pom pom rug DIY Braided dreamcatcher pom pom rug

This Braided Pom Pom Rug tutorial uses inexpensive materials and is a simple project that even tweens and teens can make! This DIY rug is a great way to brighten up a small nook or cranny in your home. An easy braided rug project is a fantastic activity to work on while catching up on all of your favorite shows and results in a beautiful, colorful piece of home decor you’ll admire for years to come!

I’ve been fortunate when it comes to finding reasonably priced colorful rugs in all kinds of textures. Both my living room rug and my dining room rug still make my heart pitter-pat when I see them! Apparently, though, my luck ran out when I began looking for something for my sunroom in my price range. Not to be deterred, sometimes the best way to find what you want is to make it yourself. Such is the case with this DIY braided pom pom rug, or what my husband likes to call the “Dreamcatcher rug”!

This rug isn’t the first braided rope project I’ve done, and I’m sure it won’t be the last – there is nothing easier for making strong rope for textured projects. I love that you can take even the flimsiest material and make it durable just by braiding. Good thing – while inexpensive as a material, the yarn is pretty flimsy! The idea of weaving a rug was pretty daunting, especially since I didn’t want to take the time to sew the entire thing together – ain’t nobody got time for all that!

Solution? Braiding, a weekend, some hot glue, yarn and hemp rope, and a bit of Netflix binging yielded a soft, durable rug in a kaleidoscope of colors and pattern just perfect for my decor! Let me tell you how I did it.

HOW TO MAKE A DIY BRAIDED DREAMCATCHER POM POM RUG

Gather your Supplies

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Determine the Pattern and Cut your Yarn

Although this part is optional, I laid out a pattern with all of the colors I was using, including two rows of the black (neutral) and the hemp rope (strength and neutral) before braiding to follow. Then, I started cutting. For the yarn strands, I cut six of each color per braid. My rug measures 3.5′ in diameter, so, I estimated that the inner braids needed to be about 5′ long; the outer braids about 7′ long. The hemp rope only needed 3-strands – it’s plenty sturdy enough on its own. I ended up using about 64 braids in total, so cut enough yarn/rope for that many strands! I know that seems like a lot, but as you wrap the braids, you’ll need more length to go around the outside.

Separate the Strand and Begin to Braid

Begin braiding. Using a piece of painters tape to anchor the rope at the top helps to keep the braid stable and allows you to pull it taut, helping to ensure an even plait.

Add a New Color

Braid the new color into the last beginning at least 3-4″ from the end. Do not be concerned about the loose ends – you’ll work them in when you roll the rug.

Turn on your favorite binge and braid your little heart out. Then braid some more. It’ll be worth it, I promise!

Roll it Up

When you finish braiding (whew!), start to curl the end of the braid to form the carpet, using as much glue as needed to get a very sturdy rug, .

Add pom pom trim

If you’re using pom pom trim, glue the trim to the strand, pom poms facing up, then stick the strand into the rug.

Continue to glue and wind the rug, using as much glue as needed, tucking any loose ends with glue on the bottom side of the rug. Secure the end of the braid in the same way.

Sew for strength

Use strong thread and a tapestry needle to stitch from the outer edge of the rug base through the center, tacking down each braid.

Cut and Glue on the Backing

Cut the rug pad slightly smaller than the mat, then glue the rug to the pad. Use the needle and thread to sew the pad to the rug from the outer edge to the center. To make the rug even more durable and waterproof, spray the rug with Polycrylic Finish to seal the rug.

Enjoy!

Although this project is a little time consuming, the results are SO worth it.

To me, it looks JUST like a kaleidoscope of color. I love the pattern and texture it brings to this dark spot at my front entrance. Although, I’m not entirely sure it won’t be moving to the sunroom to brighten that area up. Either way, it was well worth a few nights of Netflix!

If you are looking to add a bit of color to your area, don’t be daunted by the idea of making your own rug like I was. You’ve got this – and I’m just an email away if you need any help!