Round Crochet Rug with T-Shirt Yarn – Free Pattern

There is something quietly satisfying about making a rug from scratch. It sits on the floor every single day, gets walked on, dragged by small feet, and nudged by chair legs — and yet, when it is made by your own hands, it carries a warmth that no store-bought version can replicate. If you have been searching for a beginner-friendly rug pattern that works up quickly, looks beautiful in any home, and uses a material that is easy to find and forgiving to work with, you have landed in exactly the right place. This round crochet rug made with t-shirt yarn is one of those projects that feels like a win from the very first stitch.

At Ned & Mimi, we love patterns that are accessible to crocheters at all levels. This one is no exception. Whether you are picking up a crochet hook for the second time or you have been crocheting for years and want a satisfying weekend project, this round rug pattern delivers. The technique is simple, the material is chunky and fast to work with, and the result is a sturdy, gorgeous rug you will want to make in every color you can find.

Let’s talk through everything you need to know — from the yarn and hook to every single round of the pattern — so you can get started today.

Why T-Shirt Yarn Is Perfect for Crochet Rugs

T-shirt yarn, sometimes called zpagetti yarn or jersey yarn, is exactly what it sounds like. It is made from strips of cotton jersey fabric — the same stretchy material used to make t-shirts. It comes on a large roll or cone, usually around 100 to 120 meters, and it tends to be around 5 millimeters wide when stretched, though the width varies slightly depending on the brand.

There are a few reasons this material has become the go-to for handmade rugs, and once you work with it, you will completely understand why.

First, it is durable. Cotton jersey is tough. It holds up beautifully under foot traffic, resists fraying once crocheted, and keeps its shape over time. Second, it is soft. Despite its durability, t-shirt yarn feels gentle underfoot — much more pleasant than jute or cotton rope rugs. Third, it is machine washable in most cases, which is a massive practical advantage for a floor covering. Fourth, it comes in an enormous range of colors and prints, from solid neutrals to bold stripes and everything in between. You can match it perfectly to your existing décor or use it as a pop of color in a room that needs a little personality.

Finally, because it is a bulky material, it works up very quickly. A rug that might take weeks in a thinner yarn can be completed in an afternoon with t-shirt yarn and a large hook. That immediate sense of progress is genuinely motivating, especially for newer crocheters.

Materials You Will Need

Before diving into the pattern, gather everything together so you can work without interruptions.

Yarn: You will need approximately 300 to 400 grams of t-shirt yarn for a small to medium round rug, roughly 50 to 60 centimeters in diameter. If you want a larger rug — say, 80 centimeters or more — plan for 500 to 700 grams. The exact amount will depend on your tension and how many rounds you add. We used a single color for a clean, modern look, but this pattern works beautifully in two or three alternating colors for a striped or banded effect.

Hook: A 10mm or 12mm crochet hook is ideal. Some crocheters prefer to go up to a 15mm hook for a looser, more flexible fabric. If your rug feels stiff and difficult to lay flat, try going up a hook size. If it feels loose and floppy, go down a size. There is no single right answer — it depends on your personal tension and your preferred end result.

Scissors: A sharp pair to cut your yarn at the end of rounds if you are changing colors.

Tapestry needle or yarn needle: For weaving in ends. With t-shirt yarn, you can also tuck ends into stitches and snip them close, since the fabric is forgiving and does not unravel easily.

Stitch marker (optional): Useful for keeping track of the beginning of each round, especially as the rug grows larger and rounds become longer.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

This pattern uses US crochet terminology.

• ch: chain
• sl st: slip stitch
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• st: stitch
• rnd: round
• sp: space

Pattern Notes

This rug is worked in continuous rounds (also called a spiral), which means you do not join each round with a slip stitch and chain up. Instead, you simply keep working around and around. This gives a seamless look and avoids the visible “seam” that can appear when you join rounds. Use a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round to keep track of where each round begins and ends.

The rug starts with a magic ring. If you are not comfortable with a magic ring, you can start with a chain of 4 and join it into a ring with a slip stitch — it works just as well.

The Pattern

Round 1

Make a magic ring. Work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the ring closed. You should have 6 stitches. (6 sts)

Round 2

Work 2 sc into each stitch around. You should have 12 stitches. (12 sts)

This is the standard increase formula for a flat circle: 6 increases per round, which adds 6 stitches to each new round. Keep this in mind as you go — it is the key to keeping the rug flat and preventing it from curling up at the edges.

Round 3

Sc in first st, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from to around. You should have 18 stitches. (18 sts)

Round 4

Sc in first 2 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from to around. You should have 24 stitches. (24 sts)

Round 5

Sc in first 3 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from to around. You should have 30 stitches. (30 sts)

Round 6

Sc in first 4 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from to around. You should have 36 stitches. (36 sts)

Round 7

Sc in first 5 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from to around. You should have 42 stitches. (42 sts)

Round 8

Sc in first 6 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from to around. You should have 48 stitches. (48 sts)

Round 9

Sc in first 7 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from to around. You should have 54 stitches. (54 sts)

Round 10

Sc in first 8 sts, 2 sc in next st. Repeat from to around. You should have 60 stitches. (60 sts)

At this point, depending on your yarn weight, hook size, and tension, your rug is likely around 35 to 40 centimeters in diameter. Continue in the same pattern — adding one extra single crochet between increases each round — until you reach your desired size. The formula is always: work one more sc between increases than you did in the previous round.

For a rug approximately 50 to 60 centimeters in diameter, continue for 3 to 5 more rounds.

For a rug approximately 70 to 80 centimeters in diameter, continue for around 8 to 10 more rounds.

