Rugs produced in India are woven of
wool, silk, jute, and coir (cocoanut fibers), as well as synthetic fibers (e.g.
nylon, olefin and polyester). A combination of yarns such as wool and silk are also
used to create unique textures and varying degrees of luster.
Wool Yarn
India’s finest rugs are woven of pure wool yarn carefully
selected for its light weight, elasticity, and strength. Yarn that is spun from
the long white fibers of sheep is the most costly and assures the truest color clarity.
Most of the wool comes from the various regions of India, and some is imported from
New Zealand.
Silk Yarn
Hand or machine spun through a unique method, pure silk yarns are used to create
rugs with a rich, highly lustrous finish. Certain types of rugs are woven of a combination
of pure silk and wool yarns resulting in a distinctive covering that is of the highest
quality.
Mercerized Cotton Yarn
Stronger than regular cotton, specially treated mercerized cotton produces a smoother
and shinier fabric. The yarn also absorbs dye more readily, enabling manufacturers
to produce a rug with rich saturated colors. Mercerized cotton is sometimes used
as cost effective substitute for pure silk yarn.
RegularCotton Yarn
Used in a wide range of textiles across the globe, and a popular material for carpet
weaving,
cotton yarn is produced through the processing of the cotton fiber.
Synthetic Fiber
Synthetic fibers may be
regenerated from natural materials or a chemically processed material such as rayon.
They have many of the properties of natural fibers, and are often used to give
rugs a more modern look.