If a crochet rug feels too beautiful to step on, turn it into wall art instead. Many of my rug patterns can be transformed into wall hangings, table covers, doilies, and more simply by using thinner thread and a smaller hook. The result is delicate, lightweight artwork perfect for framing or display.

What You Need

• A picture frame large enough for your crochet applique (Upcycling old frames is a great way to reduce waste)
• Fabric for the background, slightly larger than the frame base (Flannel, wallpaper, decoupage paper, or even chalk paint all work)
• Permanent fabric glue (Liquid Stitch is an excellent choice.)
• Optional: Mod Podge for decoupage projects
  

Preparing the Frame and Background

1. Carefully remove the frame backing and glass.

• For this project, I used only the frame and fiberboard backing.
• You can reuse the glass if you prefer a shadow‑box look.

2. Wrap your chosen background fabric around the fiberboard.

• I used flannel, which grips well without glue.
• Lightweight fabrics may need to be decoupaged with Mod Podge to support the weight of the crochet applique.
• Alternatively, you can paint the fiberboard and frame for a clean, modern finish.

Attaching the Crochet Applique

1. Position your crochet piece on the prepared background.
2. Apply fabric glue generously to secure it.
3. Let everything dry completely.
4. Place the finished artwork back into the frame and seal it.

Voilà... your crochet rug becomes a beautiful piece of wall art.

Elephant Wall Decoration

This framed elephant is made using a pattern from my book Crochet Animal Rugs, worked with size 10 crochet thread (approx. 875 yd / 800 m) and a 1.9 mm (US 5) steel hook. You will also need:

• A wall frame or poster frame at least 3 in (7.6 cm) larger than the finished piece on all sides
• Matboard backing and edging
• Chenille needle with sharp point
• Finger guard (thimble)
• Fabric stiffener or corn starch
• Blocking board + rust‑proof pins
• Packing tape
  

Instructions

1. Follow the pattern using size 10 thread and a 1.9 mm hook to make a 14″ × 10½″ elephant.
2. Soak the finished piece in fabric stiffener or a corn‑starch mixture for 2–5 minutes (recipe is here on my blog).
3. Squeeze out excess moisture.
4. Stretch and pin the piece onto a blocking board.
5. Drying takes up to 24 hours indoors or just a few hours in the sun.
6. Position the elephant on the matboard backing inside the matboard edging.
7. Use small tubes of packing tape (sticky side out) to temporarily hold it in place.
8. Thread a chenille needle with the same crochet thread and baste around the edges, making tiny stitches between the long floats on the wrong side.
9. Tie off all ends on the back.
10. Insert the matboard and artwork into the frame and seal it.
11. Mount on the wall and enjoy your handmade art.
    

Other Ideas

Rug patterns can also be adapted into:

• Table covers
  
• Placemats
• Doilies
• Centerpieces
• Decorative panels

Just switch to finer yarn and a smaller hook, and experiment until you find the perfect size and drape.