How to Crochet an Area Rug

It only takes a few chilly evenings to get me thinking about winter crafts. It's always smart to get started early on projects that you might consider for holiday gift giving. I am especially fond of crocheting things that help to keep everyone warm in the winter months. This year I decided to put my crochet talents to work by making some homemade area rugs.

The beautiful thing about crocheting your own rugs is that you can make them any size and shape or color that you desire. I used two colors on the rug featured in the picture with this article. It seemed to give the rug more texture and depth than other single color rugs I have crocheted in the past. This project requires only moderate crochet skills and here is all you will need to get started on it.

Items Needed To Crochet An Area Rug :
1. Yarn (single or multiple colors)
2. Crochet Needle
3. Scissors
4. Measuring Tape
5. Beads (optional)

Getting Started On The Area Rug :
The first thing you will want to do to get ready for this project is to measure the space that you want your area rug in. Keep your measuring tape handy after deciding the dimensions you will need. Tie off a loop on the end of the yarn you intend to use and begin to crochet a single stitch till you reach the width that you desire for your rug. The rug that I just finished and pictured in this article is a long rectangular shape. This rug is for a long and narrow hallway.

Once you have your single stitch crocheted to the width measurement you need, you will want to begin to double stitch. If you are using a single color of thread there will be no need to make any adjustments. If you choose to use two separate yarns as I did, you will want to add your second color of yarn when you begin your first row of double stitch. Simply make a loop at the beginning of your second yarn and slip it on to your crochet needle. Continue your crochet just as if you had a single yarn but allow both yarns to loop and knot together.

Finishing Touches For Area Rug :
You will want to continue on with your double stitching of your area rug until you reach your desired length measurement. If you find yourself getting close to the desired length, reach for that handy tape measure and measure your rug every few rows. I purchased a new flexible tape measure recently when shopping here.

Now is the time to decide if you would like to add some tassels or cut yarn to the edges of your rug. It gives the rug a little extra something if you take the time to add cut yarns to the edges. All you have to do is double up your yarn and cut four to six inch pieces. You will need quite a few so I would suggest cutting them in a large quantity the first time to avoid having to stop to cut more as needed.

Gather all of your cut yarn pieces together and group them into equal sized bunches. Feed them through gaps in your crochet loops all along the edge of your rug and tie them tight to give it a unique border. You can decide as you go along on how many and how closely spaced you want your cut yarns to be. If you decided to add beads to your rug this would be the time to add them. All you have to do is slip the beads onto the yarn just after you loop it into the edges and just before you tie it off.

Remember to use colors that compliment the room where you will be using your rug. Also consider choosing very fuzzy or thick yarn for this project. I found great deals on beautiful yarn by shopping here. I hope you enjoy this crochet craft project. If you liked this craft idea, consider clicking here for more of my craft and hobby articles.

Source :

http://www.michaels.com