Types of Fabric

• Almost any fabric may be torn or cut into strips to use in crocheting. Old sheets, duvet covers, T-shirts, dresses, fabric that you never used and even old denim jeans work well for this type of crochet project. It may seem odd working with cloth strips in the beginning, since it does not stretch like yarn, but it is not difficult to adjust to the difference.
  
  

Preparing the Fabric

• Cut or tear the cloth into strips that are approximately 1/2- to 5/8-inch-wide. The ends have a ragged edge, but this is part of the charm. Join the strips together by tying the ends in simple knots. If you don't want bulky knots in the crochet project, use fabric glue to connect the ends by overlapping the ends about 1/2 inch. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly before using the strips. Another option is to sew the ends together -- either by machine or by hand -- into one long, continuous strip. Roll up the cloth strips into a ball once they are joined to prevent the strips from taking up so much room in your crochet bag.
  
  

Types of Crochet Hooks

• Cloth strips are much wider than yarn used in crocheting projects. It is important that you use a hook large enough in order to work with the strips comfortably. Any size above an "N" will work well. Items created from the cloth strips take little time from start to finish because of the size of the hook and cloth strips. Crochet the strips with a loose tension; this will prevent the edges from rolling up.
  
  

Projects

• Using cloth strips is a creative way to create rag rugs for your bathroom, kitchen or bedroom floors. They complement rustic or country style interiors well. If you have only a small amount of one type of fabric, use the cloth strips to make placemats for your table, coasters or even trivets. You can make striped patterns out of solid colors by alternating a different color of cloth every six to 10 rows.