Machine-Made Rugs and Carpets

In early twentieth century, very excellent carpets began to be produced on looms driven by steam or other mechanical power. Because of the nature of the procedure they were usually woven in long strips, rather than the rug shape that is natural to the hand loom. The looms had been improved to permit the weaving of rugs of considerable width, as opposed to the older ones, of made up of strips sewed together like a traditional carpet.
Ingrain carpet is among the oldest machine weaves. It is produced in strips a lawn wide, the best grades being all wool, whilst in cheaper qualities some cotton is used. The design is created by raising and lowering two series of threads in this manner that the fabric is reversible. The color of the bottom on one side is that of the figure on the other. It lessened being used while the newer weaves began to yield more interesting and varied products, ideal to position facing an electric fireplace.
Brussels carpets usually 27 inches wide, is woven of worsted yarn, in the method of uncut velvet, the threads being looped over wires to create the pile. Several series of threads, usually six, are used, every one of an alternative color. The filling, which shows on the rear, may be of nearly every material. The pile, being uncut, is stiff and wiry, and wears better than a cut pile, because it resists wear and does not absorb dust. The definition of body brussels is used to tell apart it from tapestry brussels, an imitation of inferior grade by which the style is printed on the threads as opposed to the usage of separate threads of different colors.
Wilton carpet is woven in the exact same way as brussels, except that the pile is cut, which makes it softer and more luxurious, but less resistant to wear. Wilton velvet is an imitation of wilton, being made such as a tapestry brussels, but with a cut pile. Axminsters are manufactured by a process similar compared to that of creating an Oriental rug, by which the device loom fastens tufts of woolen yarn in to the fabric. They're usually produced in small all-over repeating patterns, and are handsome and durable, though the cheaper and lighter grades are inferior to wilton or brussels.
Chenille rugs are just like axminsters in design and texture, though made somewhat differently. The tufts of wool forming the pile are first changed to strips, steamed so that all the ends point up and the strips are then joined by linen warps. This is an early form of weave, quite strong and durable, but alternatively expensive. Rugs may be produced in any size and may be woven to order in either one or two tones. Smyrna is really a similar though cheaper product, having both faces alike, while chenille has one face only. The material is not of Oriental origin, while the name would indicate, but it is generally woven in Oriental designs.
In each one of these weaves, the heaviest and most high-priced fabrics are probably the most durable. The lighter grades usually contain poorer material and inferior workmanship, so that buying the best does work economy. In the best grades worsted yarn is used, made of the longest and strongest wool fibers. As well as wool, other materials are sometimes used, including jute and hemp, sometimes blended with wool being an adulterant.
They're, however, very inferior, while they deteriorate rapidly, particularly in damp places or facing wood burning fireplace inserts, and are therefore only suitable for temporary use. Linen, fiber and grass rugs may also be made, and are particularly beneficial to summer use, as they are light and washable. They're flat weaves, without any pile. Many of them are pleasing in design and color, and their low priced can be an advantage.
New varieties tend to be introduced, and for porches, bedrooms, and summer cottages they're often most appropriate. The range of design possible in wiltons, brussels, and axminsters is very great. They could be obtained in plain effects, as well as in elaborate patterns. Originals in famous museums have sometimes been chosen for reproduction, and the best are scarcely inferior to the real Orientals, except they've generally a certain harshness not within the hand-made product. The earlier copies were produced in strips and sewed together, and some remain so made, but those woven in one piece are far superior.