Cut your strips approx. 2" wide. I find this a good width to work with. I also use a filler fabric, just bringing it along the line of "crocheting" to make the rug fuller, and cut it 1 1/2 inches wide.

My Grandma used to make rugs like these, but she used 3 rat-tailed comb handles that were made into needles and made brades as she went. I still have one and they were beautiful. She cut up old clothes and sewed them into strips until she had large balls of fabric. One of my biggest regrets is that I never had her teach me how she done it.

Thank you for sharing the videos.

I am thinking it would be easier and perhaps quicker to use single crochet instead of a needle pulling the strip of fabric.

Would flannel work?

I have some flannel I bought for Rag Quilts several years ago. The fabric is very dark and dreary. It would make a good rug it put in front of the pet door to wipe feet.

I have an old twin sized duvet cover that has been repaired numerous times, I think it would work for the inner fabric.

I think I have found a project for today.

Thank you,

Sounds like the method would be similar to one using braid tools. The homemade needles probably serve the same function as the braiding tools (which turn the raw edges towards the center of the fabric strip). This video seems to show how to do it (just like braiding long hair):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8j6IbRaqUY

I met Aunt Philly at the Houston show and bought her video. It is great and I highly recommend it.

Well I've had my last rubberbacked rug go to to pieces in the wash machine.
I ordered a breast cancer pink tool/needle and Philly's DVD.

My cousin up by Seattle has taught these classes for years, adult ed classes through the local college,
she picks up flat sheets at thrift stores and garage sales, four to a student. They are really beautiful. The ones she does for herself she uses homespun so the design is equal on both sides.

I've got miles of inherited Jenny Beyer border stripe fabric, in blue, green, and orange. Totally totally ugly, just to look at it is depressing. Cut into strips and wadded I'll bet it will be lovely. I'll only cut a few strips to check though!

I've made them. It really does take 10 or more yards of fabric. Great way to use up ugly fabric. My kids pets loved them our dog loves the first one I made, really small just her size. Fun to do.

Always wanted to try this....glad to read everybody's responses!

Great idea. Doubt I will make any.
I use large yardage of ugly fabrics for quilt backs.