Make a braided rag rug from old T-shirts
So many Australian wardrobes hold piles of worn-out tees — souvenir shirts from the Whitsundays, faded band merch, or outgrown kids' tops. Rather than adding them to landfill, why not transform them into something lasting? A hand-braided rag rug is one of the most forgiving upcycling projects you can tackle at home, even if you've never picked up a needle.
In recent years, textile recycling has become a hot topic across the country, with councils in Melbourne and Sydney running campaigns to divert fabric from general waste. The good news is that a single braided rug can soak up twenty or more T-shirts, giving old cotton new purpose. Whether you live in a Brisbane Queenslander, a Sydney terrace, or a smaller apartment in Adelaide, this project fits neatly into a weekend.
The technique has humble beginnings — rag rugs were once woven from fabric scraps as a thrifty household craft. Today, the method has been updated for makers who prefer a sleek, modern finish. Expect a soft, slightly springy rug that works well in bedrooms, reading nooks, or beside the kitchen sink.
You'll only need basic tools: sharp fabric scissors, a large needle, and strong thread. The rest comes from the T-shirt pile, a bit of patience, and a comfortable spot to sit while you braid.
Sourcing old T-shirts in Australia
Most households have more old tees than they realise. Start by emptying the bottom of the wardrobe and digging through the linen cupboard. Charity op shops are another excellent source — Vinnies, Salvos, and Lifeline stores in suburbs from Fremantle to Geelong sell bundles of mixed clothing for just a few dollars, and remnants that can't be sold often get resold by weight.
If you prefer shopping online, marketplace platforms list bulk bags of pre-loved clothing regularly. Friends and family are usually happy to pass on stacks of outgrown kids' tops as well. Aim for cotton or a high-cotton blend, as synthetic fabrics tend to slip during braiding and won't hold a tight coil.
When choosing colours, think about where the rug will sit. A beach house in Torquay might suit washed-out ocean blues and sandy neutrals, while a kid's playroom in Perth calls for bright primary tones. Aim for at least ten to fifteen shirts for a modest rug, and twice that if you're after something generous like a 90-centimetre floor piece.
Cutting and joining the fabric strips
Start by laying each T-shirt flat and trimming off the hem and seams with sharp fabric scissors — these bulky joins will only create uneven lumps in your braid. From the remaining body, cut even strips roughly three to four centimetres wide, working in a continuous spiral from the outside inwards so you get one long unbroken length per shirt.
Short strips can be linked to form longer ones. Lay two ends on top of each other at a right angle, fold one over the other, and pull tight — this simple lark's head knot creates a join strong enough to survive a vigorous braid. Some makers prefer to stitch the joins, but a knot is usually sufficient.
Browse fabric selection insights for more pre-cut fabric strip ideas. Keep joining until each of your three working strands measures roughly four to five times the length you want the finished rug to be.
Mastering the braid
The braid is the heart of this project. The most common style is the three-strand plait, which produces a fairly flat rope. A four-strand version adds a decorative centre ridge, while a five-strand round braid creates a chunkier, more sculptural look. The table below outlines how each style compares.
| Braid style | Difficulty | Appearance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-strand flat | Beginner | Flat, ribbon-like | Long runners, bathroom mats |
| 4-strand ridge | Intermediate | Decorative central ridge | Bedroom rugs, living room accents |
| 5-strand round | Advanced | Chunky, round profile | Statement floor rugs, hallway pieces |
| Continuous spiral | Intermediate | Smooth, even texture | Larger rugs, patient first-timers |
To keep tension even, tape the three strands to a table edge or weigh them down with a heavy book. A clip-style peg attached to your knee works well if you braid on the couch while watching the cricket. Move steadily and gently, adjusting slack as you go to avoid puckers.
Take breaks often. Braiding is meditative but uses hands and shoulders more than you'd expect, especially when working through a long coil. Many Australian makers set up outdoors on the verandah, braiding while enjoying a cuppa in the morning sun.
Coiling and sewing the rug
Once your braid reaches the desired length, it's time to coil. Start at the centre and spiral outwards, pinning or hand-stitching each new coil to the previous one as you go. Use a sturdy curved needle and polyester thread — cotton thread can snap under pressure over time.
For invisible stitching, work your needle through the outer loops of the braid, sliding it under the edge rather than piercing the centre. This hides the join almost completely and gives a clean, professional finish. Double back and forth every few centimetres to lock the seam in place.
If you're planning a rectangular rug, ease the braid gently along an edge before stitching to shape straight sides. Round or oval shapes are far easier and more forgiving for first attempts. Press the finished rug flat under a stack of books overnight before using.
Finishing touches and care tips
A braided T-shirt rug holds up beautifully with simple care. Cold machine washing on a gentle cycle keeps colours from bleeding, and air-drying flat prevents the braid from stretching. A quick shake outdoors each week keeps dust at bay — perfect for households with kids or pets.
For extra grip on tiled or polished concrete floors, back the rug with a thin layer of non-slip shelf liner, available at any Bunnings. Some makers add a felt or cotton backing for a softer feel underfoot, especially if the rug sits beside the bed.
Want another upcycling idea? Try building a cardboard play kitchen tutorial for the kids.
Clever tricks to lift your project
- Sort your T-shirts by colour family before cutting so the braid flows smoothly without jarring transitions.
- Pre-wash all shirts in cold water to prevent shrinkage and dye bleed once the rug is finished.
- Use a wooden dowel or broom handle to roll a small basket of braid, keeping things tidy during long sessions.
- Try a stripe pattern by alternating groups of solid colours instead of blending randomly.
- Recruit a friend for the coiling stage — one person braids while another stitches to speed things up.
- Keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe sticky fingers, especially when kids want to help.
Ready to give your old tees a second life — gather those forgotten shirts from the back of the cupboard, grab your scissors, and set aside a quiet afternoon. Within a weekend, you'll have a soft, colourful rug that's truly one of a kind, and a wardrobe that's lighter by a kilo or two.