Knotted Knit Bathroom Rug — Crafty Staci

There is something deeply satisfying about stepping out of a warm shower onto a rug you made with your own hands. It is soft, it is personal, and every single person who visits your bathroom will notice it. If you have been looking for a beginner-friendly yet impressive DIY project that combines the charm of knotted texture with the cozy appeal of knit fabric, this knotted knit bathroom rug is exactly what you need. Today on Crafty Staci, we are diving into everything you need to know — from materials and technique to tips, variations, and how to care for your finished piece.

Whether you are a seasoned crafter or someone who just picked up their first pair of scissors last week, this project is approachable, affordable, and endlessly customizable. Let’s get into it.

Why a Knotted Knit Bathroom Rug?

Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about why this particular style of rug has become such a favorite in the DIY crafting community.

First, the texture is absolutely gorgeous. Knotted rugs have a dimensional, tactile quality that flat woven or tufted rugs simply cannot replicate. Each knot creates a little tuft of fabric that stands up from the base, giving your rug a plush, almost shaggy appearance. When you combine that knotted technique with knit fabric — specifically fabric cut from old T-shirts, sweaters, or knit yardage — the result is something incredibly soft underfoot.

Second, this project is a fantastic way to upcycle. If your closet is overflowing with old T-shirts you never wear, or if you have knit fabric scraps from previous sewing projects, this rug gives all of that material a beautiful second life. You are not just crafting something pretty — you are reducing waste and being intentional with what you already own.

Third, the cost is minimal. The base for this rug is typically a piece of rubber shelf liner, a canvas drop cloth, or a rug canvas, all of which are inexpensive and easy to find at any home improvement or craft store. The knit fabric is often free if you are using upcycled materials. Compare that to the price of a quality bath rug at a boutique home goods store, and the savings are immediately obvious.

Finally, this rug is durable. Knot-pile rugs have been made for centuries for a reason. When done correctly, the knots are secure, the pile does not pull out easily, and the rug holds its shape through regular use and washing.

Gathering Your Materials

Let’s talk about what you will need before you sit down to start this project. Having everything prepared in advance makes the crafting process much smoother and more enjoyable.

For the base, you have several options. A rubber anti-slip rug pad is a popular choice because it already has the grip you want for a bathroom floor, and the holes in the grid make it easy to thread your fabric strips through. Rug canvas, available at most craft stores, is another excellent option and gives you a little more control over the density of your knots. For a more rustic or bohemian look, some crafters use burlap stretched over a frame, though this requires a slightly different finishing approach.

For the knit fabric, you want to source materials with a good amount of stretch. Jersey knit is the gold standard here. Old T-shirts are perfect — the more, the better. Adult L and XL shirts give you long, wide strips that are easy to work with. You can also purchase jersey knit fabric by the yard if you want a more consistent color palette or pattern. Aim for enough fabric to fill a 20-by-30-inch rectangle (a standard bath rug size), which typically means around 8 to 12 adult T-shirts depending on their size and how densely you want your knots.

For cutting, a rotary cutter, self-healing cutting mat, and quilting ruler will make your life significantly easier, but a good pair of fabric scissors works just fine. You will be cutting the fabric into strips roughly one inch wide. When you stretch jersey knit, the edges curl inward, which actually creates a lovely rounded cord — this is one of the reasons knit fabric works so beautifully for this project.

Other supplies include a permanent marker for marking your cutting lines, a ruler or measuring tape, and optionally a latch hook tool, though most crafters find that their fingers work just as well for pulling the fabric strips through the base grid.

Preparing Your Fabric Strips

This step is arguably the most time-consuming part of the project, but it is also wonderfully meditative. Put on a podcast, a favorite playlist, or a show you have been meaning to catch up on, and settle in for a bit of cutting.

Start by laying your T-shirt flat on your cutting mat. Cut off the hem at the bottom and the sleeves at the seams, then cut straight across just below the armhole seams so that you have a clean tube of fabric. You can then cut through one side of the tube to open it into a flat rectangle, or you can cut the tube into rings first and then snip through each ring to create a single long strip. The tube method is particularly efficient because it lets you create a continuous spiral cut.

Aim for strips that are about one inch wide and at least five inches long. For a standard knotted rug, you will fold each strip in half and pull the loop through a hole in your base, then pull the two tails through that loop — meaning each strip needs to be long enough that the resulting knot has tails of at least two inches on each side. That two-inch tail length creates a full, lush pile. If you want a shorter, more compact pile, you can use shorter strips or trim the finished knots.

Sort your strips by color as you cut them. This not only helps with organization but also lets you visualize your color layout before you begin knotting.

Setting Up Your Base

Before you start knotting, take a moment to plan your design. This is where you can get really creative.

Lay your rug base flat and decide on your color arrangement. Are you going for a solid color? A striped pattern? Concentric rectangles? An ombre effect that fades from one color to another? You can sketch this out on paper first, or simply use a permanent marker to lightly color in sections of your base grid as a guide.

For a standard 20-by-30-inch rug, count the holes in your base to get a sense of your total knot count. On most rug canvas, holes are spaced about half an inch apart, which means you will have approximately 40 by 60 holes, or 2,400 total knots. On rubber shelf liner, the holes tend to be a bit more spread out, giving you a slightly less dense pile — which some people prefer for the lighter, airier look.

If you are using rubber shelf liner and want extra security, you can cut it to size and then fold and hot glue or whipstitch around the edges to create a clean border. This is especially helpful if you plan to wash the rug frequently.

The Knotting Technique

Now for the fun part. The knot used in this style of rug is called a lark’s head knot, and it is beautifully simple.

Fold one of your fabric strips in half so that you have a loop at one end and two tails at the other. Push the loop down through a hole in your base from the top side. Then, pull the two tails of the strip down through that loop, and pull snugly. The loop will tighten around the base material, anchoring the knot in place.

