In the early 1800s, New Englanders started making rugs again. The braided rug is a true American original that was thought up by the women of New England families who were tired of wiping their feet on ugly cornhusk mats placed at the doorstep. It gets awfully cold in New England and the floors of settlers houses we not the best quality at the time. Material for rugs was not at a premium either. Often, outgrown clothes, normally reserved for any new surprise member of the family or given to others were used to make rugs instead.

New England History

Not surprisingly, textile mills first showed up in New England and rugs were made on old looms. This was no doubt the idea of the women of the era, not that they would be given any credit for the fact. Once these rugs began being manufactured, the braid style was reserved for the outer layer of the rug to hold it all together. The rugs were sturdy and would last a lifetime-if not abused. Brushing them clean strengthened the rug rather than weakened it.

Going Modern In The 1900s

The art of rug making in New England homes made a great comeback in the mid 1900s with one exception, this time, clothe fibers were more plentiful and some very beautiful rugs were turned out. People were making rugs out of necessity but also for the craft of it. Rug making is an excellent pastime, like coquetting and some of the most beautiful rugs were turned out. Creativity was at a premium during this period. If you purchase one of these rugs, you will be buying…

– A piece of American History
– The creation of New England Settlers
– An Art handed down through two hundred years of families.

Whatever Stitching Could Be Found

Care for these old rugs varies but generally speaking, the best method now is to vacuum and the use of soapy water for stains. It is not recommended, as is the practice with manufactured rugs and carpets, to hang and beat the dirt out of them, as the threads are old and not made of the finest material. Threads used to tie the layers together consisted of anything that could be found around the house, including parts of the corn stalk.

Stronger Today

Today, the material is purchased from a crafts store. The process, however, remains the same. Many rugs today are mad from colorful bundles of yard twirled together to form three strips, which are braided, into creatively intricate patterns and shapes. Store bought stitching is use to sew the material together, which is much sturdier that it used to be. The lacing is strong so some of the rugs are very tightly braided and others are braided more loosely. Different women use varying degrees of skill, each woman producing better rugs as they grow older and pass the craft down to yet another generation of eager hands.

A Piece Of Americana

It is not uncommon to see several women on a porch in late spring working on one big rug. If you are visiting on a beautiful New England day, you might stop and purchase a rug from one of the many roadside stands that sell them and other homemade crafts that mothers teach daughters to make. You will be bringing home a real piece of Americana. Use it proudly. Display it on a wall, a floor, or literally use it for what it was made for. I can guarantee you that it will hold up, just as the art form have held for hundreds of years.

Author Bio: For more information please visit our Area Rugs website.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: Brand Names,Area Rug,textile mills ,England families