Round Crochet Rug with T-Shirt Yarn – Free Pattern

There is something wonderfully satisfying about making a rug from scratch. It starts as a pile of soft, chunky yarn and ends up as a functional piece of home décor that you put together with your own two hands. If you have been looking for a beginner-friendly project that produces impressive results without requiring a huge time investment, this round crochet rug with t-shirt yarn might be exactly what you need. The pattern is simple, the materials are forgiving, and the finished piece is the kind of thing that makes people stop and ask, “Did you really make that yourself?”

At Ned & Mimi, we love patterns that feel accessible without feeling boring. This one checks both boxes. Whether you are picking up a crochet hook for the first time or you have been crocheting for years and want a satisfying weekend project, you will find something to enjoy here. Let’s walk through everything you need to know, from choosing your materials to finishing off your rug and caring for it once it’s living on your floor.

Why T-Shirt Yarn Is Perfect for Rugs

Before we dive into the pattern itself, let’s talk a little about t-shirt yarn, because it really is a special material. Also called “zpagetti” yarn or fabric yarn, t-shirt yarn is made from strips of cotton jersey fabric — the same stretchy material used for making t-shirts. It can be purchased at craft stores or online in a dazzling variety of colors, or you can even make your own from old t-shirts you no longer wear.

The reason t-shirt yarn works so beautifully for rugs comes down to a handful of practical qualities. First, it is thick and sturdy. A single strand of t-shirt yarn is roughly equivalent to super bulky weight yarn, which means your project grows quickly and the finished fabric has real substance to it. Second, cotton jersey is naturally soft but also durable — it can handle foot traffic, pets, and the occasional spill without falling apart. Third, it is washable, which is essentially a requirement for anything living on your floor.

From an aesthetic standpoint, t-shirt yarn has a lovely matte, slightly stretchy texture that looks organic and contemporary at the same time. It drapes and lays flat beautifully, which is exactly what you want in a rug. And because it comes in so many colors and even multicolor or marbled options, you can customize this pattern endlessly to suit your home.

What You Will Need

Let’s keep the supply list simple. One of the best things about this pattern is that you do not need much beyond the basics.

Yarn: Approximately 500 to 700 grams of t-shirt yarn, depending on how large you want your rug to be. A single color works beautifully for a minimalist look, but two complementary colors can create a lovely stripe effect as you work your rounds. Popular brands include Hoooked Zpagetti, Katia Fettuccia, and DMC Natura XL, though many craft stores also carry their own versions at a lower price point.

Hook: A large crochet hook is essential here. For most t-shirt yarns, a 10mm to 15mm hook works well. The exact size can vary depending on the thickness and stretch of your specific yarn, so if you have a bit extra to experiment with, swatching a few stitches before you start is always a good idea. We used a 12mm hook for the rug shown here.

Scissors: Any pair will do, though fabric scissors or sharp craft scissors make cutting t-shirt yarn much cleaner.

Tapestry needle or large blunt needle: You will need this to weave in your ends at the end of the project. A plastic yarn needle with a large eye works perfectly.

Stitch marker (optional): If you are new to working in the round, placing a stitch marker at the beginning of each round will help you keep track of where you are.

Pattern Notes and Sizing

This pattern is written for a rug approximately 60 centimeters (about 24 inches) in diameter when made with a 12mm hook and standard weight t-shirt yarn. If you want a larger rug — say, something 80 to 90 centimeters across — simply continue adding rounds in the same way and use more yarn accordingly.

The pattern uses US crochet terminology throughout.

Abbreviations used:

• ch – chain
• sl st – slip stitch
• sc – single crochet
• inc – increase (two single crochets in the same stitch)
• st – stitch
• rnd – round

Gauge: Because gauge matters less for a rug than for a fitted garment, we are not providing a strict gauge swatch requirement here. What matters most is that your work lays flat. If your rug starts to ruffle or cup as you work, adjusting your stitch count or hook size will correct the issue. More on that below.

The Free Pattern: Round Crochet Rug

Starting the Magic Ring

The cleanest way to start a round project is with a magic ring (also called a magic circle or adjustable ring). This technique lets you pull the center closed completely so there is no hole in the middle of your rug.

