Today we will learn how to quickly and easily make a braid, from which you can then create anything - a handbag, and a track on the table, and a whole bedspread, but you never know what such a wonderful technique is useful for. The main thing is to get acquainted with the technology of weaving, and then anything you can create.
Braid from scraps of fabric
So, let's start making braids.
Prepare scraps of fabric, scissors, thread, needle, pins. First, we cut out from a piece of fabric, or choose from the remnants, strips of fabric with a width of 5-7 cm.
Bend the edges as shown in the figure. Smooth the edges with an iron, and fix the edges with thread. To make the edges smooth and neat, you can use the device for creating an oblique inlay. You can find out how to make such a device yourself.
When all the strips are ready, we start creating the braid.
Place several strips vertically and secure them with stationery clips
Now weave the first strip diagonally. Start at the top left corner.
Note that the side stripes are intertwined with the horizontal stripes every two rows.
Secure the side strips with pins. Now we begin to weave strips of fabric with an inclination to the other side.
You should get such an interesting pattern.
We fix the weaving around the perimeter with a thread and a needle and cut off all unnecessary tails
Here we have such a blank, which can be used as you like. You can trim it, put it on a lining, give it any shape, and use it, for example, as a potholder, decorative napkin, or make a pillowcase for a decorative pillow. And if you make a lot of such braids from scraps of fabric and sew them together, you get an unusually beautiful bedspread using the patchwork technique.
In this example, the braid was used to create a cute purse.
Despite the fact that it will take a long time to tinker, the result fully justifies itself. It turns out a very unusual and beautiful wicker texture, but where to apply it is a matter of imagination!
We need 2 pieces of fabric (any that is convenient to work with, you can choose a more beautiful fabric for the lining) of the same shape and size, depending on the size and shape of the future cosmetic bag (or bag, or wallet). Lightning. The length of one side = the length of the zipper to be inserted. And you will need ribbons cut according to the sides of the fabric. It is better to cut tapes with a small margin - +5 mm. (I ran out of brown and beige lurex ribbons, so I combined them with beige non-lurex ribbons).
We work with one piece of fabric, put the second one aside. We fix the tapes from one end on the 2 sides of the base fabric, making up a right angle.
We start to weave.
Weaving option 1 - let's call it "Chess". It is the simplest one. 
The ribbons from the vertical row are intertwined with the ribbons from the horizontal row as follows: the ribbon from the vertical row passes once OVER, once UNDER the ribbons of the horizontal row, alternating one by one.
The next, second ribbon from the vertical row is intertwined with the ribbons from the horizontal row, now vice versa - first UNDER, and then ABOVE the ribbons of the horizontal row, also alternating one by one.
The next, third ribbon from the vertical row is intertwined in the same way as the first. The fourth is like the second. And so, alternating, weave until all the ribbons are intertwined.
In the process of work, it is necessary to compact the intertwined rows, either holding the intertwined ribbons with one hand, and with the other pulling up the non-intertwined, horizontal ones. Or, with one palm, hold the unbound ends of the ribbons, and with the other fingers, sliding the intertwined ends, tightening them.
It is advisable to fasten the ends of the already intertwined tapes, otherwise they will creep.
Half of it is already ready.
And now all the ribbons are intertwined and their ends are fixed around the perimeter. (The ribbons are attached to the base fabric only along the perimeter).
Cut off the uneven ends of the tapes.
We fold what we have in half with ribbons inside. Sew on both sides. Better with your hands so as not to sew the ribbons running parallel to the stitching.
We just sewed two sides together. But in general, at this stage, walls of any shape can be inserted (sewn in) from both sides - round, square, etc. Then we will have a voluminous cosmetic bag, bag, wallet. (As I did in the napkin holder, for example). The sides can also be of interwoven ribbons, or they can simply be from a piece of fabric to match the ribbons or in a contrasting color.
We turn it out.
We take the second piece of fabric - it will serve as a lining for us. We sew on both sides, preferably capturing a few extra millimeters into the seam so that the lining is slightly smaller than the base of the cosmetic bag and so that it does not collect inside.
