How to Turn Old T-Shirts into a Latch-Hook Shag Rug

Got a bunch of old t-shirts taking up space in your closets and drawers? Instead of tossing them or donating them, turn them into t-shirt yarn. Once you've made the yarn, all you need is a mesh rug canvas, a latch hook, a drink of your choice, and a good TV show to binge. This no-waste project is surprisingly soothing—you may find yourself addicted to rug making. And when you reveal that your stylish shag rug is made from repurposed t-shirts, your friends will be amazed.

Step 1

Create t-shirt yarn from ten t-shirts. For instructions on making the yarn, click here.

Step 2

Cut the yarn into strips that are 5 inches long.

Step 3

Use a marker to sketch your rug pattern onto the mesh canvas.

Step 4

Insert the latch hook through a square of the mesh. Make sure the hinge is open.

Step 5

Take one yarn strip, fold it in half, and loop it onto the hook.

Step 6

Draw the hook back through the square. Pause when the yarn is halfway through. As you pull, the hinge closes to secure the yarn.

Step 7

Push the latch hook through the loop and catch the ends of the yarn strip with it.

Step 8

Pull the ends through the loop and tighten with your fingers.

Step 9

Keep hooking and looping yarn through the mesh holes. Refer to the design lines on the mesh to know when to change yarn colors.

You're hooked on rug making!