How to Make a No-Sew Fabric Rug

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So often it can be hard to find a small rug in fun, stylish colors and designs to brighten up your kitchen, bathroom, or entryway. Wouldn’t it be great if rugs came in the same designs as fabric? Well, here’s a simple DIY no-sew fabric rug tutorial! Bring a little extra color into your home by wrapping a plain floor mat in decorative fabric and protecting it with polyurethane so it can withstand wear. Let’s take a look at how it’s done!

Materials List:

  • Fabric (we used Waverly Button Blooms Confetti #675750)
  • Rubber Floor Mat

Tools List:

  • Spray Adhesive #636100
  • Water-Based Polyurethane
  • Paintbrush
  • Scissors

How to Make a No-Sew Fabric Rug

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Follow these steps to create your no-sew fabric rug.
  1. Cut your rubber mat to size. A traditional doormat size is around 2 ft. x 3 ft. We had the rubber mat cut off a roll at the hardware store and straightened the edges.

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    Trim the rubber mat to your desired dimensions.
  2. Spread out your fabric and lay the mat on top where you'd like the pattern to align.

  3. Cut the fabric so that it is one inch larger than the mat on all sides. If your fabric frays, add an extra inch to create a hem.

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    Cut the fabric with an extra margin for folding.
  4. If necessary, iron the fabric to remove wrinkles.

  5. If your rubber mat has a smooth and textured side, apply spray adhesive to the smooth side.

  6. Spray adhesive on the underside of the fabric as well.

  7. Lay the rubber mat on the fabric so the sticky sides touch. Smooth out any air bubbles.

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    Adhere the rubber mat to the fabric for a snug fit.
  8. Apply extra spray adhesive along the edges if needed.

  9. Fold the fabric edges over the mat, starting with the long sides. If you added extra fabric, fold it onto itself first to create a hem before folding over the mat.

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    Fold the fabric edges neatly for a finished look.
  10. Fold the corners under at an angle and add extra adhesive if needed.

  11. Let the spray adhesive dry for 30 minutes.

  12. Paint a layer of polyurethane on the fabric. It's best to paint in the direction of the mat's ridges.

  13. Apply 3-4 coats of polyurethane, allowing 2 hours of dry time between each coat. Weigh down the corners with small weights if they start to curl.

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    Seal your rug with multiple coats of polyurethane for durability.
  14. Enjoy your new rug!

One yard of fabric can make two small rugs, giving you the option to add another to your home or gift one to a friend.

Where will you put your fabric rug? Share your ideas in the comments!