Without turning it inside out, insert the lining into the main part.
At this stage, between the lining and the main part, you can insert some dense, but elastic material - for example, very dense polyethylene - to keep our thing in shape. But it will keep its shape anyway due to the intertwined ribbons - they do not allow the cosmetic bag to be very soft.
We fold the raw edges into which the zipper will be sewn inward towards each other (tapes to the lining, lining to the tapes), secure with pins.
This I tried to collect the resulting in a bag. That's not bad either. But we go further.
We sew in a zipper. Better with your hands, carefully so that the threads are not visible from the outside, or at least not spoil the general view, but inside they look neat.
We hide the edges of the zipper inside.
And here's what we got:
If necessary, the lining can be sewn to the base in the corners so that it does not turn out.
I didn't choose the shape very well. It was necessary to make it smaller in length, wider in width. Well, nothing, this is just an example.
If you sew a long handle or 2 short ones, you get a handbag, if you make it 2 times shorter (across), you get a nice wallet, you can decorate with bows, as I decorated a napkin holder, or something else. And on the inner lining, you can also sew a small pocket for a mobile phone or for keys, if it is a bag.
Now let's consider 2 more weaving options.
Option 2 - let's call it "Herringbone" (for an example of weaving, see Napkin holder).
Just as in Option 1 ("Chessboard"), alternately lay the tape UNDER and ABOVE the rows, only capturing not 1 row, but 2 rows.
We begin to weave the second tape, the pattern moves one row: 1 ABOVE, 2 UNDER, 2 ABOVE, 2 UNDER ... and so on until the end of the row, alternating by 2.
We lay the first tape, alternating 1 time ABOVE next, 2 times UNDER next, 1 ABOVE, 2 UNDER. And so on - 1-2-1-2-1-2 ...
Weave the second ribbon, shifting the pattern by 1 row (see Weaving of the first, first ribbon from the second row): 2 UNDER, 1 ABOVE, 2 UNDER, 1 ABOVE. And so on until the end of the row, alternating "-1-2-1-2-1 ...
We intertwine the third tape, again shifting the pattern by 1 row (see Weaving of the previous, second tape from the second row): 1 UNDER, 1 ABOVE, 2 UNDER, 1 ABOVE, 2 UNDER, 1 ABOVE - and so on until the end of the row, alternating 1- 2-1-2-1-2 ...
Each time the weaving changes only in the first row, because the picture is shifted.
Further, always according to the scheme.
The fourth tape repeats the weaving of the first: 1 ABOVE, 2 UNDER, 1 ABOVE, 2 UNDER - and so on until the end of the row. Accordingly, the fifth tape repeats the weaving of the second, the sixth - the third - and so on until the end.
In general, you can use ribbons of the same color (it turns out very nicely too), or vice versa, combine not 2, but more colors, making patterns. Or you can combine narrow ribbons with wide ones, it will also be beautiful.
I thought that this is how I could make a hat and decorate clothes - a tunic, for example (weave ribbons on separate strips of fabric, and then sew them on). Well, that's what fantasy is enough for.
Rugs are a fascinating and useful business. Weaving in general, possibly from different materials, the whiter the weaving of rugs. The originality and uniqueness of the finished rug does not always depend on the weaving material. Indeed, for the manufacture of a rug, you can use various cords, ropes, twine, threads. The most popular woven rug is a rug made of colorful strips of fabric (maybe not even new).
Traditionally, and everyone knows grandmother's rag rugs. This rug is woven from the same as in grandmother's rugs, rag strips.
To weave the rug, we cut the fabric into strips of the same width.
We start weaving with a strong thread, make a ring
We braid the ring from the thread with a strip of fabric. Hold one end of the strip with your finger, and pin a safety pin to the other end of the strip. With a pin, it is more convenient to thread the fabric into the loop. Loops are formed on a ring of thread.
Weave several loops on the thread ring (6-8). Now we knot the thread, we get the first row of a wicker rug.
We continue to weave the second row on the loops of the first. Gradually adding additional loops (for expansion) so that the rug turns out to be even. If the tkni strip ends, you need to extend it: the simplest thing is to tie the next strip.
