Make a Simple Custom Rug with Fabric

Have you ever wished that you could find a rug that was the right size and the right design for a certain space?

I have!

Recently, I stumbled across a pin from a Amy Vowles from AllParenting who inspired me with her welcome matt to make floor runners using fabric!

I went to my favorite fabric store looking for something for my kitchen and I came across this fabric that is beautiful, wild and bold. It was something that I normally wouldn't have picked out, but I just fell in love with it. It is PERFECT for my laundry room!
I bought just over 4 ft and then proceeded to drive to Home Depot to buy a base to attach it to so that I could make a rug! I bought a vinyl base which had both a smooth side and a grip side.


What You Need:

• 4 ft Fabric
• 3 ft long Rug base (vinyl or rubber)
• Don't worry about how wide it is-- you can trim it! 
• Scissors
• Adhesive spray
• Tape Measurer
• Small can of Clear Polycrylic (water based)
• Rug gripper (optional)

If your fabric has wrinkles, I would suggest ironing them out. 

If you need to cut the fabric or the base, then make sure that you have at least 6 extra inches in all directions on the fabric compared to the size of your vinyl base. So if your fabric is 4 ft by 3 ft, then your base should be 3 ft by 2 ft. Got it? Got it. Gooooood.

When you cut the rug base to the size you have determined that you want, use a straight edge and mark a line on the outside border of the vinyl to make sure that you cut in a straight line.

Now place the fabric on a smooth, clean surface design side down.

Spray the rug backing's smooth side with adhesive spray and place it onto the fabric. Make sure that you have at least 1 inch of extra fabric on all sides. Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles. 

Now spray the edge of the vinyl with the adhesive spray as you fold over the corners of the fabric. Try to keep the edges tight.

Complete this on all sides.

The next step is optional, but recommended. I attached a rug gripper to the vinyl side for two reasons using the spray adhesive.

1) To keep the rug in place

2) To help stop the edges from lifting

Now it's time to coat this guy in protection!

Brush the polycrylic directly onto the surface of the rug fabric. Lay it on nice and thick! Don't worry if it looks cloudy because it will dry clear. 

Wait 2 hours between coats (or the recommendation of the brand you bought). I recommend a minimum of two coats, but more never hurts! 

After you're happy with the top layer, I recommended coating the bottom fabric edges as well.

When it's dry, you're ready to use it!

 It's so pretty!!!

I hope you like it! I think that turned out really well. I am simply in love with it! Next I'm making some for the kitchen! 

Total Cost: $26