Outdoor Furniture, Outdoor Patio and Outdoor Gardens

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Braided Rugs?
   TO Whom It May Concern,

   I Am looking to purchase SOMETHING SPECIAL BRAIDED RUGS made by Roseann Kaufman, if anyone could help me out I would appreciate it.

   Thank You

   Lee Hert

   • ANSWER:
     The only reference I could find to a Roseann Kaufman was a guest signature at TLC Crafters site. It may be a long-shot. There is an e-mail address. Perhaps you could make contact and see if it is the rug maker you are seeking

2. QUESTION:
   Does anyone know how to make braided rugs from rags(old clothes)?
   I would like to give braided rugs as gifts to some elderly people that just can't afford much of anything. I've seen them at garage sales but have never made one. I am hoping some1 here knows or has made some. Thanks & yes I do give best answers & a comment for all your help.

   • ANSWER:
     Assemble:

     * Old, clean clothes (no denim, corduroy or heavy wool)
     * Scissors
     * Basting thread
     * Buttonhole twist or quilting thread
     * Straight pins
     * Heavy-duty needle (a semi-circular needle is helpful, but not necessary)

     1. Gather old, clean clothes like tee shirts, skirts, housecoats, shirts - anything but denim, corduroy, or heavy wool. (They are too heavy to sew through.) Cut off all the buttons, zippers, and hooks and eyes, and save them for other projects.

     2. Cut or tear the cloth into three-inch wide long strips. Sew several of these long lengths together, end to end, mixing and matching the patterns.

     3. Fold the frayed edges inward about a 1/4 inch, then fold the strip in half. Finger press the turned in edges of your “tails.” (Instead of getting out the iron, run the edges between your fingers to crease them. Finger pressing is sometimes done in quilting.) Secure with just enough straight pins so the folds stay in place.

     4. Pin three long tails together at the top and braid them, keeping the braid as flat as possible. Continue to sew on more tails, braiding them as you go.

     5. Decide on the shape of your rug.

     *

     For an OVAL RUG:

     Beginning in the center of the rug, lay a 6 to 8 inch length of braid flat on a table and start coiling the rest of the braid around this length, butting the sides of the braid together and loosely pinning them. Sew this long braid into a flat oval with doubled quilting thread or heavy buttonhole twist by making running stitches about 1/4 inch apart.

     You do a running stitch by simply making a continuous looping stitch down through the top of the fabric and back up through the bottom with, in this case, about a 1/4 inch distance between the stitches.

     *

     For a ROUND RUG, the technique is the same except the center length beginning the coil needs to only be 1 to 2 inches long, which will form a circle instead of an oval.

     Make your rug as large as you need. Small to medium size rugs are best because they can be cleaned in the washing machine. Small rugs can be used as placemats or table doilies for a country look.

3. QUESTION:
   What kind of fabric is most often used for making braided rugs?
   I would like to make a braided rug and would like to know the type of mateiral most often used?

   • ANSWER:
     I prefer bias-cut wool. Doesn't ravel, braids well, easy to care for when it's made up.

4. QUESTION:
   I am looking for a specific brand, Watch Hill Braided Rugs?
   I bought s Watch Hill rug about two years ago at J.C. Penney's , and find I need a smaller one to match it. Can you find someone who carries the brand?

   • ANSWER:
     Penney's still has them- check out the link for their website

5. QUESTION:
   what is the best quality material for braided rugs?
   Cotton, wool, etc. which is the most durable for a kitchen?

   • ANSWER:
     Cotton

6. QUESTION:
   How do you clean braided area rugs?
   Especially when cat urine and other odors are present?

   • ANSWER:

7. QUESTION:
   where can I find instructions to make braided rugs?

   • ANSWER:
     this is a pretty simple one

     http://akak.essortment.com/braidedrugmaki_rkxo.htm

8. QUESTION:
   Is there an electric shaver out there for shaving the fuzz from braided rugs?

   • ANSWER:
     A de-piller would probably work. You can probably get one at a Dry Cleaners.

