Business:
Making mats, rugs, and hotpads

Skill level required

Low - simple weaving or braiding, and finishing. Help with color selection if not making single-color items.

Startup cost

Low - used cloth materials, easily-constructed loom.

Different types

Woven with loops

Woven from strips

Making a foot mat from old sheets

Braid and coil, then sew, crochet or weave together

Colors

Solid or very similar colors

Light colors can be good for bathmats and small, easily washable rugs. Because of dirt and stains, darker colors are probably better for doormats, large rugs, or potholders.

Mixed colors

If more than one color is used, have a sighted person put the raw materials in order so that the finished product has pleasing color patterns. Color preferences will vary greatly by country; here are some that may be appropriate for the US market.

Popular color combinations from one US producer.

It is usually good to avoid large black or dark areas, or color patterns that seem irregular.

Sometimes a single stripe or a border can look good.

Finished sizes

Desired sizes will vary by country. For the US market:

Bathmat: 20"x33", 21"x34", 24"x40", or similar
Doormat: 18"x27", 18"x30", 22"x36", 24"x36", or similar
Placemat: 13"x17", 12"x18", or similar
Rug: as desired
Hotpad: 6"-7" square

Tools

Loom with cards, shuttles, and spools

10" square loom makes ~8" square potholder; 7" square loom makes ~6" square potholder

Other considerations

Consistent appearance (same size "stitches", same length sides, hidden knots, even tension) is usually very important.
For a uniform higher-quality appearance, you may need to buy carefully cut strips or loops, instead of cutting them yourself. This will cost more, but it will allow you to receive a higher price.
In the US, hotpads usually have a loop, big enough to put your thumb through, on one corner to hang them from a hook.
If you are shipping these items, you need to charge enough to cover shipping, as they can be fairly heavy.

Business: Making mats, rugs, and hotpads