T-Shirt Yarn Round Rug – How to Crochet a Rug – Free Crochet Pattern

There is something deeply satisfying about making something beautiful and functional out of materials you already have at home. A crocheted round rug made from t-shirt yarn checks every box: it is colorful, durable, soft underfoot, and surprisingly quick to work up even if you are a beginner. Whether you want to add a pop of color to your bathroom, a cozy layer to a nursery floor, or a statement piece beneath a coffee table, this free crochet pattern will walk you through every step from choosing your yarn to weaving in your final end.

In this post, you will find everything you need to know about crocheting a round rug with t-shirt yarn, including materials, hook size, stitch guide, and the full pattern written out row by row. Bookmark it, pin it, and share it with your crafty friends — because once you make one, you will want to make a dozen more.

Why T-Shirt Yarn Is Perfect for Rugs

Before we get into the pattern, it is worth taking a moment to appreciate why t-shirt yarn — sometimes called fabric yarn, jersey yarn, or zpagetti — is such an ideal material for a crochet rug.

T-shirt yarn is made from strips of stretchy cotton jersey fabric, either cut from recycled t-shirts or manufactured specifically as a yarn product. Its weight falls somewhere between bulky and super bulky, which means your project works up fast and your stitches are large and visible enough to make every row feel like progress. Because it is made from cotton, it is absorbent and washable, which matters enormously for a rug that lives on your bathroom floor or in a kitchen.

The texture is also special. T-shirt yarn is soft and slightly springy, which gives a finished rug a cushioned, almost padded feeling underfoot. Unlike jute or rope rugs, which can feel scratchy, a t-shirt yarn rug is something you will actually enjoy stepping on barefoot. It also handles heavy foot traffic well and holds its shape over time without stiffening or cracking.

From a sustainability standpoint, many crafters love t-shirt yarn because they make their own from old t-shirts that would otherwise be discarded. A pile of worn-out or mismatched t-shirts sitting in a donation bag can become a beautiful heirloom rug with just a little time and a big crochet hook.

What You Will Need

Gathering your materials before you start makes the whole process smoother. Here is what you need for this pattern.

Yarn: Approximately 500 to 700 grams of t-shirt yarn in your chosen colors. For a single-color rug, you will need all of that in one color. For a striped or multicolor version, divide the total weight among however many colors you want to use. The finished rug measures approximately 60 to 65 centimeters in diameter, which makes it ideal for a bathroom, an entryway, or beside a bed.

Hook: A 10mm or 12mm crochet hook. The larger hook creates a more open, textured fabric with a bit more give. If you find your rug is pulling in too tight or feels stiff, go up a hook size. If it feels loose and floppy, go down. T-shirt yarn is forgiving, and gauge matters less here than it would in a garment project.

Scissors for cutting your yarn and trimming ends.

A yarn needle with a large eye for weaving in ends. Because t-shirt yarn is flat and wide rather than round, a blunt tapestry needle with a wide eye works best.

A non-slip rug pad or some fabric non-slip spray for the underside of the finished rug, especially if it will live on a hard floor like tile or hardwood.

A Note on Gauge and Sizing

Because this is a rug rather than a fitted garment, gauge is flexible. That said, here is a rough guide: with a 12mm hook and standard t-shirt yarn, a chain of 10 stitches should measure about 15 to 17 centimeters. Your individual tension affects the final diameter of the rug, so if you want a larger rug, simply keep working additional rounds past where the pattern ends. Each additional round adds roughly 4 to 6 centimeters to the diameter.

If you want a smaller rug — something more like a bath mat — stop two or three rounds earlier than the pattern instructs. The beauty of a round rug worked in the round is that you can make it exactly the size you need.

Stitch Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

This pattern is written in US crochet terminology.

• ch — chain
• sl st — slip stitch
• sc — single crochet
• hdc — half double crochet
• dc — double crochet
• st — stitch
• sts — stitches
• sp — space
• BLO — back loop only
• MR — magic ring (also called a magic circle)

The Free Crochet Pattern: T-Shirt Yarn Round Rug

Round 1

Start with a magic ring. If you are unfamiliar with a magic ring, you can also chain 4 and join with a slip stitch to form a small loop.