9. QUESTION:
   who manufactures jamestown braided rugs for jc penney?
   I am trying to locate one in a specific size

   • ANSWER:
     Probably Capel Rugs

10. QUESTION:
    how to make hand made braided jute rugs?
    LIKE THE ONES SHOW ON THIS WEBSITE
    APPLESEEDPRIMITIVES.COM

    • ANSWER:
      You'll need to buy jute yarn. I however, even though I am not american, would not buy this yarn, as it all basically comes from Afghanistan and Tehran... and so I won't even give you links... I refuse to fund the war against America... sorry.

11. QUESTION:
    Does anyone know where I can get a braided rug repaired within driving distance of Harrisonburg, VA?
    I have a beautiful braided rug that is unraveling. Does anyone know anywhere I can have it repaired within driving distance of Harrisonburg, VA?

    • ANSWER:
      There is a great place in Kensington, MD. It is about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Harrisonburg. I hope that is within your idea of driving distance. They are called Jahann and Sons Persian Rugs. They have the services of cleaning and deodorizing, to binding and reweaving. And much more. I hope this helps. Please check them out online.

12. QUESTION:
    Where is the cheapest place to buy rugs online?
    I'm looking for some rugs for a Christmas gift, and I need to find some places that have the best prices on wool braided rugs. Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Rugs USA, also they have a 10% off coupon at http://www.juicycoupons.com/Home---Garden/RugsUSA-com-Coupons/index.html to save some money

13. QUESTION:
    Does anyone know how to do braiding of Plastic bags to make rugs?
    When we lived in Texas (USA) We had some people that made plastic braided bag rugs.....If anyone knows of such a thing Would you please share with me As they are very handy to use...Also if you know of sites where I can do plastic canvas work also...Thanks in advance

    • ANSWER:
      I've never heard of using plastic. Very interesting.

      Here's a link I found. http://www.homesteadweaver.com/braidedrug.htm

14. QUESTION:
    Where do I find wool for a braided rug?
    I want to try my hand at braiding a rug. I have studied the procedures and have a wonderful book on the subject. I have searched online for wool but I am not satisfied with what I have found so far. Where is a good place to find what I need? Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      Thrift shops are a good start for used wool, just make sure that the garments you buy are 100% wool (blends with acrylics will make your scissors or strip cutter dull in no time--if there's no label, cut a strip and listen to the cutting process, acrylic sounds like breaking glass if you listen carefully). While this is the least expensive way, it won't get you a specific color scheme, which is what gives braided rugs their classic beauty. Commercial sources of rug wool are Pendleton Mills and Dorr Mills. Google them on-line, but be prepared, the prices are high. You can also see if Braid-Aid is still in business, but I think they closed several years ago.

15. QUESTION:
    Hand Braided Rug - How to start?
    I was at a craft show that had hand braided rugs made out of all kinds of doubleknit. They were beautiful!! I'd like to make one to use up all this knit fabric that is left over for projects. My question is, how do you start it? She showed me how to do the braiding and putting it together, but I forgot to ask her how to begin the long braid in the first place. I've looked at 10 sites and not one has instructions on how to prepare that first braid (do you sew the fabrics together? Fold them over. What?
    I should add that this lady didn't have the braid tacked anywhere. She didn't have a table to use.

    • ANSWER:
      i found full instructions on making a braided rug here: http://www.motherearthnews.com/DIY/1971-11-01/Snug-As-a-Bug-In-a-Braided-Rug.aspx

      also, here is a website that explains different braids for hand-braided rugs: http://www.netw.com/~rafter4/braids.html

16. QUESTION:
    Has anyone ever tried to send an email to Martha Stewart? All I want to know is how to make a braided rug!?
    I want to make a braided rug from my son-in-laws Army uniforms. Any ideas?

    • ANSWER:
      http://www.craftown.com/instruction/rugs.htm

      I think this might help you.

17. QUESTION:
    How to clean an old braided rug?
    I don't know if it is an antique (probably older than I am, anyway). I got it from my grandparents house, and I am not sure what it is made of, but it might be some kind of wool. It smells terrible (from years of pet accidents), and collects dust like nothing I have ever seen. I have used some dry carpet cleaners and vacuuming on it, which helped with the smell, but I would like to really clean it so I can use it in my bedroom. Is this something I can or should have professionally done, and if so, where do I go? I would prefer to try home fixes first. Any suggestions?
    Thanks for the ideas so far! The rug is circular, probably about 6 feet across. I have tried draping it over my porch railing (I am on the 2nd floor) and beating it with the broom, but all I got was a faceful of dust and a nasty coughing fit for my troubles. I like the tub idea... We have a 2-seater with jets!

