Growing up, if you had told me that I'd live in a house filled with braided rugs, I would've laughed and said no way. Too old fashioned.
Ironically, as an adult, my tastes and needs have changed and I've become the queen of braided rugs. One became two, two became four and now I think I have multiples in just about every room.
While I love the clean, classic lines of wood floors, there's something cozy about a rug, especially in winter.
However, for someone with allergies and a cottage style aesthetic, choosing an area rug can be a challenge. Wool, nylon, jute and low pile fiber rugs make me itch, sneeze, wheeze and they off gas terribly. Plus many of the styles don't fit with my decor. They're too modern or too square.
And I don't like hard edges.
Thankfully, when decorating our first home, I was reacquainted with braided rugs. They came in lots of colors, lots of sizes including round and oval, and many different materials like cotton, chenille and indoor/ outdoor fabrics, which are great for under a table full of messy eaters...super easy to clean.
I chose this one many years ago, when we added the kitchen. It fit perfectly, played nicely with my allergies, came with coordinating pieces and, best of all, the price was right.
Several years later though, it began to feel heavy in the room. When I removed the dark valances and the chandelier lost its shades, I decided that rug had to go, too.
And I was totally content with my decision for a few more years. Especially during the summer...but this year, as fall approached, I began to crave the softness of a rug again.
My original thought was to haul the old one upstairs, but then I looked back at my blog pictures and eh. I liked that rug, but I'd been there and done that.
Plus, I never loved the green elements in it and after being without a rug for so long, I didn't want to go back to one that large. To be honest, it was never optimal, we had to shove a decent portion of it under the radiator. Time to shop.
But not for long. I found myself spending way too much time online looking and coming up empty handed. Too big, too similar to what I had or too expensive...
Back to the drawing board. And my old rug.
I decided the only thing really wrong with it, was that it was too large for the space. Well, that and the green border.
So I cornered the big guy.
I was thinking of bringing the old rug back up into the kitchen.
Ok...I thought it was too big.
It is. But I think I can cut it down.
You can cut it down, or I can?
{silence} We can.
Yeah. I know what that means.
He was only partially right. I did my share. And it turned out great. I'm totally in love with my brand new old rug.
The process was super simple...and I do mean it this time...but since I couldn't find anything about it online, I've decided to share what we did. I'm also sharing because sometimes when people see rugs at yard or thrift sales they pass them up because they're not the right size. Perhaps with this idea in mind, you'll reconsider and bring home a bargain.
How To Trim A Braided Rug
Braided rugs are constructed by taking long loops of braided textiles, laying them next to one another and stitching them together. I knew that if I clipped the threads that held the braids together, I could easily remove the excess bands without having the entire rug fall apart.
We started by rolling the rug out, vacuuming it off and then placing the table on top of it. The table held it in place while we worked, but it was also a visual aid. I needed it there for scale and to determine exactly what size I wanted.
Next, I found the end seam. It was fairly easy to locate, it tapered off at the end. This was where I started cutting.
I grabbed my scissors and began to snip at the threads, gingerly at first. I wanted to make sure that my theory was correct and I wasn't going to end up with a pile of braids on my kitchen floor.
But, as expected, the rug remained perfectly intact, and only the braid I had separated fell away. Success. Well, sort of. If I wanted to remove one or two braids, this would be the way to go.
Since I wanted to take my 8 foot rug down to about 6.5 feet, it would be a slow process. And we didn't have time for slow. That's when the mister stepped in.
He grabbed a razor blade (we could've done it with scissors, too) and began cutting several braids in.
It was quick work. How quick? You can peek at the video if you want to see him cut in real time.
After we'd removed about 6 inches of braids, we put the chairs on the rug to get a feel for how it would work. It was still too big for my taste. So we removed more. In the end, we removed that entire outer red and green band.
Then I pulled out all of the leftover cut threads. Since they weren't anchored to anything, they just pulled right out.
Lastly, I grabbed a needle and thread to tuck in and stitch the end, which by the way was already pretty secure. It was more of a cosmetic fix than a structural one.
