Plastic Grocery Bag Rug

That concept can still be used, but the material is definitely modern. Plastic grocery bags have taken their share of blame for landfill problems, recycling problems and other environmental concerns. It seems that once they're made and in your possession you can't just throw them out without some guilt. There's a solution to that problem!

Braided plastic bag rugs are a lot sturdier and last a lot longer than it would seem. After all, plastic bags are thin and sometimes tear just carrying a few groceries! Put them together, twist, braid and sew and they're tough, though - tougher than most small cloth rugs you can buy.

Here's how to go about it:

• Cut off the handles and the bottom of the bag.
• Cut straight across the bag, making a loop about an inch wide.
• Tie three loops together at one end, so that you can braid them together.
• Slip this over the spindle on your sewing machine or a chair rung or anything that will hold it steady. Try to even the ends of all three pieces.
• Start braiding these together firmly, but not so firmly that the braid twists or curls when released.
• When you come to the end of a loop, tie another one to it and keep on braiding.
• When you have a braid of about three or four feet, lay it on a flat surface and wind it into a flat piece.
• If you want an oval rug, start with a strip of 6 to 12 inches, then coil the rest of the braid around that.
• Using a blunt needle (darning needle), tie a piece of sturdy string or fishing line (floss works well!) onto the beginning of the braid and begin to sew the coil together in the shape you want.
• Use a lacing stitch, going back and forth between the inner coil and the one you're sewing it on to.
• Slip the finished part over your spindle again and braid some more, then repeat the process.
• When your rug is as big as you want it, begin tapering off by cutting narrower loops and braiding them into the rug. Take the last bit of braid and tuck it under the last coil, sewing it down firmly.

You're done.

This rug is great for the bathroom, kitchen, garden, patio or as a doormat - wherever water is found. When it gets dirty, rinse it under running water and throw it over a clothesline or shower rod to dry out. If it gets really grungy, washing on a gentle cycle or by hand will brighten it again.

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