The rug is convenient to weave on the table, that is, on a plane.
It would seem, well, how can an ordinary small rug change the interior? But it turns out that it can become not only useful, but also a bright, interesting detail in interior design. Of course, you can buy it in the store, since now there are rugs for every taste and color. But think how nice it will be when you make it yourself, especially since such a rug can be easily made from old things, for example: threads, fabrics, wine corks, belts, and much more. All you need is to know the step-by-step instructions, stock up on the necessary materials and patience.
1. A rug made of old leather belts
It is very easy to make a rug out of belts.
For this you will need:
- 10-12 natural or artificial leather belts
- awl or skin puncher
- twine or string.
Make the belts the same length beforehand by cutting off the buckle. Punch holes along the edges of the belts at a distance of about 2-3 cm from each other and 0.5 cm from the edge. Sew them together using hemp thin rope. The order of pulling the rope is arbitrary, you can sew along the belts, across, cross-to-cross between the holes. Metal staples instead of a rope will also look very stylish.
2. A soft rug made of old fabrics
Required material:
- scissors
- pieces of old (unnecessary) fabrics, old clothes can
- bath mat (with holes)
1. Cut fabrics into small strips
2. Using a pair of tweezers or a crochet hook, start pushing the strips through the holes.
3. Tie all fabric strips with a simple knot.
3. We make a rug from old towels
Required material:
- old towels
- scissors
- sewing machine (needle and thread)
1. Cut your towels into several strips. In this example, each strip is about 3 to 4 cm wide.
For convenience, you can fold each towel in half, cut into 2 halves. Fold each half in half again and cut into fold lines, etc. It is advisable that all towels are approximately the same size.
2. Fold 3 strips of different colors together and secure with threads (stitch on the ends). Start to weave a "pigtail" from these strips. After finishing braiding, stitch the ends again.
3. Make several of these "braids" and then join them into one long strip using a needle and thread (or a sewing machine).
4. Start rolling your long strip into a spiral, securing it with thick thread.
5. Secure the entire structure and turn it over so that the seams are at the bottom.
Your rug is ready!
4. A rug made of wine corks
Wine bottle corks are a great material for a variety of home and garden crafts. One useful option is to make a do-it-yourself cork rug. Cork bark practically does not absorb moisture and bacteria do not multiply in it, which is why cork is perfect for rooms with high humidity, that is, for a bathroom. And walking on a rug made of corks is not only very pleasant, but also useful!
In order to make a small rug, you will need:
- 150-180 wine corks;
- glue;
- a piece of water-repellent material for the base (rubber mat for shower or yoga, rubberized fabric, soft thin plastic);
- sharp knife;
- coarse sandpaper;
- cutting board.
1. Collect and prepare plugs. If you do not have the required quantity, you can buy plugs in online stores. Wash them thoroughly in warm, soapy water. To remove red wine stains, soak the corks in the bleach solution and let them sit overnight. Then rinse well and leave to dry.
2. Cut each plug lengthwise into two pieces. Use a cutting board and a sharp knife. If the cuts come out very uneven, smooth the edges with sandpaper. For convenience and safety, it is better to cut the cork not on its side, but by placing it in an upright position.
3. Lay the corks with the cuts down on the table in the same way as they will be located on the rug, decide on the size of the future rug. Then cut the base to the desired size from the rubber material. You can come up with a pattern yourself, it can be a checkerboard, even rows, zigzags.
4. Begin to glue the corks to the backing with an adhesive suitable for such surfaces. First glue the corks around the perimeter, then work your way towards the center. Remove excess adhesive immediately with a cloth.
Make sure the cork mat is completely dry. To make it completely waterproof, you can seal the surface with a sealant. If you will be using a cork mat in the bathroom, it is advisable to dry it in the sun at least once a month for prevention.
