Cut 6 pieces of homespun approximately 24" (24" X 44"), depending on pattern repeat.
Lay one piece with the right side facing down, and a second layer on top of that with the right side facing up.
Carefully layer the remaining 4 pieces (right side facing up) on top of these two pieces, with the plaid design for these four pieces hitting in the same spot.
Pin (or safety pin) the fabric stack in several places so the fabrics don't shift on you as you sew.
Take your 6" X 24" ruler and draw a line diagonally from one top corner to bottom corner - stitch that line.
Continue to sew diagonal lines every 1/2" creating channels all across your project, these lines should be parallel to the first line you stitched. In order to get a nice chenille look you have to sew diagonal (on the bias) or your project will not "bloom".
Use the OLFA chenille cutter to cut through the channels (top 4 layers of fabric only) you created in the previous step.
You can leave your rug as a rectangle or trim off the corners for an oval rug.
Add a binding edge around rug - this must be done BEFORE you wash or dry the project. If you are making an oval or round rug make sure to cut your binding on the bias - or use commercial binding.
Wash and dry your project and watch how the chenille blooms (because the fabric is cut on the bias you don't loose threads in the washer or dryer).
If you want the pattern to still show after you chenille - you need to layer the fabrics so the pattern on the fabric is directly on top of the same pattern placemat on the other layers.
Example: if you are using a flannel fabric with a flower layer the fabrics so the flower is in the same place facing up through all the layers you are going to cut for chenilling. After you wash and dry and the fabric has "bloomed" you will still be able to see the flower design. Same is true with a plaid in this homespun fabric.
- Note: The corners I trimmed off my oval rug were made into hot pads. They get used almost every day as trivets.