Carpet or rug weaving is a craft
that has assorted skill and expertise from lands as diverse as China,
Persia and Afghanistan. India has a rich tradition of carpet weaving.
The traditions of carpet making stretch back into the medieval era, when
the great Mughal Emperor Akbar introduced the art of rug and carpet
making in the 16th century. This artistry is no longer isolated in the
villages or towns. Carpet weaving has spread its wings not only at the
domestic front but also the international markets. Carpets and rugs are
important item of exports in India.
Fibers and Yarns Used
Carpets and rugs are made from many single or fused natural and
synthetic fibers. Yarns and fibers are known for their durability,
appearance, ease of manufacture, and cost. The most common and important
used are :
- Polypropylene
- Nylon
- Wool
- Wool blended with synthetic fibers
- PTT polymer , variant of polyster
- Cotton binding
- Jute weft
Types of Carpets
Several manufacturing processes prevail the global market of carpets
and rugs in domestic as well as international arena , they are :
- Woven : Woven carpets are most expensive and made on a
loom. Generally from pre-determined patterns intricate designs are
developed on woven carpets using many colored yarns.
- Tufted : Using tufting machine , tufted carpets are
manufactured using single-colored or non-colored yarn .
- Needlefelt : Needlefelts are made by electrostatic
attraction of individual synthetic fibers forming an extremely
durable carpet. They are more technologically advanced and found in
the contract market such as hotels etc.
- Flat weave carpet : It is created by interlocking warp
and weft threads. Flat weave carpet includes plain , tapestry ,
kilim and soumak weave.
- Hooked rug : It is a simple handmade rug made by pulling
strips of cloth such as wool or cotton through the meshes of a
sturdy fabric such as burlap.
- Knotted pile carpet : It is also known as supplementary
weft cut-loop pile carpet. The supplementary weft is attached to the
warp by one of three knot types forming the pile or nap of the
carpet.
- Moquette : Mosquette means wall-to-wall carpeting. A
supplementary warp-cut or uncut loop pile is made on a loom.
Moquette carpets have been used on floors , tables and as furniture
upholstery and wall coverings.
- Embroidery : Embroidery carpets are not formed on a loom
. They are traditionally made by royal and aristocratic women in the
home but now with the invention of steel needles linen weaving is
improved.
Difference between Carpet and Rug
Carpets and rugs both are used for floor coverings with the only
difference in size. Rugs are smaller than carpets and usually do not
exceed the length of 2m (6.5ft). Rugs serve various purposes and are
used as either centerpiece flooring, hung on wall , bed throws or as
table decor. Carpets are larger than 2m or 6.5ft in size. They are used
as floor covering or wall covering.
Carpets by Fabric:
There are three categories in which carpets are designed:
- Jute carpets : Jute carpets are identified with using
flat weaves. They are available in natural shades and are ideal for
home décor.
- Silk carpets : They contain 80% silk because the wrap
and weft are of cotton. Among all types of carpets silk carpets are
the most exotic carpets.
- Coir carpets : Coir mats and carpets are one of the most
environment friendly objects as they are made of the natural fiber.
Designs are simple but attractive.
- Wool carpets : Wool carpets are the most recognized and
prevalent ones made up from different types of wool like sheep,
goat, camel etc. depending on the region of origination and
availability of carpet.
- Nylon carpets : Nylon is the most popular synthetic
carpet fiber. Nylon carpets offer tremendous value in terms of
durability and maintenance.
- Bamboo carpets : They make excellent floor covering.
Bamboo carpets are usually typical of the north easter region.
- Staple/synthetic carpets : They are synthetic hand
knotted carpets with a silk feel. The main carpet producing center
of staple/synthetic carpets are Srinagar (Jammu & Kashmir), Agra
and Gwalior.
Types of Rugs
Depending upon the designs and patterns, different types of rugs are :
- Cotton printed rugs: Cotton rugs are simple decorative
combination of traditional designs with the exclusive and
experimental techniques. They are available in both handmade and
machine printed designs with a beautiful range of colors.
- Traditional rugs : Using traditional rugs floor
ornamentation is done which reflect positive vibes to the room
decor. Traditional rugs assures durability , quality and give impact
of richness.
- Modern rugs : Modern or contemporary rugs are found in
different offices , homes with its synchronous decorative scheme and
elegant texture.
- Tribal rugs : Tribal rugs are made from natural dye
colors and bold designs. They are the result of vividly researched
artistry and expertise in tribal craftsmanship.
Craftsmen skill
Some of the places which are very famous in the manufacturing of
carpets and rugs are Gwalior , Uttar Pradesh , Agra , Orissa , Tamil
Nadu and Jammu Kashmir.
