How to make a penny rug

By: Sharon L. Neth

Things that you will need for this project:
Wool felt in a variety of color
Twisted 2-ply cotton black floss
Blunt sharp needle
Scissors
Paper pattern
Non-fusible interfacing
Black Sharpie perminate marker

Step 1

Decide on what style of pattern that you might like. Now, there are many patterns that are on the web, all you need to do is type "penny rug" and a bunch of free patterns come up on the search engine. I personally love New England style of design but you might what to try a style that is closest to your region of the world. Then print out the document and enlarge on a any graphics program that you might have and trace onto the non-fusible interfacing with a black Sharpie marker.

Step 2

Once that is traced out, it is time to cut it out all the pieces. I like to use the edge of the black line to guide me in cutting. I personally use the outside edge of the mark to cut out my pieces. Because some details in the pattern are quite fine so I need that extra smidgen to make the detail thicker and easier to sew.

Step 3

Once all the pattern pieces are cut out, it is time to pin the pattern to the wool felt. Now before you pin the pattern on, think about all of the wool items that you don't want in your house let's say they are out of fashion or that they just don't fit into your decor. This is a chance to recycle those items! Be sure that if you do recycle them to wash them in hot and cold water to "full" the wool to make it into felt or you will have frayed edges all over your piece.

Step 4

Wool circle Cut circle out of the black wool. To save fabric be sure to cut half moon pattern circle on the fold that way when you unfold the fabric it becomes a proper circle.

Step 5

Tree in the middle Place tree in center of the black wool felt. Make sure that it is even distance from all edges of the felt so that it looks balanced. Sew a button whole stitch all around the outside of the tree's edge.

Step 6

Add leaves Add green leaves and sew a button whole stitch around the edges of the leaves. Remember this is where you would use matching thread to sew the leaves down.

Step 7

Add flowers Pin and attach the flowers to the piece by sewing a button hole stitch around the edge of the flower.

Step 8

Sewn backing Add your lining to the back of the wool piece so that you cover all of your knots in the back. With the black thread, sew a button hole stitch around the edge of the circle to adhere the backing with wool. I personally use a simple check fabric that is 100% cotton for easy cleaning. You might want to use a different fabric that you might have on hand?

Step 9

Add pennies Sew pennies onto the edge of the large black center piece by using a whip stitch to attach them to the edge.

Article Source: http://collectibles-articles.com

* Make sure all items that you felt are 100% wool, blends only cause more problems with your sewing and the finished project because of the fraying that occurs. * Be sure to shop at your local thrift store in your own community for wool items because it helps to recycle and supports your local community thrift store to stay in business.

Print This Article

Post Comment

Add To Favorites

Email to Friends

Publisher Ready