To make a magic ring: wrap the yarn around your fingers to form a loop, insert your hook through the loop, pull up a loop of working yarn, and chain one. You will now work your first round into this ring before pulling the tail end to close it.

If you are not comfortable with a magic ring yet, you can substitute by chaining 4 and joining with a slip stitch to form a small loop. Work your first round into the center of that loop.

Round 1

Work 6 sc into the magic ring. Pull the tail end to close the ring. Join with a sl st to the first sc. (6 sts)

Round 2

Ch 1. Work 2 sc (an increase) into each stitch around. Join with sl st to first sc. (12 sts)

Round 3

Ch 1. 1 sc in the next st, inc in the next st. Repeat from to around. Join with sl st. (18 sts)

Round 4

Ch 1. 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts, inc in the next st. Repeat around. Join with sl st. (24 sts)

Round 5

Ch 1. 1 sc in each of the next 3 sts, inc in the next st. Repeat around. Join with sl st. (30 sts)

Round 6

Ch 1. 1 sc in each of the next 4 sts, inc in the next st. Repeat around. Join with sl st. (36 sts)

Round 7

Ch 1. 1 sc in each of the next 5 sts, inc in the next st. Repeat around. Join with sl st. (42 sts)

Round 8

Ch 1. 1 sc in each of the next 6 sts, inc in the next st. Repeat around. Join with sl st. (48 sts)

Round 9

Ch 1. 1 sc in each of the next 7 sts, inc in the next st. Repeat around. Join with sl st. (54 sts)

Round 10

Ch 1. 1 sc in each of the next 8 sts, inc in the next st. Repeat around. Join with sl st. (60 sts)

Rounds 11 and 12 (Optional)

If you want a slightly larger rug, continue the pattern:

Round 11: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of the next 9 sts, inc in the next st. Repeat around. Join with sl st. (66 sts)

Round 12: Ch 1. 1 sc in each of the next 10 sts, inc in the next st. Repeat around. Join with sl st. (72 sts)

Finishing

After your final round, cut the yarn leaving a tail of about 15 centimeters. Pull the tail through the last loop to fasten off securely. Thread the tail onto your tapestry needle and weave it through several stitches on the back of the rug to hide it completely. Do the same for the tail at the center.

Give your rug a gentle tug and smooth it flat. If the edges are slightly wavy, a light spritz of water and a few minutes pressed under heavy books or a clean towel will help it lay perfectly flat.

How to Keep Your Rug Lying Flat

One of the most common questions beginners have when making round crochet projects is how to prevent ruffling at the edges or a bowl shape forming in the middle. The good news is that both problems are easy to diagnose and fix.

If your rug is ruffling or has wavy edges, you have too many stitches. This usually means your tension is very tight and you need to either increase your hook size or skip an increase occasionally in the next round.

If your rug is cupping upward and looks like a bowl, you have too few stitches. Your tension may be very loose, or you have missed an increase somewhere. Try going down a hook size or adding a couple of extra increases in the next round.

The key principle to remember is this: in a flat circle worked in single crochet, you need to add 6 stitches per round to keep the piece lying flat. That is exactly what this pattern does — each round adds 6 more stitches than the last. If your yarn is unusually thick or thin, you may need to adjust slightly, but 6 is a reliable rule of thumb.

Customizing Your Rug

This is where things get really fun. The basic pattern above is essentially a blank canvas, and there are so many ways to make it uniquely yours.

Color changes: Switching colors at the start of a new round is simple and creates a bold striped effect. Fasten off your first color, join the new color with a slip stitch, and continue working. You can change every round for a vibrant multicolor rug or every few rounds for broader stripes.

Variegated yarn: If you choose a self-striping or variegated t-shirt yarn, the color changes happen automatically as you work. These types of yarns often create a beautiful, organic spiral pattern in the finished rug that looks more complicated than it is.

Texture variations: Once you are comfortable with the basic pattern, you can experiment with different stitches. Half double crochet creates a slightly taller, denser fabric. Back loop only single crochet produces a ridged texture that looks gorgeous and adds grip to the bottom of the rug. Slip stitch worked in the front loop only creates a very tight, firm fabric that is especially durable.

