Instructions for a Potholder Rag Rug

Rag rugs are a great way to reuse old T-shirts and other fabrics. With a little bit of skill and a rag rug loom, you can learn to weave simple crafts, such as potholders. The concept is fairly simple, involving only a bit of simple weaving, and is an excellent craft for children as well.

Cut the T-shirts or fabric into strips that are about 2.5 inches wide by 6 inches long. You may choose to use all one color fabric, or you may choose to use many colors to add flair to the finished product.

Fold the strips in half lengthwise, so they resemble squares rather than rectangles. Using fabric scissors, make a single cut in each strip from the center of the crease to about 1/4 inch away from the edge of the fabric. When the strips are unfolded, they should each have a closed vertical slit in them. These are your fabric loops.

Carefully stretch each fabric loop across the loom horizontally, starting at the top and being sure not to skip any pegs. If you want to employ a color scheme, do so by creating color patterns with the loops.

Weave the remaining fabric loops in the loom vertically, taking care that each loop alternates being above and below the horizontal loops it is crossing. Also, be sure that you alternate this pattern itself for every other loop. Continue to employ a color scheme if you wish, or use a solid color for contrast. This step requires a great amount of patience.

Finish the potholder. There are several options for doing this. If you are skilled with a thread and needle, you may simply hem the potholder, adding any embroidery or detail you please. Alternately, you can choose to finish the potholder using the loom and its weaving tool. To do this, simply unhook a loop and pull it through the hooked loop adjacent to it with the weaving tool. By repeating this pattern all the way around the edge, you can create a crocheted edge. Tie a knot in the last loop to secure the edges, as well as provide a loop for hanging the potholder.