Pile
- The pile refers to the visible surface fibers that stand up from your rug’s backing.
- These yarns create the rug’s texture and design.
Pile Height
- Pile height measures how tall the yarn stands from the backing material.
- Different heights create unique textures and visual effects.
Cut Pile
- Cut pile happens when you slice through the yarn loops, creating individual strands that stand upright.
- This style feels plush underfoot and works well for detailed designs.
Loop Pile
- Loop pile keeps the yarn loops intact, creating a more textured, durable surface.
- It’s perfect for high-traffic areas and geometric patterns.
Cut and Loop
- Cut and loop combines both techniques in one design.
- This mixture creates interesting textures and patterns through height variation.
Hand-tufted
- A skilled artisan creates these rugs using a tufting gun.
- The process allows for custom designs and careful attention to detail.
- Each row of yarn is manually inserted into the backing.
Machine-tufted
- These rugs are made on automated tufting machines.
- The process is faster than hand-tufting and creates consistent, uniform results across large productions.
Backing
- The foundation material that holds your rug’s yarns in place.
- Good backing ensures durability and helps maintain the rug’s shape over time.
Primary Backing
- This is the initial fabric layer where you tuft your yarn into.
- Most tufters use monk’s cloth or primary tufting cloth as their base.
Secondary Backing
- An additional layer applied to the back of your finished rug.
- It locks the tufts in place and adds stability.
- Common materials include latex and felt.
Face Weight
- The weight of the yarn used in your rug’s surface, measured in ounces per square yard.
- Higher face weight typically means a denser, more plush rug.
Tuft Density
- The number of yarn tufts per square inch.
- Higher density creates a fuller, more durable rug with better pattern definition and coverage.
Tufting Gun
- The handheld tool used to insert yarn into the backing material.
- It comes in different sizes for various pile heights and yarn types.
Tufting Frame
- The sturdy frame that holds your backing fabric taut while you work.
- Proper tension is essential for even tufting and consistent results.
Binding
- The finished edge of your rug that prevents fraying.
- Options include overlocking, fabric binding, or rolled edges secured with glue.
Serging
- A type of overcasting stitch that wraps yarn continuously around the rug’s edge.
- Creates a clean, durable finish that prevents fraying.
Fringe
- Decorative strands or tassels added to the rug’s ends.
- Can be built into the rug’s construction or sewn on after completion.
Edging
- Any technique used to finish a rug’s borders. Includes binding, serging, or fringe.
- Good edging extends your rug’s life and enhances its appearance.
Overlocking
- A machine-stitched edge finish that secures the rug’s border.
- Similar to serging but typically uses thread instead of yarn.
Underlayment
- The padding or non-slip material placed under your rug.
- Provides cushioning, prevents slipping, and protects both rug and floor.
Rug Pad
- A separate cushioning layer that goes under your rug.
- It prevents slipping, adds comfort, and helps maintain your rug’s shape over time.
Pile Direction
- The way your yarn tufts lean.
- Running your hand across the rug will feel smoother in one direction than the other.
- Affects light reflection and appearance.
Surface Texture
- The feel and look of your rug’s surface.
- Can be level, textured, or patterned through different pile heights and techniques.
Gauge
- The space between needles on your tufting gun.
- Smaller gauge means tighter, more detailed designs.
- Larger gauge creates more space between tufts.
Stitch Rate
- How many stitches your tufting gun makes per inch.
- Higher stitch rates create denser, more durable rugs with better coverage.
Yarn Tension
- How tightly the yarn feeds through your tufting gun.
- Proper tension ensures even tufts and prevents yarn waste or loose spots.
Construction Method
- The specific technique used to create your rug.
- Includes hand-tufting, machine-tufting, or combinations of different methods.
Weaving Structure
- How yarns interlace in your tufted rug’s backing.
- Affects stability and durability of the final product.
Material Terms
New Zealand Wool
- Premium wool known for its bright white color and excellent durability.
- Long, strong fibers that take dye beautifully.
- Ideal for high-end rugs.
Chinese Wool
- Common in commercial rug production.
- Good strength and resilience at a more affordable price point.
- Slightly shorter fibers than New Zealand wool.
Indian Wool
- Varies in quality depending on the region and sheep breed.
- Known for good color absorption and natural sheen.
- Works well for detailed designs.
Australian Wool
- High-quality wool with excellent durability.
- Known for its softness and consistent fiber length.
- Great for both cut pile and loop pile rugs.
Tibetan Wool
- Distinctive high-altitude wool with unique lanolin content.
- Creates rugs with a natural sheen and excellent durability.
- Often used in high-end pieces.
Acrylic Yarn
- Synthetic fiber that mimics wool’s appearance at a lower cost.
- Resists fading and staining but can mat down in high-traffic areas.
- Good for budget-friendly rugs.
Bamboo Silk
- Made from bamboo cellulose.
- Offers a silk-like sheen and soft feel.
- More durable than traditional silk but requires gentle care to maintain appearance.
