Here is a project to enjoy now, and for a lifetime of crafting.
Materials
- Size Q crochet hook
- Five pounds of selvages (makes approximately 2′ x 3′ rug)
- Scissors
Getting Started
- Wind the selvage into balls.
- In most cases, you’ll want to keep two strands of selvage layered together, rather than separating them – it is much easier to work with and you’ll get a thicker rug!
- If you can’t find an end, cut one.
Crochet Time
- The center chain of your rug will determine the shape.
- A very short chain (2-4 stitches or the width of the palm of your hand) will give you a round rug.
- A medium length chain (6-12 stitches or the space from wrist to elbow) will give you a soft oval.
- A long chain (16-24 stitches or the length of your leg) will give you a more defined oval.
Gauge
- As loose as possible.
- Try to leave at least two fingers’ worth of space in each stitch.
- If you are having trouble crocheting loosely, try doing it without the hook and just use your fingers!
Row 1
- Single crochet your way down one side of the chain.
- When you get to the end of the chain, chain one extra stitch (aka increase) and then single crochet back up the other side of the chain.
Row 2-end
- Repeat around the central chain.
- Increase at the ends of the rug (for example, as you go into and out of the curve at the end of the oval) to allow it to lay flat.
- You may need to experiment and adjust your increases in order to shape your rug.
Finishing
When you have 6-12” of selvage left, weave in the end using your fingers or a yarn needle.
Splicing
There are a few different options for splicing the selvage together when you reach the end of a ball.
- Layer at least 6” of the old strand with at least 6” of the new strand and keep crocheting.
- Pull approximately 2” of the weft (horizontal) yarn out of the warp and discard. Tie the old and new strands together with a double knot. Trim the ends even with the selvage fringe and the knot will disappear.
- Pull approximately 2” of the weft (horizontal) yarn out of the warp and discard. Tie individual warp threads together with a double knot. Trim the ends even with the selvage fringe.
Shaping
- If the rug begins to form a bowl, you are not increasing enough.
- If the rug begins to ruffle, you are increasing too much.
Caring For Your Rug
You can dry clean or hand wash your rug if you like. However, these rugs are sturdy! You can safely vacuum them or wash them in a washing machine. If you would like to felt your rug (the loose yarn will twist into tufts), wash in hot water. If you would like your selvage to stay more eyelashy, wash your rug in cold water. Block after washing so rug will retain its shape. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry low.