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Carpets And Rugs

It will be noted that the method by which the weft is handled in this type of loom is exactly similar to the process of sewing with a sewing machine. Instead of the usual weaving shuttle, we have a needle and along one side we have a small shuttle which reciprocates and performs the same function as the shuttle in a sewing machine. There are several methods of weaving Axminster rags and carpets, the best known is the spool Axminster (above described) originally called Bkfoquette. A good example of high-grade Axminster is shown in Figure 48. A cheaper grade is shown in Figure 49. It will be noted that the weft threads are of larger size and differently arranged than in the higher grade piece, and that the rows of tufts are farther apart. In other words, the body of the fabric is less firm and there is a smaller quantity of wool employed.

Seamless Axminster

The seamless Axminster may be woven by the same method as above described, although it is also produced in a special loom, which combines some of the characteristics of a Wilton or Brussels loom and the regular Axminster loom. The colors are arranged in frames exactly as is done with the Brussels, and the end of each worsted or woolen thread is held in a clamp. A Jacquard mechanism is used to raise any desired group of colors to a certain line or level in the machine, where a corresponding set of mechanical fingers grasps the ends of the threads and draws them out a fixed distance, at which juncture they are cut off with a sharp knife. These fingers, each grasping a tuft of wool, descend into the fabric and hold the ends of the tuft until they have been woven in by the weft passing through the loop and on both sides of it.