    • ANSWER:
      You didn't say how large it is. I would fill the bath tub with warmish/cool water, mix in some Tide and let it soak. Then wiggle it around in there a bit to loosen the lodged dirt and grime. Repeat a second time. Then, with some help because it will be heavy, lift it until much of the water runs out. If you live on a lake, like me, take it down to the lake and drag it out where the water is clean until it is thoroughly rinsed. Then drag it back to where you can roll it up, place in a plastic bag, and take to a laundromat. Place in the largest machine and spin dry it. Drag it out and find a place to lay it in the sun until dry. Stretch it out from time to time to avoid bumps. OR - you can have it professionally cleaned. (If they use those dry cleaning chemicals on it, it will give off toxic fumes). Have fun with this.

18. QUESTION:
    patterns for braided rugs?
    WANTED TO TRY THIS ART BUT NEED A SIMPLE PATTERN

    • ANSWER:
      Try this site, it's the best one I've found so far.
      All you ever wanted to know about making rugs the old fashioned way: with braids of rags. From the simple to mind-blowing, designs, colors, patterns, history, instructions, how to add braids, the many different styles of rugs, projects for the beginner, suppliers and much, much more

19. QUESTION:
    How do you make a braided rug?
    I want to make one for the animal shelter. If it's good I will give it to my grandma for Christmas!

    • ANSWER:
      Its not just braiding...you have to sew,too!
      By hand ! lol
      you need to sew loooong strips together
      and have someone hold one end until the strips no longer twist. when you are done you sit on the floor and tightly start the center.
      sewing all the way around in a circle.This is time consuming but fun. Use an upholstery needle. Get a good one nice and sharp.
      the nice thing is you can use any colors you want or just 2 colors.They make nice gifts! If you make tiny ones they can go in a child's doll house or REALLY long ones can go over your entire bedroom.If you use a skid mat you can find them at Walmart..or you can use paint( I use spray paint its fastest and you don't need a brush!)
      Have fun

20. QUESTION:
    Does anybody know how to make a braided rug out of walmart plastic shopping bags?
    The part I need to know is do you cut them in strips - how wide- or do you just cut them in half, longways, or what? I guess I could get some out and experiment, but I have lots to do before I can sit down and try it. Then I am sure I will devote all my afternoon to it! ha

    • ANSWER:
      try these directions

21. QUESTION:
    How do I remove the creases from a new oval braided rug after it had been rolled up & folded for some time?

    • ANSWER:
      Sit something heavy on it for the time being. It will soon flatten out. If that doesn't work, I guess you could wash it and then lay it out flat to dry.

22. QUESTION:
    Braided rug instructions?
    Does anyone have a good website on free instructions for braided rugs?Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      http://www.craftown.com/instruction/rugs.htm

      Selection of Fabric—Fabrics most adaptable are wool and cotton. Colors of rug may be chosen to accent room color, using three of four different colors, or many colors for a bright multicolored effect.

      Condition of fabric determines how long rug will wear; therefore, use new or almost new material.

      Proper preparation of braiding strips is very important. Cut material into strips one to three inches wide— weight of fabric determines width. The heavier the fabric the narrower the strips. Sew strips together diagonally so that when folded for braiding there will not be a thickness at seam. Make sure that each strip is same thickness, otherwise finished article will buckle or ripple. Take each strip—fold each side to center—then fold strip in half. You may slip stitch these strips to prepare for braiding. Wind strips around a discarded cardboard roll.

      Braiders for strip folding may be used. These are usually metal cones, through which strips are threaded, folding in raw edges, forming round even braids for easy and fast braiding.

      Braiding—The braid described here is called three-strand braid. It is very simple, but here are some tips for getting best results. Take three strips of material that have been prepared. Sew them together at ends. Sew only eight or nine feet of strips together at one time or braid will become tangled. Join end of braid to something stable. Mentally number strips from one to three, from left to right, then begin braiding. Pass strip three over center strip two and under strip number one. Continue this same procedure until three of four yards are braided, then begin sewing or lacing rug together.

