Braided Rugs: History And Materials
Braided rag rugs became the specialty of country and frontier women . Since the rugs were the work of poor, hard working women, they have no written history as other needlework that is consider an artistic movement. However, methods of making the braided rag rug were brought to North America with immigrants from the old world. Particular regions of the country and certain ethnic groups began making the rugs. As the frontiers expanded westward in the 1900's, the rug making techniques were shared and modified as needed to take advantage of materials that were locally available . Apparently, that creative pioneers started new techniques for making rugs and different techniques became popular in various regions of the country. Wool braided rugs became the staple in New England because of the readily available woolen mills. Later, the railroads created cheap transportation so that wool and cotton fabrics made in the east could be made available for rug making in other regions. Before that the rugs were mostly made by braiding recycled clothing or other fabrics too old for use in other forms. As braided rugs became popular again the arts and crafts movements, the construction of the rugs became as varied as the materials used. Most popular styles now include the following three: Banded Braided Rug Construction: This method uses a series of wide bands of braids. This particular construction makes the rug more durable. Cablelock Braided Rug Construction: The braids of this style look much like a sailing rope of interlocking cables making it one the more unique methods of construction.. Flat Braided Rug Construction: If you want a more classic look, the flat braid construction creates a the braided wool rug that comes to most people's minds when they think about braided rugs. This braid uses three ropes of material, that have first been intertwined and then braided into the pieces of the rug. You can also opt for a faux braided rug. These are actually padded mats that imitate the look of a conventional braided rug. These imitations are really quilted floor coverings that look like the same style, but they are not as bulky as the traditional wool or cotton braided rugs. They come in the same shapes as traditional rugs of round, oval, and rectangular; but the faux braided rugs are a great deal more affordable than the traditional braided rugs. If you need to cover an extensive area with a braided rug, you can spend up to $1,000. That same size faux braided rug can have you spending half that much. The faux braided rugs can give you the look without the associated fortune. Another advantage of faux braided rugs is the ease in cleaning them. Since the majority are made out of synthetic fibers, they can also be protected for stain resistance. The smaller scatter rugs can easily be thrown into the washing machine when the need to be cleaned. Wool braided rugs would never be handle a machine washing. Wool rugs also start piling and shedding like other natural fiber, but the faux braided rug will not. Whether you want wool or synthetic materials for your braided rug, you can find a beautiful traditional looking rug for that cozy feel that you want for your home. |
