Guest Author - Iris ten Holder

Make an authentic tool! Make a toothbruish needle.

The toothbrush rug got its name from the tool that was used to make the rug. Toothbrushes had a hole at the end of the handle, presumably to hang them, which seems such a good idea. From time to time there are still some toothbrushes available with such a hole - great to make a toothbrush needle. Keep en eye open for other kitchen tools with a hole at the end. There are some mini spatulas that would be suitable. Make sure that a fabric strip can pass through the hole.

Since it is necessary to remove the brush or spatula section, it is advisable to use safety glasses to do this operation.

- Use garden snippers, a small saw or hacksaw to remove the brush or spatula material. This is going to be the point of the needle. Often snippers work well. Work from the outside, snipping away untill the right shape is obtained.

- When all the superfluous material has been snipped away, use sandpaper or a sandblock to shape further and to smooth the edges.

The end with the hole is most likely just right to hold the fabric and be pulled through the loops of the rug.
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