T-Shirt Yarn Round Rug – How to Crochet a Rug – Free Crochet Pattern
If you’ve been looking for a satisfying weekend project that transforms something old into something beautiful, crocheting a round rug from t-shirt yarn might be exactly what you need. This free crochet pattern walks you through every step of making a gorgeous, durable, and washable round rug that works perfectly in bathrooms, kitchens, nurseries, or anywhere you want a cozy pop of color underfoot. Whether you’re a beginner picking up a crochet hook for the first time or an experienced crocheter looking for a quick and rewarding project, this pattern has everything you need.
Let’s dive in.
What Is T-Shirt Yarn?
Before we get into the pattern itself, let’s talk about the star of the show: t-shirt yarn, also known as tarn or zpagetti yarn. T-shirt yarn is made from strips of jersey fabric — the same stretchy material used to make everyday t-shirts — either cut in a continuous spiral or torn into strips and joined together. The result is a thick, chunky, soft yarn that’s incredibly forgiving to work with.
You can buy t-shirt yarn ready-made from craft stores or online retailers, and it comes in a wide range of solid colors, stripes, and even printed patterns. But you can also make your own from old t-shirts, which makes this project one of the best upcycling crafts out there. We’ll talk more about the DIY option a little further down.
T-shirt yarn is ideal for rugs because it’s dense and sturdy enough to hold its shape underfoot, yet soft enough that you won’t mind standing on it barefoot. It’s also machine washable in most cases, which is a major bonus for a floor accessory.
Why Crochet a Round Rug?
Round rugs have a timeless, versatile quality that rectangular rugs sometimes lack. They soften the angular lines of a room, create a natural focal point, and work beautifully in small or awkwardly shaped spaces like in front of a bathroom sink, under a round coffee table, or beside a bed.
From a crocheter’s perspective, round rugs are also wonderfully satisfying to make. You start with a magic ring and watch your project grow outward, round by round, until you have a full-sized rug. There’s a real sense of momentum to the process, and because you’re working with thick yarn and a large hook, you’ll see progress remarkably quickly.
Materials You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to get started with this free crochet pattern.
Yarn: Approximately 400–600 grams of t-shirt yarn (the exact amount depends on the finished size you’re aiming for). One primary color works beautifully for a minimalist look, but you can also use two or three colors for a striped or ombre effect.
Crochet Hook: A size 10mm–15mm crochet hook works best with most commercial t-shirt yarns. If you’re making your own thinner tarn, stick closer to the 10mm end. For very thick, bulky tarn, go up to 15mm or even larger. The right hook size makes the difference between a floppy rug and one that lies flat and firm.
Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors are much easier to use than regular craft scissors when you’re working with jersey strips.
Tapestry Needle or Crochet Hook (small): For weaving in your ends at the finish.
Stitch Markers (optional): Helpful for marking the beginning of each round if you’re new to working in the round.
Flat Surface: This sounds obvious, but having a clean floor or large table to lay your work down periodically will help you check that it’s lying flat as you go.
How to Make Your Own T-Shirt Yarn
If you want to upcycle old t-shirts rather than buying yarn, here’s a simple method that produces a nice continuous strip.
Start with a plain jersey t-shirt in good condition — avoid anything with seams across the body or thick printed graphics, as these create uneven strips. Lay it flat and cut off the bottom hem. Then cut the shirt into horizontal strips about 2–3 cm wide, stopping just before the side seam on each cut so that the strips stay connected in a single piece. Once you’ve cut all the way up the body of the shirt, you’ll have a connected accordion of strips. Cut these diagonally at the side connections to create one long continuous strip.
Now here’s the secret to getting that characteristic rounded, stretchy look: hold each end of a strip and give it a gentle tug lengthwise. The fabric will curl inward on itself, turning your flat strip into a round, rope-like yarn. Run through the whole length before you start crocheting, and you’ll have a beautiful ball of homemade tarn ready to go.
