Round Crochet Rug with T-Shirt Yarn – Free Pattern
There is something deeply satisfying about making something beautiful for your home using nothing more than a ball of yarn and a crochet hook. If you have been looking for a project that is quick to work up, forgiving for beginners, and genuinely useful once it is finished, a round crochet rug made with t-shirt yarn might be exactly what you need. This free pattern from Ned & Mimi will walk you through every step of creating a gorgeous, chunky, textured rug that looks like it came straight from a boutique home décor shop — because honestly, it does.
Whether you want to add a cozy touch to your bathroom, place something soft underfoot in your bedroom, or brighten up a reading nook, this pattern works for all of those spaces and more. Let’s dive into everything you need to know.
Why T-Shirt Yarn Is Perfect for Rugs
Before we get into the pattern itself, it is worth taking a moment to talk about t-shirt yarn, sometimes called tarn or zpagetti yarn. This material is made from strips of recycled jersey fabric, the same material used to make everyday cotton t-shirts. Because of that jersey construction, it has a natural stretch and a wonderful softness that makes it incredibly pleasant to work with.
Here is why t-shirt yarn has become such a popular choice for crochet rugs specifically. First, it is incredibly durable. Rugs take a beating — they are walked on, dragged around, and thrown in the wash repeatedly. T-shirt yarn holds up to all of that beautifully. Second, it is machine washable in most cases, which makes your finished rug genuinely practical and not just decorative. Third, it comes in a huge range of solid colors, multicolors, and gradient versions, so you can match it to virtually any interior.
T-shirt yarn also works up very quickly because of how thick it is. Most t-shirt yarn falls somewhere between a bulky and super bulky weight, which means you can crochet a substantial rug in just a few hours. That is a massive appeal for anyone who has spent months working on a sweater or blanket and wants the satisfaction of a fast finish.
One small note: t-shirt yarn can vary quite a bit in width and consistency depending on the brand. Some brands produce very even strips while others have more variation. Both work fine for this project, but if you want a particularly tidy-looking rug, it is worth spending a little extra on a quality brand.
Materials You Will Need
Getting your supplies together before you start is always a good idea. Here is what you need for this round crochet rug:
Yarn: Approximately 500 to 700 grams of t-shirt yarn, depending on how large you want your finished rug. A single color gives a clean, modern look, while two or three colors can create beautiful concentric rings or a more playful striped effect. If you are working with two colors, roughly 300 grams of each should give you a good-sized rug.
Hook: A size 10 mm or 12 mm crochet hook works well with most t-shirt yarns. Some crocheters prefer to go up to a 15 mm hook for an even more open, relaxed fabric. Your gauge does not need to be precise for this project, but if you want your rug to stay flat and not cup upward at the edges, leaning toward a larger hook is usually a good call.
Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors is important because cutting t-shirt yarn cleanly can be tricky with dull blades.
Yarn needle: You will need a large-eyed yarn needle, also called a tapestry needle, for weaving in your ends when you finish.
Optional: A stitch marker to mark your rounds if you need one. Many crocheters find that the bulkiness of t-shirt yarn makes it easy to see their stitches without a marker, but it is there if you need it.
Gauge and Sizing
For this pattern, gauge is flexible. If you are working with a 12 mm hook and standard t-shirt yarn, you can expect roughly 5 single crochet stitches over 10 cm and about 5 rows over 10 cm. But because rugs need to lie flat more than they need to match an exact measurement, feel free to adjust.
A finished rug worked to approximately 30 rounds will measure around 70 to 80 cm in diameter, which is a lovely size for a bathroom or at the side of a bed. If you want a larger rug — say, one that would work as a statement piece in a living room — simply continue adding rounds until you reach the size you want. The beauty of a round rug worked in a spiral or joined rounds is that you can make it as small or as large as your yarn supply allows.
Abbreviations
This pattern uses standard UK crochet terminology with a note for US crocheters following below.
dc – double crochet (UK) / single crochet (US)
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
st – stitch
sp – space
MR – magic ring (also called magic circle)
rep – repeat
US crocheters please note: In the UK, a double crochet is the equivalent of a US single crochet. There is no tall stitch used in this pattern, so this is the only conversion you need to be aware of.
