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It must have something to do with spring cleaning that makes me want all new rugs. I’ve noticed that around this time EVERY YEAR I simply want new rugs. For the bathroom, for the front door, for the kitchen, you name it.
And while I adore new rugs, I don’t very often find any that are “unique” enough that I want to spend my hard earned money on them. So instead, I decided to DIY up some fun new floor pieces and this is one of my favorites!
For this project you will need:
First take your rope and fold it in on itself like seen above. Use hot glue in between the pieces to stick together.
Wrap the rope around and around using a healthy amount of hot glue every step of the way. Whenever you get an odd blob of glue leave it be. Wiping it smudges and the smudges do not come off. If you wait you can use a razor blade to remove the excess chunks quickly and easily.
Probably the most important bit when working on your rug is to try and glue down while it is sitting on a flat surface. This way you don’t have to worry about the rug curling up while you handle it. If flat on the table, it will glue in place that way.
Keep going until you get the size you’re going for. For mine I used two coils of of blue rope for the inside, two rolls of red for the stripe and one roll of blue for the outer border. I purchased my rope at Dollar General for $2 each making this a $10 rug if you don’t count glue. Since I used out of my glue stash and I didn’t keep up with it I can’t say for sure, but I think I used quite a few sticks.
And because no post could be complete without at least one cat photo bombing things, Max says hi.
Hi there I like your project, I’m going to make an Easter basket with the poly rope for my grand daughter. And I’ve never made one before, same concept but you wrap the rope around a basket or what ever to get the shape. My Question to you is, do you know if it makes a difference if its a 10 watt hot glue gun or needs to be higher watt ? I just need to know if a higher watt hot glue gun would hold better, or would they both do the same. Please get back to me.
I think the hotter the glue the better. The poly can kind of melt to help the hold and a hotter glue would help in that and make it stronger, I’d think. It’s just a guess, though. Best of luck!
So gonna make this. I wonder if there is a way to make the rug square or oblong? Anybody have any ideas if or how I could?
You know I’m not quite sure how you would go about making the shape a square or rectangle… I’m so sorry that I couldn’t help!
Love this idea. I have some rope leftover from a boy scout project. It was 100 yards for ten dollars not sure if it was a good deal but at least I can get some more use out of it. Thanks :)
You’re so welcome! I’ve had extra something lying around before and it’s so good to finally have a use for it :)
Hiya, Debby. The rug is pretty tough. I had one area break apart from the rest of the rug (basically one line of glue between two ropes) but it looks like I didn't have enough glue in there to start with. I reapplied and it's been all good since then. I'd suggest using a high temperature glue as it seems to kind of melt the poly rope together.
I so want to make this to go under my kitchen table. Do you think the chairs will tear it apart when moved?
Karen – I'm so glad that this tutorial has been helpful. :) $300 is a lot of money for a classroom rug!
THANK YOU! This is just what I have been looking for for my classroom. I couldn't find a round rug in primary colors to buy that was less than $300. I will be making this one this summer!
Thanks, much Del Marie. I appreciate you took the time to comment :)
Oh so cool!! Nice site too. Came over from Dollar Store Crafts. I'm definitely going to make this.
Jaime – You shouldn't have that much glue peeking out from between the ropes. You're just gluing the ropes together. But, from what I understand hot glue melts between 180-250 degrees which means you should be safe.
What if the glue melts while the rug is on the floor? Has that ever happened to anyone? I don't want to glue my rug to the floor.
Robin – i have never sewn rope so I am probably the worst person to ask, but this stuff is pretty darn tough. i might be afraid of messing up my machine. (Again a novice at machine sewing). Sorry that I have been of absolutely no help!
Looks great! I wonder how hard it would be to sew through the rope with sewing machine.
Thanks, What a fun Idea! I can't wait to make this.
Shannon- the rug is far too stiff to fit into most washing machines, but polypopylene by nature is pretty much stain resistant. Any issues can be tackled with a soapy rag.
Can this be washed in the washing machine?
I'm so glad that you made your own, G! Thanks for stopping by with your two cents :)
Made this last night- just a note, don't stress if one side looks like a hot glue disaster, just flip it over and it looks just like the picture! It's in my little kitchen, perfect because it's waterproof and easy to clean =]
And thanks!
Strictly hot glue.
This is super cool. I love this. Did you ever use any other glue?
For those blobs of glue removal is easy rubbing alcohol loosens them right up even on rope. and a hair dryer melts those "Spider webs" that are always created using a glue gun.
Novice Crafter – I got mine at Dollar General for $2 per rope. I have also seen that they sell similar rope at hardware stores. I have been told that they have similar rope at the Dollar Tree for a buck apiece but I have not confirmed that. Good luck!!
I will love to do this for my little ones where do I find the poly rope?
Hey, Mid – this is more of a welcome mat size for near the front door. Maybe that could work? My house is on the small side and I have had some TINY apartments so I totally feel ya.
Thanks on all accounts, Pauline!
Oh, what a neat idea to use those ropes!
If my apartment would be a bit bigger, I would love to think about rugs, but I suppose they would make the rooms look even more smaller… :(
Love, Midsommarflicka
Clever rug; I like it. And I looove your shoes! I'm thrilled that you have a DIY for them.
Also, this is a great site with a great name.