That's it. That's all it took for me to get a brand new, custom sized braided rug in my kitchen.
We completed the job in about 20 minutes, including vacuuming up the loose threads and tossing the old braids in the trash.
Plus it didn't cost me a dime.
I love a cheap and easy fix.
Especially when it looks this good.
Would you cut a rug?
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You go girl with cutting the rug. That is great and I love it smaller. Looks awesome. Your hubby did a great job.
ReplyDeleteHave a great rest of the week.
Hugs,
Kris
Thanks Kris! I have to say I really love it. For now anyway. You know me, it'll probably be back in the basement next spring! 😉
DeleteGreat job! I've always loved braided rugs. Once I crocheted one out of fabric.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
My daughter is learning to crochet right now, Brenda. I hope she teaches me so maybe one day I can make my own as well. No cutting necessary!!
DeleteSO glad you found this DIY helpful, Dawn! I looked all over the internet and couldn't find a way to cut, so I dove in....and yes, totally agree, they are perfect in any room, any decor. Here's to braided rugs!
ReplyDeleteLooks SOOO much better smaller and without that heavy outer band. Great job! (both of you) Yes, ma'am, I would cut a rug if the occasion presented itself. My theory would be that I already didn't work, what's it gonna hurt??
ReplyDeleteThanks Nancy! And yup, those were my sentiments exactly!!
DeleteKim, I used to have braided rugs all over my house. I loved them and I still do. I used to order them out of the Sears catalog and they were so cheap, but of good quality. I ordered one for the sitting room and couldn't vacuum it as all the fibres came up. I sent it back, fibres and all, and I haven't found one that I liked or could afford since. My mom made one that was about 8' X 10', from dying all the wool shirts, etc. from Goodwill and cutting and braiding it all herself. It was so beautiful and ended up with my sister and trashed over time. How I would love to have it now. Well, enough about me!!! You and hubby did a fantastic job and I'm so glad you saved your rug. Your charming cottage looks just perfect with braided rugs and I always love it all..Happy Fall.xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judy!! That's so funny, because I bought the majority my rugs from the JCPenney catalog for all the same reasons. And I returned one last fall for that same shedding reason. Your mom was super ambitious...my daughter started crocheting this weekend and she said mom I'll teach you and you can make your own rug. I don't know about that. I'll be lucky if I can eek out a placemat!! xo
DeleteYour rug downsized is perfect for the table and chairs. Great idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura!! I have to admit, I was worried about how the chairs would work, but we tested it out as we cut to make sure it was appropriate. Thanks so much for the comment. Happy Fall!!
DeleteThats awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deanna! Most things are easier to take apart than they are to put together…so it was easy! Ha!
DeleteWow, I'm glad to know about that! I too love braided rugs, and I have one right now I was thinking of getting rid of b/c it's too big. Voila, I'm going to do this! Thanks for the vision!
ReplyDeleteFlorence, this one sat in the basement for the same reason. And then I got tired of looking for one. You'll have to let me know if you try it!! And nice to hear from you!
DeleteHi Kim, wow I am totally amazed at what the two of you can do together. The rug looks great. We grew up with braided rugs my aunt used to make by hand.
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie! It really helps to have a handy partner. Two heads are way better than one…especially when one has tools and knows how to use them!!
DeleteI love braided rugs. I would never have thought you could trim them. How great it that?
ReplyDeleteI didn't either, Penny! My mom used to say that necessity is the mother of invention, but in my case it was desperation!!
DeleteWe had braided rugs all over our house when I was growing up. I hated them but as I got older, I had them in my home as well and really liked them. I never knew you could cut them down...how cool! Looks great and I love the new size! Love and hugs to you sweet friend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Benita! My mom had wall to wall carpet, beads hanging in the kitchen and a mirrored wall when I was growing up and I loved it. My aunt was the queen of all things country and braided rugs ruled. I thought it was stuffy and old fashioned. Um...Funny how things change isn't it? And hugs right back to you. Glad to see you pop up in the comments again!
