How to Crochet a Rug from T-Shirt Yarn: A Complete Guide

What Makes T-Shirt Yarn Perfect for Rugs

T-shirt yarn—sometimes called zpagetti, trapillo, or fabric yarn—is made from upcycled cotton jersey fabric cut into continuous strips. Unlike traditional yarn, this bulky material creates substantial texture and weight, making it ideal for rugs that need to stay flat and handle foot traffic. The natural stretch in jersey fabric also means your rug will have some give without losing shape over time.

The eco-friendly aspect is a bonus. Many crafters cut their own t-shirt yarn from old clothes, though pre-made skeins are widely available in craft stores. Either way, you're creating something functional from materials that might otherwise end up in a landfill.

Materials You'll Need

For a 24-inch (60cm) round rug, gather these supplies:

• 3-4 skeins of t-shirt yarn (approximately 120-130 yards total). Each skein typically contains 30-35 yards.
• 12mm, 15mm, or even 20mm crochet hook. The larger the hook, the looser and more flexible your rug will be. Start with 15mm for a balanced result.
• Yarn needle with a large eye for weaving in ends
• Stitch markers (optional but helpful for tracking rounds)
• Scissors

Choosing Your Colors

T-shirt yarn comes in solid colors, variegated patterns, and even prints. For your first rug, consider:

• Single color: Creates a clean, modern look and removes the complexity of color changes
• Two-tone stripes: Alternate colors every 2-3 rounds for classic appeal
• Gradient effect: Use 3-4 shades of the same color family, transitioning from light to dark

Neutral tones like cream, gray, and taupe work in any room, while bold colors like teal, mustard, or burgundy make statement pieces.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Round 1: Creating the Center

Start with a magic ring (also called an adjustable ring). This technique creates a tight, closed center without a visible hole.

1. Wrap the yarn tail around your fingers to form a loop
2. Insert your hook through the loop and pull up a working strand
3. Chain 1 (this doesn't count as a stitch)
4. Work 6 single crochet stitches into the ring
5. Pull the tail to tighten the ring
6. Slip stitch to the first single crochet to join

Alternatively, you can chain 2 and work 6 single crochet into the second chain from the hook if you find the magic ring difficult with thick yarn.

Rounds 2-8: Building the Base

For a flat circle, you need to increase evenly in each round. The standard pattern is:

• Round 2: 2 sc in each stitch around (12 stitches)
• Round 3: 1 sc, 2 sc in next stitch repeat around (18 stitches)
• Round 4: 1 sc in each of next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch repeat around (24 stitches)
• Round 5: 1 sc in each of next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch repeat around (30 stitches)

Continue this pattern, adding one more single crochet between increases in each round. You're increasing by 6 stitches per round.

Rounds 9-15: Reaching Your Size

Keep working in this increase pattern until your rug reaches the desired diameter. For a 24-inch rug, you'll typically need 12-15 rounds total, depending on your tension and hook size.

Check your rug frequently by laying it flat on the floor. If edges are ruffling, you're increasing too much. If it's cupping or curling, you need more increases.

Finishing

When you reach your desired size:

1. Cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch tail
2. Pull the tail through the last loop on your hook
3. Thread the tail onto your yarn needle
4. Weave the tail through several stitches on the back of the rug
5. Trim excess

Repeat with the starting tail at the center.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Rug is Curling or Cupping

Cause: Not enough increases per round, or tension is too tight.

Fix: Add an extra increase every 2-3 stitches in your current round. If tension is the issue, switch to a larger hook or consciously loosen your grip.

Problem: Edges are Ruffling or Waving

Cause: Too many increases, creating excess fabric at the edges.

Fix: Skip an increase or two in your current round. In subsequent rounds, increase less frequently than the pattern suggests.

Problem: Rug is Lopsided or Oval

Cause: Increases aren't distributed evenly around the circle.

Fix: Use stitch markers to divide your round into 6 equal sections. Place one increase in each section to ensure even distribution.

Problem: Stitches are Hard to Work Into

Cause: Tension is too tight for the bulky yarn.

Fix: Go up a hook size (from 15mm to 20mm) and focus on keeping your stitches loose. T-shirt yarn should slide easily through previous stitches.

Design Variations

Striped Rug

Change colors every 2-4 rounds for bold stripes. When switching colors:

1. Work the last stitch of the old color until 2 loops remain on the hook
2. Pull through with the new color
3. Continue with the new color
4. Carry the old color up the back or cut and weave in ends

Rectangular Rug

Instead of working in rounds:

1. Chain the desired width (try 20 chains for a bath mat)
2. Single crochet back across, chain 1, turn
3. Continue in rows until you reach the desired length
4. Work a border of single crochet around all four edges for a polished finish

Textured Rug

Alternate between single crochet and half-double crochet rounds for subtle texture variation. The taller stitches create a slightly raised effect.

Caring for Your T-Shirt Yarn Rug

One of the best features of t-shirt yarn rugs is their washability:

• Machine wash on gentle cycle in cold water
• Air dry flat to maintain shape (avoid hanging, which can stretch the rug)
• Spot clean for small spills with mild soap and water
• Shake outdoors periodically to remove dust and debris

The cotton jersey fabric softens with each wash, making your rug even cozier over time.

Time and Cost Considerations

A 24-inch round rug typically takes 4-6 hours to complete, making it an excellent weekend project. Smaller rugs (18 inches) can be finished in 2-3 hours.

Cost-wise, expect to spend $20-40 on materials if purchasing new t-shirt yarn. Making your own yarn from old t-shirts reduces this to nearly nothing, though cutting takes additional time.

Beyond the Basics

Once you're comfortable with the basic round rug, try:

• Layered rugs: Crochet a smaller rug in a contrasting color and sew it centered on top of a larger base
• Shaped rugs: Experiment with hexagons, squares, or even heart shapes
• Mandala-style rugs: Use intricate color changes and stitch patterns for bohemian flair
• Rag rug style: Mix multiple fabric types—old sheets, denim, and t-shirts—for a scrappy, eclectic look

T-shirt yarn rugs make excellent gifts, especially for housewarmings or dorm rooms. They're practical, personalized, and show the care you put into handmade items.

Getting Started Today

The beauty of this project is its simplicity and immediate gratification. You don't need to master complex stitches or follow intricate patterns—just basic single crochet and counting. The chunky yarn means you see progress with every stitch, and you'll have a finished rug to show for your afternoon's work.

Grab your hook, pick your favorite colors, and transform fabric scraps into something beautiful and useful for your home.