denim rug: braid or crochet?

[bonberri]

I've got a pile of old blue jeans that are destined to be a rug for my front hall, but I can't decide whether to braid or crochet. I have braid aids and a big hook, so I'm ready for either way. Any experienced rug makers with a preference? Also, would you cut the material on the bias or not?

Thanks, Craftsters!

[crappiefisher]

personally, i don't think that it matters if you cut on the bias or not.  I would braid the rug. crocheting would be too hard on the wrist!

hope this helps!

[Katxena]

I am making a braided denim rug, and it looks *so* cool.  I love the braid aids.  What did you decide to do?

And the great thing about jeans is that they are already  cut on the bias (at least, the kind without spandex are), so you don't have to worry about a thing!

[midnightsky1686]

I am making a braided denim rug, and it looks *so* cool.  I love the braid aids.  What did you decide to do?

And the great thing about jeans is that they are already  cut on the bias (at least, the kind without spandex are), so you don't have to worry about a thing!

OO, I want to see it when it is done!

Jeans are usually a twill and bias cut already as Katxena said,so I wouldn't worry too much.   I also vote for braiding because I think that will help with diffent thicknesses of your jeans and any variation in how thick they are cut...

[bonberri]

thanks katxena and midnightsky- makes sense about jeans being on the bias. I've decided to braid, but this project has since gone onto the back burner, as I've come to the realization that I should focus on my dissertation and get the darn thing done. Then I'll have craft time without guilt! Katxena, I'd love to see your rug- even in-progress photos.

[Katxena]

Katxena, I'd love to see your rug- even in-progress photos.

I definitely understand dissertation issues -- it took me forever to finish mine!  I'll have to dig out my rug to take pictures.  I lost the hook thingy -- the part you use to do the lacing -- and I set it aside until I found it.  That was 3 years ago.  I guess it's time to buy a new one!

[Scareplane]

I saw a while back on HGTV on Decorating Cents - a shag rug out of denim stripsl  I am making one out of black jeans (buy at resell stores) cut strips of denim 1" x 9" and i am using a golf net and tie the strips to each square.  It is very time consuming.  But kind of fun

[chicken44]

I am also braiding a rug at the moment...way easy...and I think all the little denim strings along its edges make it look cozy!

[bonberri]

hey chicken44, just out of curiosity, what width are your strips? thanks!

[SunshinsCreations]

when making braided rugs you are not supposed to use the bias it makes the braid stretch as you are braiding.  I have made over 20 rugs in the last 4 years and I never use bias.  Tried it once it made it very hard to keep my braids an even width I have examples of a few rugs I have made on my blog
http://sunshinescreations.vintagethreads.com/search/label/rugs