Work 10 double crochet stitches into the magic ring. Join with a slip stitch to the top of the first double crochet. Pull the tail of your magic ring closed. You now have a small flat circle of 10 stitches. (10 sts)

Round 2

Chain 2 (this does not count as a stitch in this pattern). Work 2 double crochet stitches into each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first double crochet. (20 sts)

Round 3

Chain 2. Work 2 double crochet into the first stitch, then 1 double crochet into the next stitch. Repeat this increase pattern — 2 dc in one stitch, 1 dc in the next — all the way around. Join with a slip stitch. (30 sts)

Round 4

Chain 2. Work 2 double crochet into the first stitch, then 1 double crochet in each of the next 2 stitches. Continue this pattern — 2 dc in one, 1 dc in each of the next 2 — all the way around. Join. (40 sts)

Round 5

Chain 2. Work 2 double crochet into the first stitch, then 1 double crochet in each of the next 3 stitches. Continue — 2 dc in one, 1 dc in each of the next 3 — all the way around. Join. (50 sts)

Round 6

Chain 2. Work 2 double crochet into the first stitch, then 1 double crochet in each of the next 4 stitches. Continue — 2 dc in one, 1 dc in each of the next 4 — all the way around. Join. (60 sts)

Round 7

Chain 2. Work 2 double crochet into the first stitch, then 1 double crochet in each of the next 5 stitches. Continue — 2 dc in one, 1 dc in each of the next 5 — all the way around. Join. (70 sts)

Round 8

Chain 2. Work 2 double crochet into the first stitch, then 1 double crochet in each of the next 6 stitches. Continue — 2 dc in one, 1 dc in each of the next 6 — all the way around. Join. (80 sts)

Round 9

Chain 2. Work 2 double crochet into the first stitch, then 1 double crochet in each of the next 7 stitches. Continue — 2 dc in one, 1 dc in each of the next 7 — all the way around. Join. (90 sts)

Round 10

Chain 2. Work 2 double crochet into the first stitch, then 1 double crochet in each of the next 8 stitches. Continue — 2 dc in one, 1 dc in each of the next 8 — all the way around. Join. (100 sts)

Round 11

Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into the back loop only of each stitch around. This creates a subtle ridge on the top of the rug and adds texture. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (100 sts)

Round 12

Chain 2. Work 1 double crochet into each stitch around. Do not increase in this round. Join with a slip stitch. (100 sts)

Round 13 — Final Border Round

Chain 1. Work 1 single crochet into each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet.

Fasten off and weave in all ends.

How to Keep Your Round Rug Flat

One of the most common issues with crocheted round projects is curling or ruffling. Here is how to prevent both.

Curling happens when there are not enough increases per round. If your rug starts to curl up at the edges and form a bowl shape, you need more increases. Add an extra increase stitch every 5 to 8 stitches in the next round to correct it.

Ruffling happens when there are too many increases and the edge becomes wavy like a ruffle. If this happens, skip the increase in one section for a round, working single stitches instead until the fabric lies flat again.

The general rule for a flat circle in double crochet is to increase by 10 stitches per round, which is exactly what this pattern does. However, t-shirt yarn varies widely by brand and how tightly or loosely it is spun, so adjustments are sometimes necessary. Do not be discouraged if your first attempt curls a little — just frog that last round and try again with slightly fewer or slightly more increases.

Blocking can also help. Once your rug is finished, dampen it thoroughly, shape it on a flat surface, and allow it to dry completely. This relaxes the fibers and encourages the rug to lie perfectly flat.

Color Ideas and Striping

One of the most exciting things about this pattern is how easy it is to customize with color. Here are some popular approaches.

Single color is classic and clean. A bright terracotta, a deep navy, or a warm mustard makes a stunning statement without any fuss. Single-color rugs are also the fastest to work up since there are no ends to change or weave in between rounds.

Two-color stripes give a bold, graphic look. Try alternating every two rounds. Join your second color at the start of a new round, work two rounds, then switch back. Carry the unused color along the inside of the rug or cut it and weave the ends in — both approaches work.

