3 Ways to Cut Strips for Rag Rugs
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Rag rugs have a special place in the world of home décor due to their versatility, charm, and sustainability. They are a great way to upcycle old textiles and clothing while adding a touch of warmth and character to your living space. One of the essential steps in making a rag rug is cutting the strips, which will be woven or braided together. In this article, we’ll explore three efficient ways to cut strips for your rag rugs, each with its unique benefits that cater to different skill levels and preferences.
1. Scissors
The most straightforward and widely used method for cutting strips for rag rugs is using a good pair of scissors. To get started, select sharp fabric scissors that can easily cut through your chosen material— whether it’s t-shirts, bed sheets, or other textiles— without fraying the edges.
Lay your fabric out on a flat surface and ensure it’s smooth and wrinkle-free before cutting it into even-width strips. For accurate measurements, you can use a ruler or measuring tape to mark out lines before cutting. Don’t forget to leave small tabs (approximately 1/4 inch) at the ends of each strip; this will enable you to join them seamlessly during the rug-making process.
2. Rotary Cutter and Mat
A rotary cutter is an excellent tool for those who prefer fast, precise cuts with minimal effort. It’s designed to slice through fabric effortlessly using its circular blade while preserving its neat edges. When choosing this method, ensure you have a clean, flat surface and pair it with a self-healing mat to protect both your working surface and cutter blade.
Firstly, fold your fabric lengthwise – aligning its raw edges – until the width fits comfortably on your mat. Utilize a quilting ruler or straight edge as your guide while pressing firmly on the fabric. Run the rotary cutter along your desired strip width until it has smoothly severed the material. As with scissors, remember to leave small tabs on the strip ends for joining purposes.
3. Strip Cutting Ruler
A strip-cutting ruler is designed specifically to cut multiple, consistent-width fabric strips quickly and accurately. This specialized ruler is perfect for those who have experience with quilting or anyone looking for an efficient method of creating long, clean-cut fabric strips.
To begin, fold your fabric to match the desired width of your strip-cutting ruler, ensuring both raw edges are aligned. Lay the ruler on top of the layered fabric so that its cutting slots correspond with the required strip dimensions. Insert your rotary cutter into the slots one at a time and proceed to cut through all the layers of fabric— creating uniform strips in no time.
In conclusion, there are several ways to cut strips for rag rugs, each offering unique benefits in terms of precision and ease. The key to a beautiful rag rug lies in accurately-cut strips that join together seamlessly while weaving or braiding. So, choose the method that best suits your needs and begin crafting your eco-friendly, cozy, and stylish rag rugs today!