Materials Used for Making Rugs
There are several factors on which the modern day carpet industry depends. These include the presence of skilled weavers, raw materials, existence of a tradition of weaving art, competition in the market, demand for these goods, etc. Various other factors influence the quality of finished carpets which include the expertise, designs, quality of materials used, the kind of dyes, and colors imparted to it, which makes a finished rug.
Carpets have been in vogue since middle ages and the carpets of Persia and Central Asia are renowned the world over. Manufacturing of carpets began in India during the Mughal rule and the carpet weavers received patronage of the kings and the noblemen. With the passage of time carpets have become an everyday good in many households. Handmade rugs from India are known for their unique designs and brilliance. Here we will discuss few materials which are used for making rugs:
Wool: Wool is a very soft material which is basically a dense undercoat derived from different hairy animals. Since the middle ages, this dense warm fleece is also used for making rugs and other similar materials. India is the leading producer of coarse wool which is also known as ‘carpet wool’. The world famous Pashima wool are the epitome of quality wool which uses natural dyes and are used for making luxurious carpets. Woolen carpets are good absorbents of moisture and sound and do not allow fire to spread easily. One could easily buy Indian handmade wool rugs from various online stores.
SILK: Silk is a fine protein strand which is formed by insect larvae for making webs. Reputed worldwide as a high-quality organic fiber, silk is used for making clothes, rugs, tapestries and other decorative materials and coverings. Now it is commonly used in carpet industry and is a hallmark of popular Oriental carpets across the world. Silk carpets are famous for their intricate designs and special styles of weaving. Being a very strong fiber, silk carpets are quite durable and its luxurious texture only adds to the brilliance of the carpets.
JUTE: Jute is the second most common plant fiber in the world. It is primarily cultivated in the Indian subcontinent and is used in braided form. It is used for making shawls, ropes, gunny-bags, chair coverings, and carpets. Jute carpets are quite affordable and strong carpets. Jute is also blended with other kinds of materials like wool and cotton for making quality carpets. It is dyed in wide variety of colours for making very vibrant designs for carpets. Jute is also bio-degradable and hence these carpets are environmentally friendly.
Apart from these, there are still many other materials which are used for making rugs. These include cotton rugs and rugs made from synthetic materials. Both these are economically viable options and are gaining popularity in recent years.
