Jute Rug Without a Crochet Hook: Hand Chain and Assembly
A step-by-step tutorial for a jute rug made without a crochet hook: make a slip loop, work the hand chain directly in 3 strands, keep the loops even in width and height, coil the chain into a circle or oval, and sew the coils together with a large tapestry needle.
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Translated
Things you will learn
The rug looks like it was crocheted, but the entire chain is made by hand.
For a small rug, the source calls for 3 skeins of jute.
The work is done with 3 strands at once so the fabric is thicker and stronger.
There's no need to singe the jute ends: the source notes that jute doesn't unravel in use.
The chain can be coiled into a circle or an oval, then each coil is sewn together with short stitches.
What You'll Get
You'll get a small jute mat for the entryway. It's assembled from a long, thick hand chain, so the size and shape depend on the length of the chain and how you coil it.
Materials and tools
Materials
Jute, 3 skeins, for one small rug; worked with 3 strands at once
Strong natural-colored thread, for sewing the rug's coils together
Homemade T-shirt yarn, an option from the source: makes the rug brighter, softer, and thicker
Tools
Large tapestry needle, for sewing the chain's coils together
Scissors, for trimming the ends once the chain reaches the needed length
Preparation
Hold 3 strands together
The source suggests working with 3 strands at once. This makes the chain thicker and stronger, and helps the finished rug hold its shape better.
Choose the shape ahead of time
The chain can be coiled into a circle or an oval. An oval is usually more convenient for an entryway mat, but the assembly method is the same.
Hand Chain Without a Crochet Hook
The main part of the work is a long jute chain. Each new link is made by pulling a strand through the previous loop.
Prepare the jute, needle, and strong thread
For one small rug, the source calls for 3 skeins of jute, a large tapestry needle, and strong natural-colored thread for sewing the coils together.
For a small rug, the source calls for 3 skeins of jute.
Fold the strand with the free end toward you
Start the slip loop: fold the strand so the free end points toward you.
The start of the slip loop.
Make a loop and pull the main strand through
Form a loop and pull the main strand through it. This is the beginning of the future chain.
The chain is formed without a crochet hook.
Tighten the base of the loop
Grip the free end of the yarn and the strand from the skeins, then tighten the base of the loop. Work with 3 strands at once for thickness and strength.
Working with 3 strands at once gives thickness and strength.
Three Strands Together
Don't separate the skeins by stage: the source achieves the rug's density specifically by working with 3 strands.
Continue the chain to the needed length
Make each new link by pulling the strand through the loop you just made. Keep the loops even in width and height so the chain stays uniform.
Trim the ends
Once the chain reaches the length you need, trim the ends. There's no need to singe them: the source specifically notes that jute doesn't unravel in use.
Assembling the Rug
The finished chain is coiled into the chosen shape, and the coils are joined with short stitches.
Coil the chain into a circle or oval
Lay the chain out on the table and coil it using one of two shapes: a circle or an oval. Make sure the coils sit tightly together without skewing.
The coils are joined with a large tapestry needle and strong thread.
Sew each coil with short stitches
Using the large tapestry needle and strong natural-colored thread, sew each round or coil together with short stitches.
The finished texture after sewing the coils together.
Hide the tail ends on the wrong side
Tuck the tail ends to the wrong side and hide them so they don't show on the finished rug.
Finish and variations
Finish
Final check
Check that all the coils are sewn, the tail ends are hidden on the wrong side, and the rug lies flat without skewing.
Care
The source describes the rug as easy to care for and long-lasting. For an entryway mat, it's important to shake out dust regularly and avoid leaving visible tail ends on the front.
Variations
Made from T-shirt yarn
Using the same method, you can make the rug from homemade T-shirt yarn. The source notes it will come out brighter, softer, and thicker.
Circle or oval
The shape depends on how the chain is coiled: a circle suits a compact mat, while an oval works well for an entryway.
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