Inventive use of humble materials is a hallmark of good interior design. Rough jute upholstery webbing is normally hidden beneath layers of batting and fabric. When handwoven in a simple under-and-over pattern, this practical textile becomes a trim, durable floor mat or decorative runner for a front hallway.

Runner How-To
Typically plain dun brown with two or three stripes of red or dark blue running through it, upholstery webbing is sold in rolls or by the yard. Measure the floor area, and cut strips of webbing to size.

1. Weave strips in an under-and-over pattern, alternating verticals and horizontals. As you work, apply several dots of hot glue to the face of each bottom strip; press together with top strip to keep the pattern square and to hold the mat together. Leave edges unfinished at the end of each row.

2. Glue a length of 2-inch-wide heavy-cotton twill to one edge of mat, turn over, fold twill, and glue to other side of mat; leave twill ends unfinished.

Do the same on the opposite side. Repeat on the other two sides, but finish corners by folding and gluing under the ends of the twill before you glue to the webbing. The finished rug has no backing and is reversible; turn it over as it becomes soiled. Although not washable, it can be vacuumed. Put a rubberized nonskid mat beneath to keep it in place.