      Shape of Rug—For an oval rug, begin with center braid which measures as long as the difference between width and length of finished rug. As an example: a 6 x 9-foot rug would require a 3-foot center braid. An 8 x 10-foot or 4 x 6-foot rug would require a center braid of two feet. Turn braid and fold back an equal length in hairpin shape. Lace (see sketch) or sew these two together side by side. Lacing together makes rug reversible. Sew round and round this core with a large needle and carpet thread. Be careful and do not pull or stretch braiding strip when sewing or lacing.

      The directions for a round rug are similar except that you begin rug in form of a spiral.

      To make a rectangular rug, make beginning braid more than twice as long as finished length or rug. As this length is measured for beginning braid, allow at least one inch per foot extra which may be lost in first lacing. Pin braid at mark indicating length of first braid and cut braid near pin. Lift second braid to beginning of first braid and lace first and second braids together, being sure to match loops of braids to achieve pattern effect desired. It is best to lace third braid to opposite side of first braid and continue to lace to alternate sides as braids are added. This will result in a straight flat rug if braiding is firm and even. When desired size is reached, stitch across each end to secure braids. Stitch rug binding tape across both ends.

      Lacing: Along straight sides of rug the loops of each braid are side by side to form an open "V" or chevron. Using a curved needle or bodkin and carpet (linen) thread, lace through alternate loops of adjoining braids ( see sketch). When rug begins to curve another method is used. To allow fullness needed to keep rug flat it is necessary to increase by lacing thread through 2 loops on new braid and continuing to lace through alternate loops on rug (see sketch). Be sure to increase enough at each curve to allow rug to lie flat.

      After rug is complete, it may require light pressing with a damp cloth and a hot iron. Now you may relax, sit back and admire your handiwork.

23. QUESTION:
    What is the best way to clean a large braided area rug?
    This rug is on a hardwood floor and I'm not sure how to clean it without taking a chance of doing damage to the floor underneath it. The rug has never been cleaned before. Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      You're not going to be able to clean it with water ... just won't work with the hardwood underneath. Lowe's carries a product called Capture and it's in the tile and flooring department here. It's a powdered rug cleaner product and you use it along with a spray bottle of cleaner. First you mist a section of the carpet lightly. Next sprinkle the Capture powder evenly over that part of the rug using the "sifter" that comes in the package. Brush it in thoroughly.Continue this way until the entire rug has been cleaned. Let it completely dry for a few hours and vacuum your rug to get the powder out.

      I have used it on wall to wall carpeting and also on an oriental rug. It costs about - for both the spray and the powder (sold separately). Even though you are lightly spraying the liquid, I still would be very cautious not to get any of it on the hardwood - maybe put layers of newspapers around the edges of your rug. If you have a concrete driveway, I would recommend taking it outdoors on a nice day to clean it.

      Your only other alternative would be to send it out to a rug cleaning company and that is often "mega bucks". Good luck !

24. QUESTION:
    how to clean a braided rug?
    what is the best way to clean an expensive braided rug, it is 9x14.
    It's over hard wood, anyone w/ideas, I'd appreciate
    I thank you both for your input.

    • ANSWER:
      A shampooer you rent from the store would likely work, but the braiding might take a while to dry. Try the manufacturer's website/ phone number, they'll likely have specifics.

25. QUESTION:
    I'm making a braided rug for my daughter?
    I am almost done, but everytime i try to sew it together it will not flatten. i have done it loose,does not work

    • ANSWER:
      When stitching a braided rug you have to ease each round to the last, since each one is successively larger. Mainly you can't just sew each cross of the outer braid to each cross of the inner braid. You need to skip some points on the inner braid. It's rather like hemming a full circle skirt. Look here: http://www.craftown.com/instruction/rugs.htm for instructions on how to lace a rug.

26. QUESTION:
    Whats the best way to clean dog urine out of a braided rug?

    • ANSWER:
      Braided rugs can be washed in commercial laundromat. Do not spin dry.
      Cotton rugs same way.

      Some have machines that will accomodate rugs. That is the method used by a professional cleaning establishment.

