Making a rug out of towels
Terry towels quickly deteriorate or just get bored, and they are often replaced with new ones. But this is not a reason to throw out old towels - after all, they can be given a second life in the form of a bath mat. Such a rug made of towels turns out to be very dense, warm and does not slip at all. In addition, it looks very original in the bathroom, being a great alternative to the standard models from the store.
What tools are needed to create a rug
You can create a rug from old towels with your own hands in just half an hour. You will need a minimum of tools and materials for this:
- Old towels
- Cotton cloth or old smooth towel
- Roulette or ruler
- Tailor's scissors that can be replaced with large office scissors
- Sewing machine or thick needle with strong thread
- Inspiration and desire to create
To make the model neat, it is better to choose plain towels. When weaving, the pattern on the canvas will turn into small variegated ripples, which can spoil the overall impression. But a few monochromatic towels of different colors will create a pleasant play.
If a pattern has already been applied on the towels in the form of a bright print, then they can be used to create a rug using the patchwork technique. The diversity of this option will be justified, which will create a rustic flavor in the bathroom.
How to make a do-it-yourself towel rug
There are several techniques that can be used to create a quality rug.
Weaving technique will allow you to quickly create a simple product. It is not even necessary to use a sewing machine for weaving. This technique is suitable for children's creativity.
The patchwork technique is quite time consuming, as it will be necessary to cut out and process each patch.
The applique technique will also require perseverance, but it will help create original pieces with different textures.
Preparing towels in the desired shape
Before assembling the model, you need to cut the material. If you plan to use weaving, then you need to cut the towels into long strips, 5-8 cm wide. It is advisable to sew the strips on one long side and turn them back, thus creating long inlays. This will make the product look neater. But if there is no desire or a sewing machine, then the sides of the cut can simply be wrapped inward.
For the patchwork technique, you need to prepare parts measuring 15X15 cm.There are 50 such squares for a model measuring 50X100 cm.It will be interesting to look at the option where squares from a terry towel will be combined with details made of smooth cotton. For the back side, you can also prepare 50 squares or an even piece of 55x110 cm towel.
Advice. If a patchwork technique is used, then it is better to put all the details into a composition and leave it for several hours. Then look at her with a fresh look - you may want to change something.
For the applique, you need to prepare two rectangles of terry towels and figures from a smooth fabric: cotton or silk. These can be simple stripes, squares, or circles.
Important! Cutting terry towels creates a lot of debris, so it is important to cut them in a place where it will be easy to sweep up later.
How can and how to fasten them correctly
The process of creating a product depends on the technique. The easiest way is weaving. A regular braid is woven from three long parts.
As the braids are created, the parts are wrapped in a spiral and sewn together. As the circle reaches the desired size, the last braid is secured.
Advice. It is better to make the middle of towels of darker colors, and decorate the perimeter with light material. The product will look more stylish.
Do not weave braids from strips of different colors - such a fabric will be too colorful. The exception here is the combination of contrasting options: white and black stripes.
A patchwork rug will require a lot of effort to create. First, the squares are sewn together on a typewriter so that strips of 10 squares are obtained. The seams between them are processed and smoothed. After that, the strips are sewn together. One side is ready. You should prepare the soul mate in the same way.
After that, the halves must be folded with their front sides to each other and sewn together along the perimeter, leaving a free space of 7-10 cm. Through this gap, the product must be turned to the reverse side. After that, all that remains is to decorate it.
Another way to make a do-it-yourself rug from old towels is to sew two towels together and decorate with an applique. To do this, first the applique is sewn onto the front part, then both halves of the product are connected with the front sides and sewn around the perimeter. After that, the product is turned inside out, the remainder of the seam is carefully sewn up by hand. The bathroom product is ready.
Decor rugs
The created item can be additionally decorated.
For this, the following options are suitable:
- Fringe. Ready-made options are sold in creative stores. It works well for an appliqué rug.
- Sewing. Sewing lace will make the rug more delicate. However, it is better to choose colored braid, as white will get dirty very quickly. The braid is sewn around the perimeter of the rug. This finish is suitable for single-color products in delicate, pastel colors.
- Rope tourniquet. This finish can be used for a patchwork or woven rug. For registration, you will need a tourniquet with a diameter of 2-4 cm. It is sewn manually around the perimeter. The peculiarity of this type of decor is that the plait gives the product a structure.
- Shells. This is a very romantic and colorful material for decoration. Sets of shells with holes are available at art stores. The shells are sewn by hand to the material. This is a rather painstaking task. But the reward for it will be an unusual type of product.
Advantages and disadvantages of a homemade towel rug
Homemade bathroom decor elements allow you to diversify the interior and bring novelty to it. In addition, these options give people the joy of creativity.
Wicker models are thick, so they keep moisture well and warm bare feet when leaving the bath.
The only drawback of such options is that it takes time to make them. It is difficult to calculate the disadvantage, since usually this time is filled with inspiration and joy from creativity.
Video: a rug in the shower room from old towels