How to Make a Bathmat From Upcycled T-Shirts

Spruce up your bathroom decor with this easy, inexpensive no-sew rag rug.

June 15, 2021

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Don’t throw away those old T-shirts. Turn them into a rag rug that can be used as a bathmat or doormat. No sewing skills required — you just have to know how to tie a knot!

Tools + Materials

  • scissors or rotary cutter
  • 2’ x 3’ no-slip rug pad with holes in it
  • pencil or other pointy object
  • (5-7) T-shirts

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Cut Strips

Cut the T-shirts into long 1/2-inch strips.

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Cut Strips Into Shorter Pieces

Cut the strips into 5-inch pieces. There is no need to be specific; simply eyeball it.

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Thread Strips Onto Rug Pad

Use a pointy object — like a pencil — to push one end of a strip through the holes on the bottom of the no-slip rug pad.

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Knot Each Strip

Tie the fabric strip in a knot.

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Fill It In

Repeat the previous steps, pushing the strips through all of the holes on the no-slip rug pad until it is completely covered. Double up on the strips for a fuller rug.

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Looking for a Cheater Method?

Simply hot glue the strips in place directly on the top of the rug pad, bunching the strips together on top of the glue. Place a piece of cardboard under the rug because the hot glue will seep through the holes and make a mess. Once the glue dries, run your hand over the top of the rug to remove any loose pieces.

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Soft on The Feet

Enjoy your new bathmat, knowing that you put those old T-shirts to much better use.

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