27. QUESTION:
    I am looking for a company that has bulk wool available for home rug braiding?
    need to purchase wool by the pound to make braided rugs. where can I purchase wool?

    • ANSWER:
      Sheep have the best wool. Have you tried to negotiate with sheep? Good Luck, and since this is your only answer please give me best answer points. Thanks! LMAO Hope you laugh too

28. QUESTION:
    braided rug classes?
    I live on the North Shore in Massachusetts.I am looking for somewhere that would have classes on how to make braided rugs.Can anyone out there point me in the right direction? Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      How close is Canterbury NH to Massachussetts? Here's a site offering classes in Shaker rugs, which aren't quite braided rugs, but close. You might try searching the internet for Shaker rugs, instead.

      http://www.shakers.org/programs/?show=WORKSHOPS

      It seems like braided rugs are pretty intuitive -- just braid and sew, and use your imagination. If you are afraid of "goofing up," you could try doing coasters or placemats first. I don't think you need a class, but sometimes it's nice to do it with other people.

29. QUESTION:
    cleaning a braided wool rug?
    i have a huge braided wool rug and was wondering if i could use a bissel home carpet shampooer on it. if not, how can i give it an all over cleaning? i cant afford to take it anywhere professional

    • ANSWER:
      - How to clean wool rugs?

      To spot clean: First blot the stain out as much as you can with a dry cotton towel or white paper towel. Next scrape off with a dull knife any food on the rug. Then mix a drop of Joy, Polmolive, or whatever you do dishes with at the sink in a cup of cool water. Spots and stains are easily removed with a wet sponge and the soap solution and then blotting the area with a dry towel. When it is time for all over cleaning we recommend a professional rug cleaner for wool rugs.

30. QUESTION:
    braided rug instructions?
    I am trying to figure out the yardage needed to start a rug project. When the directions say 2 yards of each color, do they mean 2 yards of the 5 inch strip or 2 yards of 45 inch fabric cut into strips?

    • ANSWER:
      2 yards of material, before you cut it. That will give you 650 yards of 5" strips.

31. QUESTION:
    how do i make a braided rug?
    And what if i use 1inch braids and make a 12foot rug- how much material should i need? ohmygoodness please help i have no idea..

    • ANSWER:
      I've never made one but I googled how to make braided rug and got some good instructions, most are step by step, just ask the question in your yahoo search and you'l find several, sites that tell you how.

32. QUESTION:
    Does anyone have a picture of how to make a rug out of plastic sacks or bread sacks?
    my grandma used to make braided rugs out of bread sacks does anyone know how to do that and do you have picture instructions also

    • ANSWER:
      Back when I was a little girl we would make Christmas wreaths out of bread bags in school. I remember we would save the bags then rip them all up. Take a clothes hanger and form into wreath shape then tie the bags around it.

      It would take several bags and you'd have to scrunch them together to look full.

      I'm sure that for a rug you'd do something very similar with a flat wire to weave in and out of.

      Good luck I remember it was fun to do and what a fun way to remember Grandma this Holiday Season!

33. QUESTION:
    What did you do to reuse things in your youth? Braid rugs from rags? Hand-me-down clothes?
    Did you make patch work quilts or clothing? Gunnysack dresses? Save scraps to use later? Cut out dolls from the Sears catalog? What else?

    • ANSWER:
      Sure. Our parents went through the Great Depression and several wars when things were tight or not available at all so they were thrifty to the point of being--weird. Most of the clothes we wore, unless someone gave us brand new attire for birthdays or Christmas, were hand me downs from older sibs or cousins/friends (I actually preferred hand me downs since they were soft and already broken in). We used jars that jelly/peanutbutter/other food stuff came in as milk and juice glasses, sometimes even used cleaned tin cans if we ran out of glasses. What could be reused, was (or was saved iwth the intention of being reused if and when the need came about). Crates became chairs/stools. Chairs became beds. Meat fat was cut off and saved to use late to "grease" pans. Mold was cut off of bread & cheese and the rest of the bread/cheese eaten. We drank reconstituted powdered milk (yuck!) 'cause it was cheaper and could be kept a long time on the shelf. Food was never thrown out. You learned how to be resourceful.