One medium adult t-shirt yields roughly 50–80 grams of t-shirt yarn, so you’ll need around 6–10 shirts for a good-sized rug. This is a perfect project for cleaning out a drawer full of old, worn-out shirts.
Pattern Notes
This pattern is written in US crochet terminology. Here’s a quick reference for the abbreviations used throughout.
ch – chain
sl st – slip stitch
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc – double crochet
st(s) – stitch(es)
rnd – round
sp – space
MR – magic ring
The finished rug measures approximately 60 cm (24 inches) in diameter using a 12mm hook and medium-weight t-shirt yarn. To make a larger rug, simply continue adding rounds following the same increase pattern.
Gauge is not critical for this project, but working too loosely will give you a floppy rug, while working too tightly can cause the rug to cup. Aim for firm, even tension, and check periodically that your work lies flat on a surface.
Free Crochet Pattern: T-Shirt Yarn Round Rug
Starting the Rug
Round 1: Make a magic ring. Ch 1, work 6 sc into the ring. Pull the tail to close the ring. Sl st to the first sc to join. (6 sts)
Round 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Sl st to join. (12 sts)
Round 3: Ch 1, 1 sc in the next st, 2 sc in the next st repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (18 sts)
Round 4: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc in the next st repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (24 sts)
Round 5: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the next 3 sts, 2 sc in the next st repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (30 sts)
Round 6: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the next 4 sts, 2 sc in the next st repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (36 sts)
Round 7: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the next 5 sts, 2 sc in the next st repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (42 sts)
Round 8: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the next 6 sts, 2 sc in the next st repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (48 sts)
Round 9: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the next 7 sts, 2 sc in the next st repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (54 sts)
Round 10: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the next 8 sts, 2 sc in the next st repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (60 sts)
Round 11: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the next 9 sts, 2 sc in the next st repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (66 sts)
Round 12: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the next 10 sts, 2 sc in the next st repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (72 sts)
At the end of Round 12, you will have a rug measuring approximately 45–50 cm (around 18–20 inches) in diameter. For a small bathroom mat or decorative accent rug, you can finish here. For a fuller-sized rug, continue adding rounds.
Round 13: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the next 11 sts, 2 sc in the next st repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (78 sts)
Round 14: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the next 12 sts, 2 sc in the next st repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (84 sts)
Round 15: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the next 13 sts, 2 sc in the next st repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (90 sts)
Round 16: Ch 1, 1 sc in each of the next 14 sts, 2 sc in the next st repeat from to around. Sl st to join. (96 sts)
At the end of Round 16, you should have a rug approximately 60 cm (24 inches) in diameter. Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
Finishing
Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 15 cm. Thread this tail onto your tapestry needle and weave it securely through several stitches on the back of the rug to anchor it. Weave in any other ends from color changes in the same way. Give the ends a gentle tug to make sure they’re secure before trimming the excess close to the fabric.
Lay the finished rug on a flat surface and press it gently with your hands to help it settle into shape. If it has any slight tendency to curl at the edges — which can happen if your tension was a little tight — a light spritz of water and a gentle blocking session will fix it right up. Simply mist the rug, lay it flat, and leave it to dry overnight.
Tips for a Perfectly Flat Rug
One of the most common questions when crocheting in the round is: why is my rug curling up at the edges? The answer almost always comes down to one of three things — tension, hook size, or the increase formula.
If your rug is curling upward like a bowl, your tension is probably too tight. Try loosening your grip on the yarn and hook, or go up one hook size. If your rug is ruffling and flaring outward with wavy edges, you may be working too loosely or making too many increases per round. The increase formula in this pattern — adding 6 increases per round — is the standard for single crochet worked in the round, and it should keep everything flat as long as your tension is consistent.
Getting into the habit of laying your work flat on a table every two or three rounds to check it is genuinely one of the best practices you can build as a crocheter. Catching a tension problem early means you only need to frog a few rounds rather than starting over entirely.
How to Add Colors
If you want to make a striped or color-blocked rug, changing colors at the end of a round is very simple. When you’re about to work the last sl st of a round, draw up a loop of the new color instead of the current color, and pull it through. From the next round onward you’ll be working in the new yarn. Weave in your ends as you go to save yourself a long finishing session at the end.
