If you follow Trashmagination, you know that I make rugs from t-shirts called fluffy rugs. Each of those recycles about 50+ t-shirts. I can make t-shirt yarn and "fluffies" from all the parts except the collars, cuffs and waistbands. This project uses up those bits, plus it also uses up worn out socks. The only tools you need are scissors and a basic loom - mine is made from a large wooden frame that I found in the trash. I made this rug in about three hours. Hopefully this inspires you to use up your socks and maybe t-shirts leftover from making t-shirt yarn.
Some viewers have asked about laundering / washing these rugs. Like all rugs, I recommend taking them to a professional laundromat where you can use an industrial-sized washing machine. There is a risk to breaking a regular home-sized washer when washing such heavy linens.
Some viewers asked why I don't cut the socks lengthwise to get longer loops. I don't do that because the toes and heels are typically the location of the holes. But if that is not your situation, then go ahead and cut the socks as you wish.
Other viewers asked why I am not using the body of the t-shirts in the rug. That is because this rug is a complementary craft to another type of weaving that I do where I use the body of the t-shirt. You can see that video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAfpybicT1o. Making fluffy rugs is more fun for me, and those rugs sell for more money, so they get the priority for materials. This is a project to use up my leftovers. If you are not making a fluffy rug, you certainly could use any part of the t-shirt you want. What makes this video unique is that it uses up leftovers.
Quite a few people have commented that they think these mats would be good gifts for someone who is homeless. I do not think that is the case. I sleep outside on the ground often with Scouts, and these mats would not be suitable. They are not waterproof. They are very heavy. A foam pad would provide much more insulation. I appreciate that people want to assist those who are unhoused. Of course check with your local shelter - I could be wrong about this. But I know I would not want to sleep on such a mat in cold or wet weather.
My name is Carla Brown. I'm a creative reuse artist and I share my art under the name Trashmagination.
You can learn more about my art from recycled materials at https://trashmagination.com/.
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