5. Wicker rug from patches
Required material for DIY manufacturing:
- dense fabric (base for carpet)
- pieces of fabric
- black thread
- needle
- scissors
- fabric adhesive
- duct tape
- aerosol for protective coating (if desired)
1. Select the size of the rug and prepare the right size for your linen.
2. Prepare long strips of fabric. Each strip should be about 6-7 cm longer than the main section of the carpet.
3. Prepare several bundles of 3 strips each and start braiding. You need several blanks so that later they can be combined into one rug. For convenience, secure the ends of each piece with duct tape. Don't braid all the way - leave some fabric unbraided.
4. Apply glue to a thick canvas. No need to save on glue.
5. Lay the workpieces gently on the canvas so that they stick.
6. Connect all the blanks together with a needle and thread.
7. Peel off the adhesive tape from the ends. Trim the ends to keep them straight.
The rug is ready!
6. Do-it-yourself pom-pom rug: Option number 1
Required material:
- wool thread
- scissors
- bath mat (with holes)
1. Wrap the woolen thread around your fingers (the more you wrap, the fuller the pompom will be).
2. Carefully remove the wound thread from your fingers. Prepare another short thread - about 20 cm long - and tie it around the wound thread (in the middle).
3. Cut off the ends with sharp scissors. Also cut off the excess parts with scissors to get a neat round pompom. But do not cut the thread with which you tied the pompom, you will still need it.
4. Make enough pom-poms to cover your bath mat. After that, start threading the thread through the holes and tying it to the rug, thereby attaching the pom-poms to the rug. Pom-poms should be close to each other.
5. Once you've tied all the pom-poms to the carpet, you can cut off the ends of the threads.
A do-it-yourself pom-pom rug is ready!
7. A simple rug made of pompons: Option number 2
To make this blue and white pom-pom rug, you will need:
- thick woolen threads for knitting;
- mesh base for the rug;
- scissors.
1. Make the pom-poms in different colors to create a smooth gradient color transition. You can make a plain rug or lay out a specific pattern. You can also play around with the size of the pompoms, using large, smaller and very small ones. To do this, look here for the best way to make pom-poms of different sizes.
2. Now tie each pom-pom to the mesh, observing the color scheme. Try not to show the canvas between the pom-poms.
If desired, the back of the rug with knots can be closed with fabric or knitting, so that the pom-pom rug is beautiful from all sides, even from the wrong side. If you could not find a suitable base - mesh - it does not matter, you can simply sew pom-poms to any fabric.
8. Round foot mat made with a hoop
Old knitted T-shirts are actively used by craftswomen for a variety of crafts, in particular, the idea of making rugs out of them is very popular.
Necessary materials:
- 3-4 T-shirts (other items, ribbons or ropes)
- children's gymnastic hoop or hula-hoop for adults
scissors
The size of the rug depends on the size of the selected hoop, you can take both a daughter's gymnastic hoop and a large slimming hoop. The weaving technology is very simple, even a child can handle it by making a round rug on a hoop in his room on his own.
Cut T-shirts or other old outerwear into strips of equal width, from one side seam to the other, so that rings are formed. Put each strip on the hoop: first a vertical line, then a horizontal one, and then divide each sector into equal parts with a strip of T-shirt.
Important! The strips of fabric should not be too tight, otherwise the finished rug will wrinkle and will not hold its shape. Ideally, the strip of the T-shirt should be almost loosely wrapped around the hoop, with minimal stretching of the fabric.
It is likely that if your hoop is larger than the strip of your T-shirt, it is too tight, or you are using ropes at all. If so, simply wrap the hoop with a cloth or string and tie a knot.
Try to have all the base lines intersect at a central point. We start weaving the rug from the center. Take a strip of T-shirt, loop it over one of the base lines, and pass it under and over the longitudinal lines.
When the strip ends, tie another T-shirt ring to it, hide the knot under the previous row. Continue braiding in the same way, alternating between pulling the strip below and above the longitudinal lines. Try to keep each circle tightly pressed against the previous one, avoiding large spaces and holes between them. After you have finished braiding, cut off the ends of the loops with scissors and tie them in a knot.
9. Backlit rug
Sometimes at night you want to go to the toilet, go to the kitchen to eat, drink a glass of water or prepare a bottle of formula for the baby, so you have to get up and walk out of the bedroom. In the dark, and even half asleep, there is a risk of bumping into something, and it is not always possible to turn on the overhead light so as not to wake up other family members. For such cases, LED floor lighting in the rug will be an interesting and useful solution.