Ombre or gradient creates a beautiful fading effect. Start with the darkest shade at the center and work outward toward a lighter version of the same color, or choose a gradient t-shirt yarn that does the color work for you automatically.

Rainbow rounds are joyful and eclectic. Work each round in a different color, working through the spectrum from red through violet. This look works especially well in a child’s room or a playful studio space.

Neutral tones — think oatmeal, cream, soft grey, and warm beige — create a rug that goes with everything and feels calm and cozy. These work particularly well in a minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired home.

How to Make Your Own T-Shirt Yarn

If you would rather recycle than purchase, making your own t-shirt yarn is straightforward and meditative. You will need old cotton t-shirts in a size medium or larger — the bigger the shirt, the longer your strips will be.

Lay your t-shirt flat on a cutting surface and cut off the hem at the bottom and the shoulders at the top, just below the sleeves. You are left with a tube of fabric. Cut horizontal strips across the tube, each about 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters wide. When you cut a tube of fabric, each cut creates a loop rather than a strip.

To join the loops into one continuous length, lay two loops next to each other, tuck one through the other, then pull the end of the first loop through itself to create a flat, secure join. This is sometimes called the lark’s head join or the loop join. Continue until all your loops are connected.

To transform the loops into smooth, round yarn-like strips, simply pull them gently lengthwise. The cotton will roll in on itself, hiding the raw edges and creating a tidy, stretchy cord. Wind this into a ball and you are ready to crochet.

Darker t-shirts give richer, more saturated colors. White and light-colored shirts give a clean, pastel-toned result. Mixing prints and patterns can also create a charming, eclectic yarn with a story.

Caring for Your Finished Rug

T-shirt yarn rugs are machine washable, which is one of their greatest practical advantages. Wash on a gentle cycle in cold water. Avoid hot water, which can cause the cotton to shrink and the rug to pucker.

Tumble dry on low heat or, better yet, lay the rug flat to air dry. Drying flat prevents the rug from stretching out of shape under its own weight. Once dry, smooth it out by hand and it will be as good as new.

If your rug develops a bit of a curl after washing, simply dampen it again and block it flat as described earlier. After a few washes, the fibers settle and the rug tends to behave better.

For day-to-day maintenance, shake the rug outside to remove dust and debris. If a stain occurs, spot-treat with a mild soap and cold water before putting it in the machine. Avoid harsh bleaches on colored yarn, as these can fade or damage the fabric.

Tips for Beginners

If this is your first crochet rug, a few practical tips will make the experience much smoother.

Start with a simpler color scheme. A single-color rug means you only have one ball to manage, no color changes to track, and fewer ends to weave in. Once you are comfortable with the pattern, color play is easy to add.

Work on a firm surface if you can. Some crafters find that crocheting large fabric yarn pieces while seated with the work in their lap leads to uneven tension. Working at a table where you can see the full circle laid out flat helps you catch any curling early.

Count your stitches at the end of every round. It takes only a few seconds and saves enormous frustration. A stitch marker placed at the start of each round helps you track where one round ends and the next begins.

Do not pull your yarn too tightly. T-shirt yarn has natural stretch, and if you work too tightly you will find it difficult to insert your hook on the next round. Aim for a relaxed, even tension where your hook slides in easily.

Your hands may feel a little fatigued after working with such bulky material, especially if you are used to finer yarns. Take breaks, stretch your hands, and do not rush. The chunky nature of this yarn means even short sessions add up quickly.

Final Thoughts

A crocheted round rug made from t-shirt yarn is one of those projects that combines everything you might want from a craft: it is accessible enough for a beginner, engaging enough for an experienced crocheter, fast enough to finish in a weekend, and useful enough to become a treasured part of your home for years. The materials are affordable or even free if you make your own yarn from recycled shirts, and the customization possibilities are endless.

Whether you make it as a gift, for yourself, or as a way to use up a pile of old t-shirts that have been waiting for new life, this rug is a project you will feel proud of. Place it in your bathroom, your kitchen, your child’s bedroom, or your front door, and enjoy stepping onto something you made with your own hands.

If you make this rug, share a photo — and if you have questions about any step, drop them in the comments. Happy crocheting.