How to Create a Rug Out of Carpet Remnants

If you’re looking for a rug but find prices to be more than you want to spend or are looking for something to do with remnants after you’ve installed new carpeting, consider making an area rug out. It’s an easy project that allows you to create a rug with the look you want for almost any room in your home!

Here’s how you can create a rug out of carpet remnants.

GET A CARPET REMNANT

The first step is to find a carpet remnant. Typically, remnants are pieces of carpeting left over after a roll of carpet has been mostly used up, so they’re sold at a discount. The cost of remnants is cheaper because the pieces are too small to complete a wall-to-wall project.

Before you choose a carpet remnant, think about the amount you need, along with color, pile, and fabric you’d like to get. However, because you’re seeking a remnant, know that you might not have the same range of options as you would if you purchased wall-to-wall carpet. Remnants are also typically sold as-is, so you probably won’t have the same warranty and guarantees, either.

SIZE THE REMNANT

If you buy a remnant, it most likely won’t be the exact dimensions you need, so you’ll have to cut it down to size. Use a carpet or utility knife to cut the carpet. If you want to create a square or rectangle, use a right angle and a yardstick or other straight edge to draw lines on the back of the carpet. Before you cut, place a sheet of wood or large piece of cardboard under the carpet, especially if you’re cutting over a hardwood floor or other carpet that you don’t want to damage!

BIND THE EDGES

The next step is to bind the edges of the remnant. This can be the trickiest portion of the project, but you have some options depending on how much money you’re able to spend and how much of the project you want to do yourself.

Fringing and serging are a couple of the more expensive options. Fringing can make a remnant look more like a hand-knotted rug. But unlike a hand-knotted rug, where the fringe serves the purpose of tying off fibers to prevent fraying, fringe on a remnant is for appearances only. While it makes an attractive look, it can be harder to maintain as fringe gets dirty more easily and can tangle up in the vacuum.

Serging uses an overlock stitch to create the look of fibers wrapped tightly around the edge. However, it’s a stitch that is easiest to achieve using a special type of sewing machine called a serger. If you don’t have access to one, this can be an expensive option since you would have to hire someone to do the work for you.

The most common ⁠— and most affordable — way to bind the edges is to wrap fabric or binding tape around the edges. If you use fabric, keep in mind that the finished edge will only be about a quarter of an inch wide, so it’s probably best to choose a color that matches and will blend in rather than try to create a border with an interesting, contrasting color.

APPLY BINDING TAPE

With fabric you’ll also need to use a binding machine, so most people instead use binding tape that can be applied by hand. Begin by peeling off the tape backing to uncover the sticky side. Start at the center of one side of the carpet and work your way around, pressing the carpet backing and binding tape together.

Cut the tape and overlap it when you get to the corners and once you’ve made your way completely around the carpet. At the starting and ending point, apply some hot glue to give the tape extra adhesion.

Finally, go around the carpet a second time to seal it again. This time, use hot glue and press the edge of the carpet backing to the edge of the binding tape. The binding tape and hot glue are both strong adhesives, so work slowly so you don’t make any hard-to-correct mistakes. When you’ve finished, let everything set for a bit and enjoy your new area rug!

 

LOOKING FOR NEW CARPET OR REMNANT?

If you're in search of new carpeting or remnant to create your own area rug (or any similar project) our experts at Goshen Floor Mart can help! Visit our showroom at 65669 U.S. 33 to browse our carpet inventory or call 574.642.4770 to chat with a flooring expert!

If you're in the market for flooring feel free to contact Goshen Floor Mart. Remember, we are always happy to provide you with a free estimate. Call us today at 574.642.4770 or contact us here