and Recycle Clothes."