Repurposed Truck Rug

After I started making insulated Snow Skirts for myself, my husband was hoping I could find a way to help him stay warmer in his truck too. The Truck Rug was the solution!

Step 1: Cut Squares of Washed and Dried Wool Sweaters

I have made lots of repurposed items from felted wool sweaters. Find some used wool sweaters, at least 80% wool. Wash and dry them in your home washing machine and drier. Be sure to clean out the washer and dryer trap, as this produces some excess lint.
I then cut the sweaters apart along side Seams, remove the sleeves and open them up along the seam.
I used a quilters ruler that measured 6 inch square to cut pieces of felted wool.

Step 2: Sew the Felted Sweater Squares Together

Begin sewing the squares together, either overlapping them slightly, or butting them together. I used a zig zag stitch.

Step 3: Press the Seams of the Wool Squares

Using a steam iron, press the seams flat. Continue to sew squares in rows to the length you desire. I made my rows long enough to reach across the front seat of my husbands truck.

Step 4: Sew the Rows Together

Put the rows next to each other. Trim them so they are the same lengths. Sew the rows together the same way you sewed the squares together. Press flat with a steam iron.

Step 5: Make the Insulated Back Side of the Truck Rug

Cut a piece of insulated parka lining the length of the truck seat. I cut strips of an old wool shirt at 4 inch widths. Sew the strips together until you have pieces long enough to sew on each side and across the ends. This would be similar to sewing a border on a quilt. The wool shirt border should make the insulated pieces slightly longer and wider than the wool square piece.

Step 6: Attach the Wool Square Piece to the Insulated Piece

Lay the wool square piece you created on top of the bordered insulated piece. Center it as best you can. Fold the wool
shirt strips over the edges of the wool
square blanket. Pin in place.

Step 7: Sew the Layers Together

Carefully sew all the layers together, sewing close to the edge of the wool shirt strips. You can turn under 1/2” on the wool strips if you desire.

Step 8: Attach a Strap

I cut a piece from a used leather jacket. I sewed one end of the strap to the back of the truck rug at one end. On the other end I made buttonholes. I rolled the truck rug up and determined where to place a large button. This allows the tug to be rolled and strapped and carried.

On other truck rugs I have used a purchased used woven belt with two d-rings on one end. This can also allow the rug to be rolled and strapped tightly, and carried.

Step 9: Stay Warm!

I have made several of these truck rugs over the years. They go together quickly and are a good way to use up felted sweater scraps after I have made felted sweater mittens. My husband carries the rolled rug into work during the day and when he places it on the cold truck seat he is so much warmer! If he is alone, and it’s extra cold, he folds the long end over his lap. If I’m riding with him, we both have something warm to sit on!