Sheet Rugs

In the days when you couldn't waste anything, people found ways to recycle their old ragged clothes, sheets, and other fabric.  Crocheted sheet rugs are an oldie but goodie. 

If you know how to crochet...you've probably played around with different materials and shapes.    If you don't know how to crochet, you'll need to learn before you can attempt this project.  You should learn anyway...then come back and visit this blog when you get a few blankets out of your system. 

Start by cutting up old sheets into long strips.  The thicker the strips...the thicker your rug will be.  If you want it to lay thin and flat...cut smaller strips.  Be careful of going too thick because you don't want to proudly put it in your walkway and immediately trip on it.  You can get an idea for measuring the width of your strips based on my photos...compare this strip to the rug here.

Use your strips to crochet just like you would with yarn, except with a much bigger hook.  Mix solid blocks of color with patterns.  The combination creates an interesting design.  Start the process with a straight strip...as you would with a blanket.  Grab your loop, pull it through and repeat.  You know the routine.  When you get to the end of your strip, curve right around to the other side.  That's how you create a circular effect.  If you want a large rug....you need a lot of strips.  These take a long time to make and you'll often find them around crafty homes as a "work in progress".  So, you can put them out and begin to use them before they are finished.  Don't give yourself a deadline.  The relative that taught me how to make them has them all over her home...a proud reminder of her kids' and grandkids' sheets at different stages of life.  Lovely memories and what a great gift!!