Make Cottage-Style Rag Balls From Up-Cycled Sheets. (And Then Use Them!)

 

These rag balls are made of 100% rags. No styrofoam ball inserts here, because you see, these are not purely decorative, they're also really useful! A few generations back women saved every bit of fabric and often kept them in the form of rag balls. The rags from the balls were then used for making braided rugs, knitted rugs and possibly crocheted rugs, among other things.

Today most of us don't have to worry about saving small bits of fabric because of it's preciousness, but we love the idea of up-cycling and recycling, and not being wasteful, especially when it comes to crafting. So the rag balls of yore are now suddenly very much in keeping with the "green" trend of today! And even if you don't knit or crochet, I'm sure you'll find so many ways to use your strips of rags!

These balls, made from one twin sized comforter cover that had faded in the sun (but the inside was still the original color, thus the beautiful shades), are about the size of small canteloupes or large grapefruits. I don't know about you, but I'd love to have a basket next to the couch just filled to the brim with these! There's just one problem, I don't think they'd last long around here! These beauties have already been crocheted into the center of my first round rag rug! (Which I can't wait to share with you, I just finished it.....and yes, my fingers are a bit sore!)

You'll Need:

• old sheets, comforter covers, pillow cases and even yardage
• good scissors or a rotary cutter (optional)

How To:

1. Cut 1" wide strips by either tearing or cutting, and wrap them to form a ball. To form one continuous string, you can sew the strips together on a sewing machine, or join them as described here.
2. To make one continuous string from a pillowcase or comforter cover, follow the directions for making yarn from a t-shirt, here. Take a few minutes to figure this trick out, you'll be glad you did!

• If you really truly know that you'll never actually use your rag balls, so go ahead and wrap some fabric scraps around styrofoam balls and enjoy this touch of the past. It's okay, but just know that the real thing could also be used for carpet bowling, juggling, or entertaining little visitors!