34. QUESTION:
    What is the best way to clean a braided rug?
    I have a very large braided rug in my Living room. As I was cleaning I lifted an edge up and saw that the underneath is almost two shades lighter! I spot clean w/resolve and such quite often, esp. having 2 small children but the whole rug needs attention. It holds in water after a spill and I have nowhere to hang and dry so that is out of the question..I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!
    it is a very heavy woven 9'x12'

    • ANSWER:
      I have folded mine in half and put it in the washing machine on delicate and it came out much cleaner.

35. QUESTION:
    Has anyone painted an old braided rug?

    • ANSWER:
      No, I'm not sure that is even possible.
      You could try to dye it though.
      But keep in mind that some dyed items bleed color onto things under them.
      If for instance you dyed the brais then placed it on a light colored carpeted room,. the dye will rub/bleed onto the carpet, probably permanently coloring it.

36. QUESTION:
    Do you have someone who can answer decorating question about the color rug I should get?
    I have a sofa with upholstered cushions in the room. Background of material is off white with large stylized flowers in blue, burgandy, some green, mustard, a little brown. I presently have a braided rug with burgandy and mauve braids. This rug doesn't look right. My furniture is oak, Shaker and Mission. I would prever not to have a braided rug again. Rug covers center of wood floor.

    • ANSWER:
      Pick the defining color of the room in general, Earth tones, Warm, Cool, etc. Wall color.

      Burgundy, Brown, Even the green, but certainly to compliment the entire space, not just the sofa.

      In your case since it covers Wood flooring, I'd make it vanish if it was my room. Make it as subtle as possible, in it's blending with the balance of the room.
      Too many colors are distracting, and often clash. Beyond that think of what might be the next change,,,Furniture? wall color?

      Rev. Steven

37. QUESTION:
    how do i find the area difference between a rectangle and an oval?
    I work with braided rugs. I have a customer that has a specific place they would like to put an oval braided rug but they need to know what the size of the area is where the rug tapers... so stick an oval inside the same dimention rectangle and what is the size of the "corners" that get "cut off"

    • ANSWER:

38. QUESTION:
    I have a Braided Area Rug and I need to reattach one of the coils.?
    The stitching has come loose and now I need to sew it back together. What is the best way to do this? What kind of needle and thread should I use if I can sew it by hand. Thanks to all who answer...

    • ANSWER:
      polyester thread with a large needle wear a thimble also

39. QUESTION:
    how to fix an area braided rug?

    • ANSWER:
      Well depending upon the damage you take a ripper and cut the
      stitching holding the braid together now this where it gets tricky.
      Try and find materials similar to the damaged braid or go to the very end
      of the rug and remove a piece large enough to replace the worn or damaged
      area. carefully cut and place the replacement like a tube over the end of
      the trimmed worn piece.Using a whip stitch with similar colored thread
      sew around the entire tube twice.Give a slight tug to test the seams to
      make sure they will hold. Repeat the above steps for the next tube repair.
      When finished restitch thebraid to itself and wip stitch the ends of the braid
      where you removed the piece for repairs

40. QUESTION:
    What color should I paint my walls so that it will complement my gold and burgundy furninture?
    I have a burgundy leather nailhead sofa. I have an overstuffed chair of both burgundy and a rich gold in an aztec pattern. I'll also be purchasing a nice rustic rocking chair. My curtains are also a rich gold with a muted pattern. Beige and cream tile is on the floor and I have a large burgundy braided rug that's currently used with this set (not committed to the rug). The den, great room, and dining room are open to each other (beige carpeting in den and parts of great room).
    Clearly I have a lot of beige, burgundy, and gold (in that order). What color should I paint the walls?

    • ANSWER:
      a soft gold, leaning to the yellow side.

41. QUESTION:
    Where can I get a 8' X 11' braided rug for under 0.00?

    • ANSWER:
      http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/clearancerugs/rugs-usa-outdoor-braided/copper/200HJOBD08-76096O.html - 30% off (7) checkout code EVSAVE30 - free shipping

      * http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Smithfield-Taupe-Indoor-Outdoor-Braided-Rug-8-x-11/4245557/product.html?rcmndsrc=2 - shipping

      * http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6E.aspx?Grptyp=ENS&ItemId=17c744b&cmOrigId=16f834b&cmTypeFlag=RichRel&cmCatID=searchresults

42. QUESTION:
    Questions about braiding a denim rug?
    For those of you who have braided a rug using denim jeans, how many pairs of jeans does it take? How large was the rug you made? I have found instructions, but none say how many pairs of pants (even aproximately) that you'll need. I'd like to make a rectangular one, if that matters.

