In this step-by-step tutorial, as a professional custom rugs manufacturer, I will show you exactly how to make a custom rug out of fabric. As you read this post, you’ll discover how incredibly easy and affordable it is to design and create a personalized rug tailor-made to your décor and space.
Whether you can’t find the right size, color, or style rug for that bare floor or just want an weekend DIY project that results in a gorgeous showpiece, grab your scissors and fabric because we’re doing this!
Why Make Your Own Custom Fabric Rug?
Before jumping in the fun stuff, I want to share 3 big reasons why taking the time to make a custom fabric rug is absolutely worth it:
Total creative freedom. When you make it yourself, you get to decide everything including size, shape, color, embellishments, and more. Customize it perfectly to your vision, space, and style.
Cost savings. Buying a readymade rug with the features you want gets very expensive, very fast. With some fabric, supplies, and DIY gusto, you can create a fabulous rug at a fraction of the cost.
Quick weekend project. From start to finish, you can whip up a custom fabric rug in a few hours or stretch out the fun over a weekend. It’s beginner-friendly too!
Now that you know why it pays make your own rug, let’s get into the easy how-to!
How to Make a Custom Rug Out of Fabric
Step 1: Choose Your Base Fabric
The starting point to any great custom fabric rug is selecting fabric with the right weight, fiber makeup, and weave structure.
Here are your best fabric options for rug making:
- Upholstery fabric – Sturdy and structured with nice weight and tight weave
- Canvas fabric – Durable, thick, and usually inexpensive
- Outdoor fabric – Weather-resistant and able to stand up to foot traffic
Measure the floor area you want to cover and purchase enough yardage with a few extra inches on each side. Upholstery fabrics are typically 54 inches wide.
For reference, here’s how much fabric you’ll need:
- 2-1/2 to 3 yards → Two long runners
- 2-2/3 yards → 5′ x 8′ rug
- 1 yard → Entryway sized rug
Step 2: Make a No-Sew Fringed Edge
Creating a neat finished edge instantly makes your fabric look professionally rug-like. And the best part? You don’t need to sew a single stitch!
Here’s how:
- Lay fabric wrong side up on flat surface
- Fold over long edges twice toward wrong side to create a 1-inch hem
- Iron folded hem in place
- Apply fabric glue or fabric adhesive inside hem
- Fold hem back in place and firmly smooth to secure
Repeat on both long edges of the rug base.
For a decorative touch, you can hot glue fringe trim along the short ends. Choose a length and style that matches your rug fabric.
Step 3: Finish Backing with Rug Pad
Now that gorgeous rug top is complete, let’s anchor it in place and prevent sliding with the help of rug pad backing.
You’ll need:
- Scissors
- Rug pad (sized just smaller than rug top)
Here’s how to attach:
- Turn under raw edges on short sides of rug
- Apply fabric glue or fabric adhesive
- Smooth to secure folded hem
- Place rug pad underneath rug base
- Trim pad so it’s flush with rug edges
- Secure in place with fabric glue
And that’s it – three simple steps to a stunning custom fabric rug!
Customize Your DIY Rug: Embellishment Ideas
Plain fabric is beautiful on its own, but you can take your rug to the next level with fun accents and embellishments.
Here are some ideas:
- Paint or stamp designs
- Stencil patterns
- Attach appliques
- Add trim borders
- Fringe the edges
- Sew on decorative buttons
- Embroider words or images
Let those creative juices flow! The only limit is your imagination.
FAQs About Making Fabric Rugs
Here are quick answers to some common DIY rug questions:
What’s the best fabric to use?
Upholstery fabrics offer durability and structure that looks and feels like an expensive store-bought rug. Canvas and outdoor fabrics also make excellent rug material choices too.
How much yardage will I need?
- 2 to 3 yards = Two long runners
- Around 2-2/3 yards = 5′ x 8′ rug
- 1 yard = Entryway sized rug
Do I really need a rug pad backing?
Yes! Adding a non-slip rug pad prevents the rug from shifting around, increases durability, and gives added cushioning underfoot.
How do I clean a fabric rug?
Regular vacuuming keeps fabric rugs fresh and lifted. For deeper cleaning, wash in cold water on gentle cycle and line dry. Some rug fabrics can also be spot treated with carpet cleaner.
Can I make an outdoor fabric rug?
Yes, you sure can! Just be sure to start with an outdoor-friendly fabric in solution-dyed acrylic or polypropylene. Waterproof fabric backing helps too.
Wrap Up
I hope this simple tutorial inspired you tap into your creativity with a weekend DIY fabric rug project.
The ability to fully customize size, color, shape, and style makes rug making incredibly rewarding. Plus, you save big money in the process. It’s win-win!
Now I’d love to see your finished fabric rug creations! Share a picture in the comments below.