Finishing Round

When your rug is the size you want, work one final round of sc in each stitch around without any increases. This gives a neat, even edge. Slip stitch into the first sc of the round to close, then cut your yarn and pull the end through the loop to secure it. Weave in or tuck all ends.

How to Keep Your Round Rug Flat

The most common issue with crocheted rounds is curling or cupping. If your rug is forming a bowl shape, it means you are not increasing enough — your stitch count is too low relative to the circumference. If it is ruffling or waving, you are increasing too much — you have too many stitches for the area.

The 6-increase-per-round method used in this pattern is mathematically designed to keep a flat circle, but individual tension varies, so you might need to adjust. If the rug starts to cup, add an extra increase in one or two spots in the next round. If it starts to ruffle, skip an increase or two.

Working with t-shirt yarn can be slightly forgiving here because the weight of the material tends to pull the rug flat. If you finish your rug and it seems slightly uneven, lay it on a flat surface, dampen it lightly with water, and let it dry flat. This blocking technique works wonders for evening out any imperfections.

Color Combination Ideas

One of the most enjoyable parts of this project is choosing your color palette. Here are some combinations that look especially beautiful in t-shirt yarn rugs.

Natural and clay: A soft off-white or cream paired with a warm terracotta or dusty orange is endlessly stylish and suits both modern and rustic interiors beautifully. If you are making a striped version, alternate between the two every two rounds.

Charcoal and mustard: A deep, dark gray with a warm golden yellow feels bold and contemporary. This pairing works especially well in a kids’ room or a Scandinavian-style living space.

All neutrals: Multiple shades of beige, taupe, and ivory worked in stripes create a beautifully textured, bohemian look that feels elevated without being complicated.

Bold solid: Sometimes the simplest choice is the best one. A single bold color — cobalt blue, forest green, burnt orange — makes a stunning statement rug that becomes the focal point of a room.

Ombre: If you can find t-shirt yarn in gradient shades of the same color, working rounds in progressively lighter or darker tones creates a gorgeous ombre effect that looks incredibly sophisticated.

Sizing Guide

Because this is a free-form pattern that grows by repeating the increase formula, you have complete control over the final size. Here is a rough guide to help you plan.

A rug that measures around 40 centimeters in diameter is perfect as a small accent piece — wonderful in front of a bathroom sink, under a plant stand, or beside a bed as a cozy spot to step out of bed onto in the morning.

A rug in the 60 to 70 centimeter range works well in a hallway, in front of a sofa coffee table, or as a kitchen rug under a breakfast bar. It is substantial without being overwhelming.

A rug at 80 to 100 centimeters becomes a real statement piece. This size is beautiful in a living room under a coffee table (if the room allows it), in the center of a bedroom, or in a large bathroom. You will need considerably more yarn for this size, so plan accordingly and buy extra rather than running short.

Caring for Your T-Shirt Yarn Rug

One of the great joys of a t-shirt yarn rug is how practical it is. Most t-shirt yarns are made from 100% cotton, which means they can go in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle with cold or lukewarm water, and a mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener, which can break down the cotton fibers over time.

For drying, lay the rug flat on a clean surface — either indoors or outside in indirect sunlight. Avoid tumble drying if you can, as the heat can shrink the cotton and distort the shape. If you do use a dryer, keep it on a low heat setting and remove the rug while it is still slightly damp.

Between washes, a good shake outside or a quick vacuum keeps your rug looking fresh. If a small section gets a stain, you can spot-clean it with a damp cloth and a little soap without needing to wash the whole thing.

Making This Pattern Your Own

Patterns are starting points, not rules. Here are a few ways to adapt this basic round rug to make it completely unique.

If you want more texture, try working every round in back-loop-only single crochet. This creates a lovely ribbed texture across the surface of the rug that catches the light beautifully and adds a tactile element that is very pleasing underfoot.

If you want a more open, lacy feel, you can incorporate chain spaces into the later rounds. Work a round of sc, ch 1, skip 1 st around the outer edge for a lighter, airier border.

If you are crocheting with children in mind, making the rug in bright, primary colors or pairing a print t-shirt yarn with a coordinating solid is a wonderful option. The playful result is perfect for a nursery, a playroom, or a classroom space.

You can also combine t-shirt yarn with a thinner yarn held together, though this requires some experimentation with hook size. The effect can be textured and interesting, especially if the thinner yarn adds a metallic or contrasting tone.

A Few Encouraging Words for Beginners

If you are new to crochet and this is one of your first projects, please know that a round rug made in t-shirt yarn is an excellent choice. The stitches are large, the yarn is easy to see and grip, and the repetitive nature of the pattern means it becomes almost meditative once you find your rhythm. You do not need to be perfect. Crochet, especially for practical home items like rugs, is forgiving. Slight variations in tension or stitch count will not ruin the result — they will simply give it character.

If a round looks slightly uneven, keep going. If you lose count of your increases, use a stitch marker and count before you start the next round. If the rug starts to cup or ruffle, make a small adjustment and continue. Very few mistakes in crochet cannot be corrected, and the satisfaction of finishing a handmade rug that you will use every day is absolutely worth working through any early uncertainty.

Final Thoughts

A round crochet rug in t-shirt yarn is one of those projects that pays you back many times over. It is fast to make, surprisingly affordable, endlessly customizable, and the result is something genuinely beautiful and useful that will live in your home for years. Whether you make it in a weekend as a gift, as a slow project you return to in the evenings, or as a family project with someone you love, the process is as enjoyable as the finished piece.

We hope this free pattern brings you a little joy and a lot of satisfying stitch-by-stitch progress. Share your finished rugs with us — we genuinely love seeing what you make. Tag your projects on Instagram and show us the colors, the rooms, the little details that make your version uniquely yours.

Happy crocheting, from all of us at Ned & Mimi.