It always amazes me how much fabric I need to make a rag rug but there are places to find inexpensive fabric that can be recycled into a beautiful rug!
After steadily cutting up jeans and making strips this week I have several piles ready so that I can start my rug next week. Thankfully the jeans are free. I’ve saved jeans from all of my kids, myself & husband for a few years. I have no idea if I have enough or not.
Where to look for cheap fabric?
#1 Good Will or Salvation Army
Look for sheets or sections of fabric. I love QUEEN or KING size sheets for rug projects!
Curtains! I know it sounds crazy but seriously that's a lot of fabric if you find the color/style that you need!
Used clothing. If I get desperate I can buy some jeans but I would rather do it at #2 (below)
#2 Garage Sales
Seriously, people get tired of projects and quit. Sometimes you can score on some VERY cheap fabric.
Another option if you are looking for denim is to buy jeans.
Try going at the end of the day and making an offer on a pile of clothes. Most people will give you a bargain so they don’t have to pack it up again. I'm always happy to fill a huge bag with clothes and sell them cheap when I hold a garage sale!
#3 Friends
I know it seems funny to ask but if you have quilting or crafting friends ask if they have fabric stashes. Ask if they have any fabric that they know they will not use.
Also if you are collecting denim, let your friends know when the seasons change. That is a great time to collect jeans with holes in the knees or just pairs that are outgrown or almost used up.
Want to learn how to make a rag rug? I can help!
Upcycling or Recycling Fabric is smart and good for the environment
Much of the clothing I get rid of is not worn out. It either has a hole in it or the wearer has out grown the item or style. There are whole businesses, like the Good Will, that are focused on recycling textiles. I pass good clothes on to friends with children or take them to the Good Will.
I love the idea of making quilts from clothing as well but that is an adventure for another season in my life. My favorite choice is to recycle them into a rug. Making something beautiful and functional gives new life to the fabric that still has years of use left. I also recently found that there is a whole section on Etsy that focuses on products made with recycled fabric. Lots of CUTE items!
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