Size: The beauty of working in rounds is that you simply keep going until you reach the size you want. A rug made to 30 centimeters makes a lovely small accent piece for a bathroom or entryway. At 60 centimeters, it works beautifully in front of a sink or beside a bed. Push it to 90 centimeters and you have a statement piece for a living room.

Where to Use Your New Rug

A round crochet rug made with t-shirt yarn is wonderfully versatile around the home. Here are some of our favorite spots to place one.

In the bathroom, a smaller version of this rug works perfectly as a bath mat. The cotton fabric is absorbent and quick-drying, and it can go straight into the washing machine when needed. Choose a color that complements your towels or tiles for a pulled-together look.

In the kitchen, a round rug in front of the sink adds warmth and cushioning underfoot during those long cooking sessions. Again, the washability of t-shirt yarn is a major advantage here.

At an entryway or front door, a sturdy round rug in a neutral or earthy tone creates a welcoming first impression. The thickness and density of t-shirt yarn holds up well to the kind of foot traffic an entryway sees.

Beside a bed, a soft round rug is the first thing your feet touch in the morning — and making that experience pleasant is a small luxury well worth the effort. In a child’s bedroom, a bright, cheerful color makes a playful addition to the floor.

In a living room, a larger version of this rug can anchor a seating area or define a cozy reading nook. Layer it over a larger flat-woven rug for a trendy, textured look.

Caring for Your T-Shirt Yarn Rug

One of the most practical advantages of this rug is how easy it is to care for. Because t-shirt yarn is essentially cotton jersey fabric, most of the same rules apply to your rug as apply to your cotton clothing.

Machine washing on a gentle or delicate cycle in cold water is safe for most t-shirt yarn rugs. Turn the rug inside out or place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect the stitches during washing. Avoid hot water, which can cause cotton to shrink and may affect the shape of your rug.

For drying, flat drying is best when possible. Lay the rug on a clean, dry surface and smooth it into shape. If you are short on time, a low-heat tumble dry cycle will work, but check on it periodically to avoid over-drying. High heat can affect cotton’s elasticity and may cause slight shrinkage.

For day-to-day maintenance, a quick shake outside to remove dust and debris is usually all that is needed. A handheld vacuum or a brush attachment on a regular vacuum can also be used gently to keep the surface fresh.

If your rug slides on smooth flooring, a non-slip rug pad cut to size will solve the problem immediately. These are inexpensive and widely available at most home goods stores.

A Note on Making Your Own T-Shirt Yarn

If you enjoy repurposing materials or want to give this project a true zero-waste feel, making your own t-shirt yarn from old clothing is a genuinely enjoyable process. All you need is a collection of old cotton t-shirts — the bigger the better, as more fabric means longer, more usable strips — and a pair of sharp scissors.

The process involves cutting the body of the t-shirt into horizontal strips approximately 2 to 3 centimeters wide, then connecting the strips end to end to create a continuous length of fabric yarn. There are several methods for doing this, and a quick search will show you illustrated guides for the technique. The texture of homemade t-shirt yarn is slightly different from store-bought — it can be a bit less uniform — but many people love that quality for the organic, one-of-a-kind character it adds to a finished piece.

Making your own yarn also means you can be very intentional about color. If you have a pile of old white t-shirts, you can dye the strips before crocheting for a completely custom palette. Natural dyes from plants like onion skins, avocado, or turmeric produce beautiful, subtle tones that work especially well with the matte texture of cotton jersey.

Final Thoughts

There is a reason round rugs made with t-shirt yarn have become such a staple of the modern handmade home. They are quick to make, satisfying to work on, and genuinely useful in ways that purely decorative crochet projects are not. When you place a rug you made yourself on your floor, something shifts in the way you relate to your living space. It becomes a little more yours.

This pattern is our invitation to you to try it. Even if you have never crocheted anything larger than a dishcloth, a round rug with t-shirt yarn is achievable in a weekend — sometimes a single afternoon, depending on how large you go. The stitches are straightforward, the yarn is forgiving, and the results are genuinely beautiful.

We would love to see what you make. If you try this pattern, share your photos and tag us so we can admire your work. Happy crocheting from all of us here at Ned & Mimi.