The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Carpets And Rugs

Smyrna Rugs

A type of Chenille rug which is woven with a pile on both surfaces is known by the trade-name of Smyrna. In making this rug, the Chenille is cut into strips but not folded up, so that when it is woven as weft the loose ends project in both directions. A filler is inserted by alternating the pile weft with jute or other suitable filling material. An example of this type of rug is shown in Figure 62 and in Figure 61, Plate III.

Quality

The quality of Chenille carpet like most others depends largely upon the amount of wool used. As far as price goes, it also depends upon the character of the pattern. On account of the fact that all the wool is on the face of the carpet and none in the body, Chenille makes more efficient use of the wool in the face than any other type of carpet. In fact, this characteristic is at once a disadvantage and an advantage. The disadvantage is that the pile is simply caught to the body of the carpet at a comparatively small number of points. For this reason it is important in choosing a carpet of this kind to inquire whether these threads are linen or cotton. Naturally, linen is very much better for the purpose.

It is also well to examine the carpet as shown in Figure 81 to determine how frequently it is caught to the back, because once these threads break trouble is sure to follow. Chenille pile is made with both worsted and woolen yarn, depending upon the quality and length of the pile.