The braided rug is still ever so popular today. Even in my babyhood I sat playing on a very large braided rug at my grandmother’s house. They have found their place in homes for generations now. They have indeed stood the test of time in practicality, charm, and sturdiness. I found these instructions on making a braided rug in Beautiful homes: Or, Hints in House Furnishing, 1878, that may be of interest.

A rug which is not only neat and even tasteful, but economical withal; as it may be made of old garments or pieces of carpet. It may consist of any number of colors or of blacks, light and dark pieces mixed, promiscuously.

Strips are cut about two inches wide, until a quantity of each color is accumulated (and this will be found a nice task for children or for “occasional” pastime work to “pick up” at odd moments). As regards material, any pieces will answer, whether woolen or cotton, and carpeting cut into pieces one inch wide, will make an article both strong and durable.

The pieces are sewed together (as for carpet rags), then folded lengthwise, and three strands, (black, lighter shade, or some bright color, and white) are braided together; then commencing in the center, a piece a few inches in length is taken, and placing it flat, the braid is turned round and sewed down one side of it, coiled round the other end and so on, until the entire mat is sewed, coil after coil, around this center; this gives an oval shape. If the rug is desired round it will require the central coil to be worked round only an inch of braid, instead of a strip of central braid. After sewing the braids together with strong patent thread in over-stitch, it may be sewed on a foundation of crash or carpet, or left unlined, as most convenient; if lined it will require binding around the edge. The fringe is made of raveled carpeting.