Craftswoman Johanna Hyrkas came up with the brilliant idea to use an LED strip as an illuminating pathway from the bedroom. The ribbon is twisted in a spiral, it is inside a round rug woven from an ordinary rope, and a long tail leads from the room further. Soft, cozy light spreads across the floor without disturbing your sleep.
This rug with LED lighting can serve as a night light in a child's room. Alternatively, rug tape can be run along the walls and lead to the toilet or kitchen. For such purposes, it is better to use a sealed closed LED strip. You can make a rug with your own hands, using a large crochet hook or braiding a ribbon with thick yarn or rope with your fingers. Of course, there are expensive models of LED floor lighting with a dimmer. But often a homemade option is a great budget solution, as in this case.
10. Rug from jeans labels
The concept of using garments after wear for other purposes is far from new. For decades, women have been making patchwork rugs and blankets from old things. In the same way, you can make a carpet with your own hands from jeans labels. The only problem is finding a sufficient number of labels, because even for a small rug you will need at least 50 pieces.
To make such carpets with your own hands, it is better to sew labels on some kind of fabric, you can even thin. Sewn on each other labels will give the carpet the necessary density. Use a sewing machine for work, as it is very time consuming to sew each label by hand. Stitch around the label where it was sewn onto the jeans. You can choose the pattern yourself - the correct even mesh, a herringbone, a spiral for a round carpet, but the labels look the most effective in a slightly irregular order, sewn on top of each other.
11. How to make a French bracelet rug
Required material:
- old fabric in 2 colors (old T-shirts can be used). Each piece of fabric is 20-25 cm wide and 3 meters long. If you are using old T-shirts, then you can connect several pieces with a thread and a needle.
- scissors
- needle and thread
- duct tape
1. Lay out 5 strips of different colors in the order in which you want them to look on the future carpet.
2. Next to the 5 unfolded strips, place 5 more strips in the mirror image.
3. Take the first strip, in this case pink, and tie it as shown in the image. First fold the fabric so that it forms a 4.
4. Continue tying the pink strip around the rest of the strips until you reach the middle.
5. Start doing the same on the opposite side, tying the other 4 strips with another pink strip. Start with the number 4 as well, but in a mirror image.
6. When the two pink stripes meet in the middle, tie them together.
7. Repeat this with the next remaining strips. Choose the length of the rug yourself.
8. Start another rug by choosing the same colors. Then connect both rugs with a thread and a needle.
Advice: If you wish, you can make one or more similar rugs, which can then be sewn into one large rug.
9. The excess parts can be cut off, and the ends can be secured with a thread so that they do not creep.
12. Bath mat made of sea stones
This bath mat is DIY
The most important thing in making a sea rug is to get sea pebbles. They can be collected on the beach during your trip to the sea, or perhaps you live near a pebble beach, such stones can also be found near rivers, or in a hardware store.
To make a rug with our own hands, we need:
- Rubber mat. It can be with holes, this will serve for the water drain.
- Smooth sea or river stones. Make sure they are porous, not too polished and slippery, or they may not adhere firmly.
- Waterproof silicone sealant.
- Oilcloth or old shower curtain.
If there is a textured pattern on the face of the rubber mat, it is best to turn it over and start working on the smooth side. In order not to stain anything with silicone, spread the prepared film.
Now arrange the sea stones in a compact and harmonious way on the surface of the rug, in order to make sure you have enough pebbles and outline how they will lie. This may seem like a puzzle to you, so please be patient!
After you have laid out the stones as you like, you can start gluing them. This procedure should be started from one corner, taking one pebble at a time, squeezing a drop of silicone sealant onto the back of the stone and placing it back on the mat. Press it down for a few seconds and repeat with the rest of the stones.
The instructions for the silicone say that it will dry for 3 hours, however, before using the mat, it is better to wait 24 hours, this will make it stronger.
When you make such a wonderful bath rug with your own hands, you will bring a piece of nature into your bathroom and you will remember your favorite beach trips!
