Create a Stunning Oval Rug with Dollar Tree Items!
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Materials
- Starting the Rug
3.1 Choosing the Color and Size
3.2 Prep work for the Clothesline
3.3 Crocheting the Foundation Chain
- Crocheting over the Clothesline
4.1 Attaching the Clothesline
4.2 Single Crocheting over the Clothesline
- Creating the Mesh Stitch Pattern
5.1 Single Crocheting and Chaining
5.2 Increasing Stitches
5.3 Repeating the Mesh Stitch Pattern
- Continuing the Rows with Increases
6.1 Adding Increases in the Chain Spaces
6.2 Controlling the Fullness of the Rug
- Finishing the Rug
- Adding a Border
8.1 Choosing a Border Color
8.2 Crocheting the Border Rows
8.3 Adding a Scalloped Edge
- Finishing Touches
9.1 Securing the Clothesline Ends
9.2 Finishing and Trimming Ends
- Conclusion
How to Make an Adorable Country Style Rug on a Budget
Introduction
Are you looking for a fun and budget-friendly DIY project? In this article, we'll show you how to make an adorable country style rug using materials you can find at your local dollar store. With a few simple steps and some creativity, you can create a beautiful rug that adds a touch of country charm to your home decor. Let's get started!
Materials
Before we begin, let's gather the materials you'll need for this project. Here's a list of what you'll need:
- Clothesline bundles (available at dollar stores)
- Cotton yarn (in your preferred color)
- Crochet hook (size K or 6.5mm is recommended)
- Tape
- Oatmeal container (optional)
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
Starting the Rug
3.1 Choosing the Color and Size
When starting this project, choose the color of clothesline and yarn that matches your desired aesthetic. For our rug, we chose blue clothesline and red yarn from the dollar store. Additionally, consider the size of the rug you want to make. In this tutorial, we'll guide you to create a rug approximately 21 by 29 inches, but feel free to adjust it to your preferences.
3.2 Prep Work for the Clothesline
Before we begin crocheting, let's prepare the clothesline. The first part of the line is often curly, making it difficult to work with. To make it easier, attach the free end of the clothesline to the side of an oatmeal container using tape. Wind the clothesline around the container until it becomes a smooth skein. This will make it much easier to work with later.
3.3 Crocheting the Foundation Chain
To start crocheting, make a slip knot with the yarn and create an even number of chains that equal approximately 12 inches in length (32 chains for our example). Once you reach the end of the chain, turn it over and single crochet into the second chain from the hook. Continue single crocheting across the row, ending with a chain one and turn.
Crocheting over the Clothesline
4.1 Attaching the Clothesline
To add texture and thickness to the rug, we'll crochet over the clothesline. Place the free end of the clothesline under your yarn, and then single crochet into the first stitch. Bring your hook around the back of the clothesline, yarn over, and complete your single crochet as normal. Chain one, skip one stitch, and single crochet around the clothesline in the next stitch. Continue this pattern across the row, ending with a single crochet in the last stitch.
4.2 Single Crocheting and Chaining
In the subsequent rows, continue single crocheting and chaining over the clothesline. Remember to chain one, turn the corner, and follow the same pattern along the sides and ends of the rug. Make sure to spread out the stitches evenly by tugging along the stitching periodically.
Creating the Mesh Stitch Pattern
5.1 Single Crocheting and Chaining
As you progress with the rug, keep repeating the mesh stitch pattern. This pattern involves single crocheting and chaining in specific spaces. Remember to chain one, turn the corner, and continue placing three single crochets in the center. Repeat this pattern on the other side of the oval.
5.2 Increasing Stitches
To add fullness and maintain a flat shape, it's essential to increase stitches. Place markers in the chain spaces in the center of each increase from the previous row. For the next row, increase by single crocheting, chaining one, and single crocheting in the same space as indicated by the marker. Repeat the mesh stitch pattern along both sides of the oval, placing increases at the marker points.
5.3 Repeating the Mesh Stitch Pattern
Continue repeating the mesh stitch pattern and adding increases as necessary. Remember that everyone's rug may differ in terms of needed increases, so adjust accordingly to maintain a flat shape. Keep crocheting rows until your rug reaches the desired size. For reference, our finished rug measures approximately 21 by 29 inches.
Continuing the Rows with Increases
6.1 Adding Increases in the Chain Spaces
As you continue with the rows, incorporate increases to control the fullness of the rug. Add increases in the chain spaces as needed, ensuring the rug remains flat. If it starts to appear too full, you can decrease the frequency of increases, alternating between rows with and without increases.
6.2 Controlling the Fullness of the Rug
To maintain control over the fullness of the rug, add increases every other row, and decrease the frequency as necessary. This will help you adjust the rug's size and keep it flat. Feel free to experiment and make adjustments based on your preferences.
Finishing the Rug
Once you reach the desired size for your rug, it's time to finish it off. Cut the clothesline, leaving a tail, and secure it with a few dabs of hot glue on the base. Wind the tail around the hot glue to conceal it, and then trim any excess. Repeat this process for any remaining clothesline ends.
Adding a Border
8.1 Choosing a Border Color
To give your rug a polished look, add a border. Select a yarn color that complements your rug's colors. In this case, we ran out of red yarn and opted for a blue yarn from Lion Brand.
8.2 Crocheting the Border Rows
Crochet two rows using the chosen border color. Follow the same stitch pattern as before to maintain consistency. Single crochet and chain as you did with the mesh stitch pattern.
8.3 Adding a Scalloped Edge
To create a decorative scalloped edge, switch to a smaller crochet hook (size J or 6mm is recommended). Start with a slip stitch and chain three. Triple crochet and double crochet into the same stitch. Skip two single crochets from the previous row and slip stitch into the next single crochet. Repeat this process around the entire rug.
Finishing Touches
9.1 Securing the Clothesline Ends
To ensure the clothesline ends are secure, apply a few dabs of hot glue to the base of the rug. Wind the tail of the clothesline around the hot glue, creating a firm hold.
9.2 Finishing and Trimming Ends
To complete the rug, trim any remaining ends of the yarn or clothesline. Make sure everything is tightly secured and neatly trimmed for a clean finished look.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully created an adorable country style rug on a budget. This DIY project allows you to unleash your creativity while adding a charming touch to your home decor. We hope this tutorial has inspired you to explore your crafting skills and create something beautiful without breaking the bank. Enjoy your new rug!
Highlights:
- Learn how to make an adorable country style rug using materials from the dollar store
- Customize your rug with various colors and sizes
- Crochet over clothesline to add texture and thickness to the rug
- Create a mesh stitch pattern with strategic increases to control fullness and maintain a flat shape
- Add a border and a decorative scalloped edge for a polished finish
- Secure clothesline ends with hot glue and trim any loose ends for neatness and durability
- Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a beautiful rug for your home decor without spending a fortune.