Making and Caring for Your Rug

May 10

HAND-TUFTED RUGS

To make a hand-tufted rug, the pattern is drawn in mirror image on a piece of fine monk’s cloth stretched on a frame. Each wool yarn stitch, either looped or cut pile, is added individually according to color. When the tufting is complete, the back of the rug is coated with latex and jute to hold the stitches in place. Then the rug is sheared and carved by hand, and the edges are trimmed using a big pair of scissors. Thus each rug is made completely by hand of all-natural fibers.

Flat Weaves

This technique uses traditional looms interlacing the warp and weft threads. Unlike knotted rugs, flat weaves do not have pile, and are versatile. Our cotton flat weaves can be used as floor coverings or decorative wall pieces.

HAND-KNOTTED RUGS

This is the technique that is used to make fine Oriental carpets. Each piece of yarn is hand-knotted around a long piece of fiber; the higher the knot count, the finer the rug. Our’s range from 40-300 knots per square inch. When all of the knots have been added, the edges of the rug are sewn by hand, and the face is hand-sheared. The drawing shows Barbara’s color directions for the weavers. We are a member of GoodWeave, which ensures that all of our rugs are child-labor-free.

Floor Cloths

In colonial times, people painted pieces of canvas and then lacquered them to create floor cloths. Today, our printed vinyl floor cloths are made in the USA in a wide variety of sizes and styles.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Floor Cloths: Use floor cloths on flat surfaces only. Wipe clean with a damp cloth or use hand soap (not dishwashing detergent) for soiled areas. Do not leave in standing water.

Door Mats: Do not leave in standing water.

Cotton Flat Weaves: Wash in a machine on a gentle cycle using cold water. Line dry. DO NOT put the rug in a dryer. To be safe, use a non-slip pad under the rug.

Hand-tufted Rugs: Vacuum once or twice a week. DO NOT use a vacuum with a beater brush or a bagless cyclonic machine, such as a Dyson. These machines are too powerful for a hand-made rug, and they will pull the yarn out. We recommend Miele vacuums, used on the setting that shows a rug with fringe.

For the first month or so, small pieces of yarn will come out when you vacuum; these are pieces from the shearing of the rug. This will stop after a short time.

For wet spills, blot up with a white cloth. Use Resolve foam cleaner. For pet accidents, use Hoover’s Paws & Claws Pet Stain Remover. Do not use wet cleaners on natural silk or bamboo silk. For dry spots, use powdered Resolve Carpet Cleaner. Sprinkle on the spot, and then rub GENTLY with the brush. Wait 15 minutes and then vacuum. Repeat if necessary. Never use an oxy cleaner on a rug made of natural fibers; this will remove the color from the rug.

Hand-tufted rugs can be steam cleaned at home with a rug shampooer. Do not use very hot water, and be sure to use the extraction cycle to remove excess water. Deep clean your rug only as needed. It is not necessary to clean your rug every year unless it is in a very high-traffic area.

Hand-knotted Rugs: Vacuum once or twice a week. DO NOT use a vacuum with a beater brush or a bagless cyclonic machine, such as a Dyson. These machines are too powerful for a hand-made rug, and they will pull the yarn out. We recommend Miele vacuums, used on the setting that shows a rug with fringe. For other machines, use the gentlest setting.

For the first month or so, small pieces of yarn will come out when you vacuum; these are pieces from the shearing of the rug. This will stop after a short time.

NEVER steam clean a hand-knotted rug; this will destroy the rug. Have your rug cleaned professionally by a reputable rug cleaner; they will have to remove the rug from your home, but this is the only way to clean your rug safely. Clean only as necessary. It is not necessary to deep clean your hand-knotted rug yearly.

If you still have care questions, please do not hesitate to call us at 718-768-3338. We will be happy to help you.

patty marando