Sometimes the hardest part of starting a new rag rug is knowing where to begin.
This page is here to gently spark ideas, build confidence and get your creativity flowing. Whether you’re choosing colours, deciding on a design, or simply wondering what to make next, you’ll find photos, tips and real-life examples to help you move from “blank canvas” to “let’s get started”. There’s no right or wrong in rag rug making - just inspiration, experimentation and the joy of creating something unique.
Colour is Key
Choosing colours can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re working with scraps. This section is here to help you trust your instincts, spot natural colour combinations and see how unexpected pairings can really sing in a rag rug.
In the gallery below, we've included some examples of rugs where we've used a colour scheme as the starting point for the design.
In the first row, we've chosen seasonal colour groupings: autumnal, spring pastels, festive Christmas colours, vibrant summery brights.
In the second row, we've chosen themed colour schemes, such as nautical, neutrals, jewell tones and warm / cool colour schemes.
And in the final row, we've included multicoloured options where often we've used neutrals to pair lot of colours together. This option is best if you have lots of scraps to use up!
Choosing Colours
If picking colours is holding you up then here are a few tips to help:
- Start with one colour you love and build around it.
- Limit yourself to 3-5 main colours. Use an old bedsheet as a background, for example.
- Use neutral colours, such as cream, white, grey, navy, black and tan to blend difficult colours together more seamlessly.
- Scrumple up patterned fabrics for an approximation of how they'll look when rag rugged. A lot of the detail of the pattern will be lost!
- Don't overanalyse. You can always change your mind. Even if you've used the fabric and aren't sure about it, you can always take it out and change it - that's the beauty of rag rug making.
Texture & Technique
Texture is where rag rugs really come alive. Whether you love soft and shaggy, neat and loopy, or a mix of both, this section shows how technique changes the look and feel of a finished piece.
If you've bought one of our traditional British Technique Rag Rug Kits then you'll hopefully be fairly familiar with the shaggy / proggy style, the loopy rug hooked technique and our hybrid "short shaggy" look. However, if you're at all unsure then we'd recommend taking a look at our Rag Rug Techniques page which has a summary of all the different rag rug techniques we teach, including photos of how they look.
For the purposes of this page though, we'll be showing the difference between the traditional British techniques...
Texture vs Design Definition
When thinking about design versus texture, the technique you choose makes a big difference to how clearly a pattern will read in the finished rug. The shaggy, proggy style is wonderful for creating lots of movement and tactile texture, but because of its longer, looser pile, detailed designs can lose definition and become softer or slightly blurred. As designs become more complex, this “wildness” is part of the charm, but it does mean fine lines and sharp shapes are harder to preserve.
In contrast, the loopy rug hooked technique allows you to build in a great deal of detail, with very little design loss, resulting in crisp lines and clearly defined shapes.
The short shaggy technique sits somewhere between the two, offering more texture than loopy hooking while still holding onto much of the design, which is why many people see it as the best of both worlds. In the images below, the two on the left show the front and back of a shaggy, proggy rag rug where much of the design detail has softened, while the two images on the right show the front and back of a loopy rug hooked piece, where the design has remained beautifully clear.
A bit of design inspiration for beginners...
Some people love to plan, others prefer to go with the flow. This section offers gentle design ideas that can be followed loosely - or simply used as a starting point. Before browsing our gallery below, we'd suggest watching our free video for "5 Beginner-Friendly Rag Rug Designs" below or Sign up to the Ragged Life Newsletter here to receive 3 free rug design templates emailed directly to your inbox!
5 Beginner-Friendly Rag Rug Designs
Here, Elspeth talks through some of the easiest designs you might want to consider when making a rag rug. This video includes lots of visual examples and is perfect if you're relatively new to rag rug making.
Pre-Plan or Go with the Flow
Pattern and layout ideas can act as a gentle framework rather than a strict plan, helping your rag rug grow in a way that feels manageable and enjoyable. Simple repeats like stripes, blocks or rows can bring a sense of rhythm and calm, while spirals, curves and organic shapes create movement and a more free-flowing feel.
Some makers like to lightly mark out their design on the hessian before they begin, while others prefer to let the pattern emerge naturally as they go. Both approaches are equally valid - the key is to choose a layout that supports your confidence and keeps the process playful rather than pressured.
Rag rugs are wonderfully forgiving, and often the most interesting designs come from small changes made along the way.
Below are a few examples of rugs made by the Ragged Life Team to get your creativity flowing...
We've chosen floral, geometric, colour blocking and art designs as examples.
Feeling Stuck? Try This
If you find yourself staring at your hessian and not knowing where to begin, take a step back and simplify things. Start with just one fabric or colour you love and build out from there, or give yourself gentle limits - fewer colours, or a small section at a time. Often, starting anywhere is better than waiting for the “perfect” idea.
If designing from scratch feels like too much, our pre-printed rag rug hessian can be a great option, taking the pressure off planning and allowing you to focus on the enjoyment of making. With the design already marked out, you can relax into the process, experiment with colour and texture, and let your creativity flow without overthinking.
You’re Not Making Alone
If you’re ever feeling unsure, or just want a bit of reassurance, we’re always here to help - no question is too small. Developing confidence in design takes time, and learning alongside others can make a huge difference, which is why our in-person and online workshops are a wonderful way to build skills, explore ideas and gain gentle guidance.
You can also head over to the Ragged Life YouTube channel for step-by-step tutorials, or follow us on Instagram or Facebook to see inspiring work from our amazing community of makers. Most of all, remember that rag rug making is a slow, forgiving craft — trust the process, enjoy the journey, and allow your rug to evolve in its own way.
Psst: Looking to Develop your Skills?
And if you've already made a couple of projects and are looking for ways to make your designs even more dynamic, watch this video on how to shape fabric pieces to mimic foliage and flowers. This technique is designed for more intermediate makers to use with the proggy, shaggy technique of rag rug making. Enjoy!