DeleteYour new old rug looks great! Isn't it funny how the things we say we'd never want in our homes, always find their way in once we get a little older? :) Your conversation with the big guy sounds a lot like the kind I have around here.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny, Gina. I used to go to my aunt’s house and her home was so country and traditional, filled with braided rugs and rocking chairs and I thought it was so old fashioned. Of course, now that I’m older I look back on my time there and remember the warmth and charm instead…and those beautiful braided rugs...
DeleteAmazing . . .
ReplyDeleteWho would think this would work . . .
But it did . . . looks great, a “win, win!”
You are amazing Kim!
Thanks Lynne. I guess my mind was wired for crazy DIY schemes!!
DeleteThat is scary stuff but once again you and hubby pulled it off! It looks great!
ReplyDeleteThanks AnnMarie! I was pretty confident that it'd work...but that first cut was scary!
DeleteWe had a few of those rugs in our house growing up too, but always oblong. I love that you were able to resize it so easily. It looks great in the dining room, and perfect with your lovely wing-back chair too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Toni. I'm glad we were able to make it work. I feel like I have a brand new rug now!
DeleteI pinned!
ReplyDeleteIt looks great. Love the conversation .. :-) between you two.
Thanks Carla...and yeah...we have a lot of those. 🙃
DeleteI love how you resized your rug, it looks lovely and fits the room perfectly. The corner with the rug looks super cozy, soft and warm. Thank you for sharing the resizing process, it's quite useful. And you're right, nothing can beat the softness of a gorgeous rug. I'm wondering, how would you feel when it comes to hemp rugs, considering your allergies?
ReplyDeleteI've never thought about a hemp rug, Katarina. I would have to look into it, but it would be nice to have other options for sure. And thanks! The room feels fall ready now. I appreciate the visit and the thoughts!
DeleteGreat idea and I love free! It looks perfect under your dining table and chairs.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristi. I love it.
DeleteBrilliant work Kim. And it looks perfect for the area now! And I believe you when you say it was super easy!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary!!!
DeleteI'm guessing if you wanted to, you could have sewn a smaller rug with what you cut off.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right! I hadn't thought of that...I could've made placemats or chair pads, too. Thanks for the inspiration.
DeleteCurious - did you ever make the chair pad? I too "downsized" a braided rug for a smaller space and want to use the remaining braided rug pieces to make small chair pads for some French rush-seated chairs. However it is VERY difficult to stitch through the commercially made braided rug. Any suggestions on how to do this, or attached them to a heavy canvas fabric backing?
DeleteThoughts?
Trish in CA
Hi Trish! Glad to hear I'm not the only one who needed to resize my braided rug. I love your idea of using the leftover pieces to make chair pads..,but you're right, commercially braided rugs are woven so tightly, making hand stitching very challenging.
DeleteSo when we cut this rug, we actually cut a little too much and had to sew it back. The best way to do that was to use a very thin, clear thread (like fishing line) and a strong needle in a zig zag fashion. We caught a bit of the fibers and were able to get through it pretty easily. I think the key is to use the thinnest strong needed you can find. I know that sounds like a tall order, but a thin needle will make it easier to get through the tight weave.
I've never done it, but I suppose you could use fabric glue to bind the braids instead of sewing, but not sure how strong it would be. Another idea would be to use glue to reinforce it, if you didn't feel like the sewing was anchored enough.
As far as the chair pad goes, I love your idea of mounting the pads onto a canvas backing. That will definitely add strength to the construction. I've used fusible web to upholster furniture and it has staying power. I did a chair that we sit on every day (with kids) years ago and it hasn't budged. It comes in strips, but I would use the full sheets for total coverage. It's an iron on product and super easy to use.
You could honestly try it without sewing, but it might be hard to get tight enough and then iron. You might need an extra pair of hands.
Lastly, I would add a bit of grippy rug tape between the canvas and the chair so the pads don't slip.
Here is the post about the fusible web if that path interests you: https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2015/07/custom-upholstered-chair-easy-diy.html
I'm not sure any of that is helpful, but I'm very interested to hear how your project turns out, so please follow up and let me know!! Best of luck!!
This was exactly the information I needed!
ReplyDelete