That’s it. You repeat this process hole by hole, row by row, until your entire base is covered.

A few things to keep in mind as you work. First, try to maintain consistent tension as you pull each knot. If some knots are pulled very tight and others are loose, the pile will be uneven. A firm, consistent tug for each knot creates the most uniform result.

Second, work in rows from one end of the rug to the other. Some crafters prefer to work from the center outward, especially if they are creating a design with a central motif. Either approach works — just be consistent with the direction you are working so that all the tails of your knots face the same way, which gives the pile a more uniform look.

Third, do not skip holes. Every hole in your base should have a knot. If you leave gaps, the base material will show through, and the rug will not have that lush, full appearance that makes knotted rugs so appealing.

As you work, periodically flip the rug over to check the back. A well-made knotted rug will have a tidy, consistent pattern on the back where all the loops anchor neatly into the base.

Color and Design Ideas

One of the best things about making your own knotted knit bathroom rug is that you are completely in control of the aesthetic. Here are some design directions that tend to look especially stunning.

Neutral and natural tones — Think creams, tans, warm grays, and soft whites. This palette feels spa-like and serene, and it pairs beautifully with wood accents and green plants. An all-white knit rug made from upcycled white T-shirts looks luxurious and surprisingly bright, even after washing.

Bold stripes — Horizontal stripes are simple to execute because you just change colors row by row. Two or three bold colors — think navy and white, or terracotta and cream — create a rug that feels graphic and intentional without requiring any complicated planning.

Ombre effect — Start with your darkest shade at one end, and gradually introduce lighter tones as you work toward the other end, mixing colors together during the transition rows for a seamless gradient. This technique is particularly beautiful in shades of blue or green for a watery, oceanic feel that suits a bathroom perfectly.

Boho earth tones — Rust, mustard, forest green, and warm brown create a deeply cozy, bohemian vibe. This palette works well with rattan accessories, terracotta pots, and patterned shower curtains.

Seasonal and holiday themes — There is no rule that says your bathroom rug has to stay the same year-round. Because this project is so quick to make once you get into the rhythm of it, you can create seasonal rugs in holiday colors and swap them out throughout the year.

Tips for a Beautiful Finished Rug

After completing hundreds of knots, you want the finished piece to look its absolute best. Here are some finishing tips to elevate your work.

Once all the knots are in, trim the pile to create an even surface. Use sharp fabric scissors and work in good lighting. Holding the scissors parallel to the rug surface, trim any tails that are noticeably longer than the others. You do not need to get every tail to exactly the same length — a very slight variation adds to the handmade charm — but large discrepancies in length can make the rug look unkempt.

After trimming, give the rug a good shake to remove any loose threads or tiny fabric bits from the cutting process. Then lay it flat and press it down firmly with your hands, smoothing the pile in one direction to see how it looks.

If the rug curls at the edges (which can happen with rubber shelf liner bases), place it under a stack of heavy books for a day or two. This typically resolves any curling and helps the rug lie flat.

For the back, you can leave it as-is, or you can hot glue a piece of non-slip rug liner to the bottom for extra grip, especially important in a wet bathroom environment where safety matters most. A few strategic strips of rug grip tape work equally well.

Caring for Your Knotted Knit Rug

A rug is only as good as how well it holds up over time, and the great news is that knotted knit rugs made from jersey fabric are quite easy to care for.

For regular maintenance, shake the rug outdoors every week or so to dislodge any dust or debris. Most of the time, this is all you need to keep it looking fresh.

For a deeper clean, machine wash the rug on a gentle cycle in cold water. Use a mild detergent and skip the fabric softener, which can make knit fabric slightly slippery over time. Wash it alone or with other rugs, not with clothing or linens, as the knots can snag delicate fabric.

Lay the rug flat to dry rather than putting it in the dryer. High heat can cause the knit fabric to shrink and may damage the rubber or canvas base. Flat drying also helps the rug keep its shape and prevents the knots from tangling together.

With proper care, a well-made knotted knit rug will last for years. If individual knots ever work loose — which is rare but can happen over time — simply re-tie them. Because each knot is independent, one loose knot does not affect the rest of the rug.

Making It Your Own

The knotted knit bathroom rug is as much a canvas for personal expression as it is a functional household item. Once you have made one and understand the technique, the variations are truly endless.

You can scale the project up for a larger bath mat or even a hallway runner. You can scale it down for a tiny accent rug in front of a sink. You can experiment with fabric weight — using thicker sweatshirt fleece instead of jersey knit creates a denser, heftier pile that feels like walking on a cloud.

You can also mix materials. Some crafters add strips of faux fur, yarn, or even ribbon into their knotted rugs for a mixed-texture look that is genuinely one-of-a-kind.

If you enjoy this project and want to take it further, consider making a matching set — a large bath mat and a small contour rug to fit around the base of the toilet — in coordinating colors. Matching handmade bath accessories create a cohesive, intentional look that is difficult to achieve with store-bought items.

A Note on Sharing Your Work

When you finish your rug, share it. Seriously. These projects are meant to be seen and celebrated. Tag your work on social media, share it in your favorite crafting groups, and inspire the people around you to try making something beautiful for their own homes.

At Crafty Staci, we believe that making things by hand is one of the most grounding and rewarding activities available to us. There is real joy in looking at an object in your home and knowing that your own hands created it — that you chose the colors, cut every strip, tied every knot. A bathroom rug might seem like a humble thing, but when it is made with care, it carries a warmth and personality that no mass-produced product can replicate.

So gather your T-shirts, pick your colors, and get started. Your future bathroom floor is going to look absolutely wonderful.

Happy crafting, and as always — make it yours.