    • ANSWER:
      It really depends on the size of jeans and how much fabric is salvageable. Another factor would be how tight or loose you braid the fabric and how you sew it together.

      If you don't have enough jeans, go to a thrift store search for extra large sizes so that you can maximize the fabric.

      If you are trying to make the braided rug with your own personal jeans, you can make it a work in progress and keep adding jeans to it when they become available...which in my case, with a 12 year son, isn't very long at all. ;o)

43. QUESTION:
    how do i remove a blue dye stain from a brand new braided rug?

    • ANSWER:
      If the rug is nylon or another man made material, put some a mild solution of bleach and water on it. Apply and dab out with a clean towel. Keep at it until all the dye is lifted. If it's a natural fiber such as wool or cotton you better dye the rug another color. Sorry.

44. QUESTION:
    I want to make a braided area rug...?
    Have you ever made one?

    How big?

    What material did you use?

    How long did it take you?

    Were you proud of the outcome of your work?

    • ANSWER:
      First question.....No
      I have seen them and they are beautiful. I am sending you places you can check out and maybe get the answers to the rest of your questions with the instructions on how to make one.

45. QUESTION:
    ODD QUESTION: I have about 50 3.5' strips of braided fabric, same thickness as a rag rug. Any suggestions?
    I have tried to make a rug in many ways. How do I keep it from curling up?

    • ANSWER:
      Are you crocheting it? If so try turning your work every couple of rows. Do you have a pic of what you are working on?

46. QUESTION:
    What color rug for a light green room? White trim.
    I'm painting the playroom a light green (in the apple green family), with white trim. The floor is a very dark, fake wood-looking linoleum. I'd love to replace the floor, but there's nothing wrong with it. The kids may damage it, so I'll replace it when they're older.

    For now, I'd like some area rugs, but I don't know what color to use. Light green walls, simple furnishings, white bookcases. The toys and books will add a lot of color mish-mash, so I'd like to keep the rug kind of quiet. Should I go for a tan rug? A braided rug with the green wall color in it? Or a muted floral pattern?

    Any ideas (or examples!) would be really great. Thanks for your time.

    • ANSWER:
      A green rug would look cute, but if you think theres too much green in one room, you could always try cream, although it gets dirty easily, so you'd have to clean it often. a dark blue would also look nice, or even a pink.
      Hope this helps

47. QUESTION:
    looking for rug braiding classes in central california?

    where can I learn rug braiding in central california

    • ANSWER:
      Why? You braid the material you are using, coil it into an oval or circle, and sew it together. Why do you need a class? How about a library? Or have they been discontinued?

48. QUESTION:
    Should I get braids or a weave or a partial weave?
    I can't decide. I've heard that if you get sewn in extensions that you can't put your hair up in a ponytail, because the cornrow would show. Braids take so long and I'm not sure if they would fit my style. I have heard good things about microbraids, but heard they take a really long time. I also had braids way back I remember that they felt like sleeping on a rug. But, I had bigger braids in. I like the ideal of being able to wear a ponytail though. I hate to always have to get up and do my hair. That leads me to worry about getting extensions. Will partial be less up keep? Also, can I have a color different than my hair color put in for braids that will look like one solid color; my hair is black. Can I do the same with a weave? I don't mind having the bottom black and the top honey brown w/highlights or something a little funky like that for a partial weave.

    I wear wigs now and I'm sick of taking my hair off at night. I'm trying to just grow back my hair.
    I forgot to mention that I work out about 5 times a week.

    • ANSWER:
      It all depends on what condition your hair is in. If your hair isnt too damaged braids would be a great option if they arent done too tight. Make sure to have a consultation with a braider and they understand your concerns.

      A partial weave would be a great option also. The overall question is finding someone that understands what you want and they want to help you maintain HEALTHY HAIR...style isnt everything if its damaging your hair.

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