How to Make a Bathmat From Upcycled T-Shirts
Spruce up your bathroom decor with this easy, inexpensive no-sew rag rug.
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!
![](http://diy.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/diy/fullset/2015/3/24/0/CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-beauty2_v.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.822.85.suffix/1427218458904.jpeg)
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
![CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-tools-materials_h](http://diy.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/diy/fullset/2015/1/21/1/CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-tools-materials_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1423686751982.jpeg)
Cut Strips
Cut the T-shirts into long 1/2-inch strips.
![CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-cut-strips-step1_h](http://diy.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/diy/fullset/2015/1/21/1/CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-cut-strips-step1_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1423685596106.jpeg)
Cut Strips Into Shorter Pieces
Cut the strips into 5-inch pieces. There is no need to be specific; simply eyeball it.
![CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-cut-small-pieces-step2_h](http://diy.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/diy/fullset/2015/1/21/1/CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-cut-small-pieces-step2_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1423686300370.jpeg)
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.
![CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-insert-first-piece-step3_h](http://diy.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/diy/fullset/2015/1/21/0/CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-insert-first-piece-step3_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1423684194622.jpeg)
Knot Each Strip
Tie the fabric strip in a knot.
![CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-knot-first-piece-step4_h](http://diy.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/diy/fullset/2015/1/21/1/CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-knot-first-piece-step4_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1423686718234.jpeg)
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.
![CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-several-knots-step5_h](http://diy.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/diy/fullset/2015/1/21/0/CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-several-knots-step5_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1423684195211.jpeg)
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.
![CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-glue-option-step6_h](http://diy.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/diy/fullset/2015/1/21/0/CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-glue-option-step6_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1423680006691.jpeg)
Soft on The Feet
Enjoy your new bathmat, knowing that you put those old T-shirts to much better use.
![CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-beauty3_h](http://diy.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/diy/fullset/2015/1/21/0/CI-Jess-Abbott_Rag-Rug-beauty3_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.85.suffix/1423680005421.jpeg)