The Pattern
Starting Your Rug
Make a magic ring. If you have never made a magic ring before, do not worry — it sounds more complicated than it is. You simply loop the yarn around your fingers, insert your hook through the loop, and work your stitches into that loop before pulling the tail to close the hole in the center.
Round 1: Work 6 dc into the magic ring. Pull the tail of the magic ring tight to close the center hole. You should have 6 stitches. Join with a slip stitch to the first dc. (6 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1. Work 2 dc into each stitch around. Join with a slip stitch to the first dc. (12 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1. 1 dc in the first stitch, 2 dc in the next stitch — repeat from to around. Join with a slip stitch to the first dc. (18 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1. 1 dc in each of the next 2 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch — repeat from to around. Join with a slip stitch to the first dc. (24 sts)
Round 5: Ch 1. 1 dc in each of the next 3 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch — repeat from to around. Join with a slip stitch to the first dc. (30 sts)
Round 6: Ch 1. 1 dc in each of the next 4 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch — repeat from to around. Join with a slip stitch to the first dc. (36 sts)
Round 7: Ch 1. 1 dc in each of the next 5 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch — repeat from to around. Join with a slip stitch to the first dc. (42 sts)
Round 8: Ch 1. 1 dc in each of the next 6 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch — repeat from to around. Join with a slip stitch to the first dc. (48 sts)
Round 9: Ch 1. 1 dc in each of the next 7 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch — repeat from to around. Join with a slip stitch to the first dc. (54 sts)
Round 10: Ch 1. 1 dc in each of the next 8 stitches, 2 dc in the next stitch — repeat from to around. Join with a slip stitch to the first dc. (60 sts)
Continuing the Pattern
You will notice a clear pattern emerging here. Each round, you add one more single dc before each increase point. The formula is simple: for round number N (starting from round 2), the increase happens every N stitches. So for round 11, you work 1 dc into each of the next 9 stitches, then 2 dc into the 10th stitch, and repeat around. For round 12, 1 dc into each of the next 10 stitches, then 2 dc into the 11th stitch, and so on.
Continue in this way until your rug reaches the diameter you want. The increases keep the rug flat by adding exactly the right number of stitches to compensate for the growing circumference.
When you want to change colors, simply join a new yarn at the beginning of any round. To do this, complete the last slip stitch of a round with your new color by drawing the new yarn through the loop on your hook instead of the old yarn. Cut the old yarn leaving a tail of about 15 cm to weave in later, and continue with the new color.
Finishing
When your rug has reached the size you want, fasten off by cutting the yarn and drawing the tail through the last loop on your hook. Pull firmly to close the stitch.
Use your yarn needle to weave in all the loose ends. With t-shirt yarn, you do not need to weave in and out many times — a few passes through nearby stitches on the wrong side of the rug will hold everything securely.
Tips for Keeping Your Rug Flat
One of the most common frustrations with round crochet projects is that they can start to ruffle or cup as they grow. Here are a few tips to keep yours lying perfectly flat throughout.
If your rug is ruffling at the edges, you have too many stitches and need to increase less frequently. You can skip an increase point here and there in the next round to compensate.
If your rug is cupping upward like a bowl, you have too few stitches and need to increase more frequently. Add an extra increase or two in the next round to release the tension.
Working with a larger hook than you think you need is one of the easiest ways to encourage a flat fabric. A looser gauge gives the rug more room to relax and spread out.
Blocking your finished rug can also work wonders. Wet it thoroughly, gently squeeze out the excess water, lay it on a flat surface in the shape you want, and let it dry completely. This is especially helpful if one section has pulled slightly tighter than another.
Care Instructions
T-shirt yarn rugs are wonderfully low-maintenance, but a few simple care habits will keep yours looking great for years.
Machine wash on a cool or gentle cycle. Hot water can cause the yarn to shrink and felt slightly, which will distort your rug. Most t-shirt yarn does well at 30 degrees Celsius or the equivalent cool machine setting.
