OT latch hook?

Hi, I have this idea to use a piece of the "backing" that you would use for
making a latch hooked rug only to hook it with cut up pieces of t shirt
material in bright colors. I don't have a piece of latch hook backing to try
this on and nowhere in my city can I buy a "piece". I can only buy a whole kit
which I don't want. I was thinking about doing this as a class project. Has
anyone tried this? I was also wondering if you could then throw it in the
washer and dryer? Woudl it all hold together? I thought it would be more fun to
do than regular yarn.
Any suggestions are welcome.
Thank you
Donna