Art Silk (Rayon)
- Man-made fiber with a luxurious sheen similar to silk.
- Less expensive than real silk but needs careful maintenance.
- Can lose its luster if exposed to moisture.
Viscose
- Another type of rayon fiber.
- Creates rugs with a beautiful sheen and soft texture.
- Requires careful cleaning and isn’t suitable for high-moisture areas.
Nylon
- Strong synthetic fiber that resists wear and crushing.
- Excellent for high-traffic areas and maintains its appearance well.
- Takes dye easily for vibrant colors.
Polyester
- Durable synthetic fiber that resists staining and fading.
- Maintains its color well and dries quickly.
- Good for homes with children or pets.
Polypropylene
- Budget-friendly synthetic fiber that’s highly stain-resistant.
- Performs well outdoors and resists moisture damage.
- Perfect for indoor/outdoor rugs.
Cotton Backing
- Natural fiber backing that’s breathable and flexible.
- Works well for smaller rugs but can shrink if wet.
- Provides good stability for tufting.
Latex Backing
- Synthetic rubber coating applied to secure tufts.
- Creates a non-slip surface and adds durability.
- Helps maintain the rug’s shape over time.
Jute Backing
- Natural fiber backing that’s strong and sustainable.
- Provides excellent stability for tufting but can be sensitive to moisture.
- Good for dry indoor areas.
Canvas Backing
- A strong, woven primary backing material.
- Provides excellent stability for tufting and maintains good tension.
- Often used in professional rug making.
Natural Fiber
- Materials that come from plants or animals.
- Includes wool, cotton, silk, and jute.
- Each offers unique characteristics and varying durability levels.
Synthetic Fiber
- Man-made materials created through chemical processes.
- Includes nylon, polyester, and polypropylene.
- Generally more durable and easier to clean.
Blended Yarns
- Combinations of different fibers in one yarn.
- Combines benefits of multiple materials.
- Common blends include wool/nylon for durability and softness.
Yarn Twist
- How tightly the fibers are twisted together.
- Higher twist creates stronger, more durable yarn.
- Lower twist produces softer, fuller appearance.
Yarn Ply
- The number of single yarns twisted together.
- Single-ply is one strand, while multi-ply combines several.
- More plies usually mean stronger yarn.
Single Ply
- One strand of yarn twisted upon itself.
- Creates a smoother, more lustrous appearance.
- Best for decorative rugs with less foot traffic.
Two-Ply
- Two strands twisted together.
- Offers good balance of durability and appearance.
- Common choice for residential rugs with moderate traffic.
Three-Ply
- Three strands twisted together.
- Creates very strong, durable yarn.
- Excellent for high-traffic areas and commercial rugs.
Heat-Set Yarn
- Yarn that’s been heat-treated to maintain its twist.
- Helps prevent unraveling and improves durability.
- Common in synthetic yarns.
Solution-Dyed Yarn
- Fiber colored during manufacturing, not after.
- Color runs throughout the fiber, not just surface.
- Extremely colorfast and fade-resistant.
Space-Dyed Yarn
- Yarn dyed in multiple colors along its length.
- Creates interesting color variations and patterns.
- Popular for creating multicolored effects without changing yarns.
Continuous Filament
- Long, unbroken strands of synthetic fiber.
- Resists shedding and fuzzing.
- Creates cleaner-looking rugs with better durability.
Staple Fiber
- Short lengths of fiber twisted together to form yarn.
- Creates a more wool-like appearance.
- Common in natural fibers and some synthetics.
Textured Yarn
- Yarn processed to create built-in texture or bulk.
- Adds visual interest and coverage.
- Often used in loop pile rugs for extra dimension.
Bulk Continuous Filament
- Continuous synthetic yarn that’s been texturized.
- Combines durability of filament with fuller appearance.
- Popular in commercial and residential rugs.
Fiber Blend Ratio
- The percentage of each fiber in a blended yarn.
- Example: 80% wool/20% nylon combines durability with natural feel. Affects performance and price.
Fiber Composition
- The specific materials making up your yarn.
- Lists all fibers present and their properties.
- Helps determine maintenance needs and durability.
Wool Grading
- Quality rating system for wool fibers.
- Based on fineness, length, and strength.
- Higher grades mean softer, more premium wool.
Micron Count
- Measurement of fiber thickness in micrometers.
- Lower numbers mean finer, softer fibers.
- Premium wool typically ranges 18-24 microns.
Fiber Length
- How long individual fibers are before spinning.
- Longer fibers create stronger, smoother yarn.
- Affects yarn quality and performance.
Fiber Strength
- How much force a fiber can withstand before breaking.
- Determines durability and performance.
- Important for high-traffic areas.
Fiber Density
- How closely packed the fibers are.
- Affects warmth, durability, and appearance.
- Higher density usually means better quality.
Fiber Resilience
- How well fibers recover from compression.
- Better resilience means less matting and crushing.
- Wool naturally has excellent resilience.