Some popular color combinations for t-shirt yarn rugs include cream and terracotta for a boho vibe, navy and white for a coastal feel, sage green and off-white for a Scandinavian-inspired look, or a rainbow spiral using a new color every two rounds for a playful, nursery-friendly design.
Caring for Your T-Shirt Yarn Rug
One of the biggest advantages of t-shirt yarn rugs over traditional rag rugs or woven options is how easy they are to clean. Most t-shirt yarn rugs can go straight into the washing machine on a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water. Use a mild detergent and skip the fabric softener, which can break down the fibers over time.
For drying, the best option is to lay the rug flat on a clean surface and allow it to air dry. Tumble drying on low is usually fine as well, but check the label on your yarn if you’re using a commercial product. High heat can cause the jersey fabric to shrink or distort.
For everyday maintenance between washes, simply shake the rug out outside and spot-clean any stains with a damp cloth and a drop of gentle soap. T-shirt yarn is quite forgiving, and light stains usually come out easily.
Where to Use Your Finished Rug
The beauty of a hand-crocheted round rug is how versatile it is. Here are a few favorite spots to use one in your home.
In the bathroom, a small or medium-sized rug placed in front of the sink or the shower is practical, beautiful, and easy to toss in the wash when needed. The soft texture of t-shirt yarn is particularly lovely underfoot on cold tile mornings.
In the kitchen, a rug near the sink or the stove adds warmth and color to what can often be a utilitarian space. Choose a darker colorway for high-traffic kitchen areas, as it will hide daily wear and splashes much more gracefully than lighter shades.
In a nursery or child’s bedroom, a colorful round rug creates a defined play space and adds softness to hard floors. Because t-shirt yarn rugs are washable and durable, they stand up beautifully to the demands of a busy child’s room.
As a doormat or entryway rug, a sturdy t-shirt yarn rug makes a wonderful first impression. Work it in a single bold color to complement your front door, or go multicolored for a welcoming, cheerful look.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to crochet a t-shirt yarn rug? Most crafters can complete a rug following this pattern in a single afternoon or evening — roughly 3 to 5 hours depending on your experience level. The chunky yarn and large hook size make progress fast and satisfying.
Can beginners make this rug? Yes, absolutely. The only stitch used in this pattern is the single crochet, which is the most fundamental stitch in crochet. If you can chain, make a magic ring, and single crochet, you have everything you need.
What if I run out of yarn mid-round? Join a new ball of yarn by simply inserting your hook into the next stitch, pulling up a loop of the new yarn, and continuing. Leave tails of about 15 cm on both ends to weave in later. The join will be nearly invisible within the texture of the t-shirt yarn.
Can I use this pattern with regular bulky yarn? Yes, though the feel and durability of the finished rug will be different. T-shirt yarn has a specific drape and texture that makes it especially well-suited for rugs, but bulky wool, cotton rope, or braided yarn can also produce beautiful results with this same pattern.
A Note on Sustainability
There’s something deeply satisfying about making something useful out of materials that might otherwise end up in landfill. Old t-shirts are one of the most commonly discarded textile items in the world, and crocheting them into a rug gives them a second life that can last years. Even if you buy commercial t-shirt yarn, many brands now offer options made from textile waste and production offcuts, so you can feel good about your purchase from an environmental standpoint as well.
Handmade rugs also tend to outlast their mass-produced counterparts by a significant margin. When you invest your time and care into making something, it naturally receives better care in return — and a well-cared-for t-shirt yarn rug can last a decade or more with regular washing and basic maintenance.
Final Thoughts
Crocheting a round rug from t-shirt yarn is one of those projects that genuinely delivers on every level. It’s fast, forgiving, functional, and beautiful. You don’t need expensive equipment or advanced skills, and the finished result is something you’ll be proud to display in your home for years to come. Whether you make your yarn from a pile of old shirts or pick up a gorgeous
