Rug Construction

The Road to New Wave Construction begins with a blueprint. The construction of contemporary rugs originated centuries ago with Oriental rugs. Abstract expressionism is apparent in contemporary rugs, displaying the spirit of revolution and a quest for freedom. Designs are highly planned, swift strokes that seem unintentional, almost accidental. Contemporary rugs embrace the elements of the Art Deco movement, using Cubism, Russian Constructivism, and Italian Futurism to create a menagerie of color amid abstract and geometric designs.

Materials Things
Contemporary rugs are manufactured from synthetic fibers and natural fibers. Natural fibers (especially wool) are soft and durable, with low-luster colors and higher price tags. Synthetic fibers are soft and easily maintained, with dazzling colors. Contemporary rugs come in a range of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses; density is determined by the tightness of the tufts; denser rugs wear better. A tighter yarn twist increases durability. Contemporary rugs also include cultural icons like braided rugs that came to America with the immigrants, plush wool Flokati rugs dating back to fifth-century Greece, and looped wool, cotton, nylon, or bamboo reversible flat-weave rugs.

Contemporary Construction
The yarn of hand-knotted contemporary rugs is secured to canvas/fabric by knotting, creating a dense pile. Hand-hooked contemporary rugs are made by punching yarn through canvas cloth, securing with glue, and adding a fabric backing. Hand-tufted contemporary rugs are hand-hooked rugs, but loops are sheared creating very plush pile. These contemporary rug styles made by computer-operated machines have blueprints that allow for the use of 40 color shades in one rug. Designs are one of a kind when handmade; machine-made rugs are rarely exact in shading and design.

Primary backings are formed when tufts are inserted into the backing and bonded with latex. A secondary backing can be bonded to the primary backing. Contemporary rugs are bound by hand using twill tape, or by machine, with yarn that blends with or complements the design.