Lay flat to dry rather than putting the rug in a tumble dryer. The heat can affect the shape and the yarn’s elasticity over time. Laying it flat also gives you a chance to reshape it if it has gone slightly uneven during washing.
If your rug gets a light stain, spot cleaning is usually all you need. A little bit of gentle dish soap worked in with a soft brush will handle most spills, and because the cotton fiber does not cling to stains the way wool or acrylic can, cleanup is usually quick and easy.
Design Ideas and Variations
This basic pattern is just a starting point. Once you have the increase formula under your fingers, there are so many ways to make this rug completely your own.
Two-tone striped rug: Work alternating rounds in two colors. This creates a classic bullseye effect that looks striking in virtually any color combination. Navy and cream is a perennial favorite, but dusty pink and terracotta, sage green and natural, or deep burgundy and blush are all beautiful options right now.
Gradient or ombre rug: Start with a dark color at the center and work through progressively lighter shades of the same hue as you move outward. This is a stunning look that requires a bit of planning but no additional technical skill — just switching colors at regular intervals.
Multicolor scrappy rug: If you have lots of small leftover balls of t-shirt yarn in various colors, this is the perfect project to use them up. Switch colors whenever you like, and embrace the eclectic, patchwork feel of the finished result.
Textured variation: Try working into the back loop only of each stitch instead of both loops. This creates a ridged texture that adds a lovely tactile dimension to the rug and makes each round more visually defined.
Thicker rug: For a more substantial, cushioned rug, try holding two strands of t-shirt yarn together and working with a 20 mm or larger hook. The result is an incredibly fast, gloriously chunky piece that feels wonderful underfoot.
Where to Use Your Round Rug
The round shape is wonderfully versatile because it softens the angular lines of most rooms. Here are some ideas for where your finished rug might live.
In the bathroom, a round rug placed in front of the bathtub or beside the shower is both practical and beautiful. The cotton fiber dries quickly and handles humidity well, making it a much better choice here than wool or acrylic.
In the bedroom, a round rug positioned at the foot of the bed or centered under a beside table creates a cozy island of warmth and color. This is especially nice on bare wood or tile floors.
In a child’s room, a cheerful round rug in bright primary colors makes a wonderful play space. It is soft enough to sit on during play, machine washable for inevitable spills, and charming enough to be a genuine design feature of the room.
In a living room, a large round rug placed under a coffee table or in a reading corner can anchor the space beautifully. For a living room rug, aim for a diameter of at least 100 cm — simply continue your rounds until you reach the size you need.
In an entryway, a medium-sized round rug in a dark color or a durable multicolor mix makes a welcoming first impression and handles foot traffic very well.
A Note on Sustainability
One of the things that makes t-shirt yarn such an appealing material is its connection to recycling and sustainability. Many brands produce their yarn from fabric offcuts and deadstock from garment manufacturing — material that would otherwise end up in landfill. When you choose t-shirt yarn for your projects, you are participating in a small but meaningful way in a circular approach to textiles.
If you want to take that a step further, you can even make your own t-shirt yarn at home using old cotton t-shirts. Simply cut them into continuous strips about 2 to 3 cm wide, cutting in a spiral from the hem upward to get one long strip from each shirt. The fabric will roll and curl into a yarn-like tube naturally as you cut. This is a wonderful way to use up worn-out t-shirts that are past the point of donation, and it gives you a completely free supply of yarn for future projects.
Final Thoughts
There is a reason this kind of project keeps showing up on mood boards, in home décor magazines, and on the feeds of interior lovers everywhere — a handmade round crochet rug made with t-shirt yarn is one of those rare things that is simultaneously accessible, quick, practical, and genuinely beautiful. It does not require years of crochet experience, it does not demand expensive tools, and it produces something you will be proud to have in your home or give as a gift.
If this is your first time working with t-shirt yarn, we hope this pattern has made the process feel approachable and enjoyable. And if you are a seasoned crocheter trying t-shirt yarn for the first time, we think you are going to love how fast it works up and how satisfying it feels to hold.
We would love to see your finished rugs. Share your makes with us and tag Ned & Mimi so we can celebrate your work. Happy crocheting!
