sewing tapestry
Machine-Made Rugs and Carpets
In the early twentieth century, very excellent carpets began to be produced on looms driven by steam or other mechanical power. Because of the nature of the process they were usually woven in long strips, rather than the rug shape that is natural to the hand loom. The looms had been improved to allow the weaving of rugs of considerable width, in place of the older ones, which were made up of strips sewed together like an old-fashioned carpet.
Ingrain carpet is one of the oldest machine weaves. It is made in strips a yard wide, the best grades being all wool, while in cheaper qualities some cotton is used. The design is produced by raising and lowering two series of threads in such a manner that the fabric is reversible. The color of the ground on one side is that of the figure on the other. It lessened in use as the newer weaves began to yield more interesting and varied products, ideal to place in front of an electric fireplace.
Brussels carpet, usually 27 inches wide, is woven of worsted yarn, in the manner of uncut velvet, the threads being looped over wires to form the pile. Several series of threads, usually six, are used, each of a different color. The filling, which shows on the back, may be of almost any material.
The pile, being uncut, is stiff and wiry, and wears better than a cut pile, as it resists wear and does not absorb dust. The term body brussels is used to distinguish it from tapestry brussels, an imitation of inferior grade in which the design is printed on the threads instead of the use of separate threads of different colors.
Wilton carpet is woven in the same way as brussels, except that the pile is cut, making it softer and more luxurious, but less resistant to wear. Wilton velvet is an imitation of wilton, being made like a tapestry brussels, but with a cut pile.
Axminsters are made by a process similar to that of making an Oriental rug, in which the machine loom fastens tufts of woolen yarn into the fabric. They are usually made in small all-over repeating patterns, and are handsome and durable, though the cheaper and lighter grades are inferior to wilton or brussels.
Chenille rugs are similar to axminsters in design and texture, though made somewhat differently. The tufts of wool forming the pile are first made into strips, steamed so that all the ends point up and the strips are then joined by linen warps. This is an early type of weave, very strong and durable, but rather expensive.
Rugs may be made in any size and can be woven to order in either one or two tones. Smyrna is a similar though cheaper product, having both faces alike, while chenille has one face only. The material is not of Oriental origin, as the name would indicate, but it is generally woven in Oriental designs.
In all these weaves, the heaviest and most expensive fabrics are the most durable. The lighter grades usually contain poorer material and inferior workmanship, so that buying the best is true economy. In the best grades worsted yarn is used, made of the longest and strongest wool fibers. In addition to wool, other materials are sometimes used, including jute and hemp, sometimes mixed with wool as an adulterant.
They are, however, very inferior, as they deteriorate rapidly, particularly in damp places or in front of wood burning fireplace inserts, and are therefore only suitable for temporary use. Linen, fiber and grass rugs are also made, and are particularly good for summer use, as they are light and washable. They are flat weaves, with no pile. Many of them are pleasing in design and color, and their low cost is an advantage.
New varieties are often introduced, and for porches, bedrooms, and summer cottages they are often most appropriate. The variety of design possible in wiltons, brussels, and axminsters is very great. They may be obtained in plain effects, as well as in elaborate patterns.
Originals in famous museums have in some cases been chosen for reproduction, and the best are scarcely inferior to the real Orientals, except that they have generally a certain harshness not found in the hand-made product. The earlier copies were made in strips and sewed together, and some are still so made, but those woven in one piece are far superior.
About the Author
Sarah Martin is a freelance marketing writer based out of San Diego, CA. She specializes in home improvement,
wood burning fireplace inserts
, and landscaping and was recently the recipient of a brand new
electric fireplace
. For the best in in the hardwood moulding industry, please visit
http://www.ferche.com/
.
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MCCALLS AVON 5380 TAPESTRY PATTERN COLLECTION NEW $6.99 |
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Printed Tapestry canvas - Coats $4.71 |
I just found some really old tapestries in my grandpa's house and I wanted to hang them....?
I had 2 questions...Will they fade in the sun light pretty easily because my room that they are going in gets a lot of sunlight? And is the best way to hang them up just get some fabric and sew it on the tapestry itself and loop it around a rod and then use a string to attach to a nail or hook?
-Thanks for your help in advance and I will be looking forward to your replies.
I agree with the first answer...don't put them in direct sunlight. However, a brightly lit room would be OK.
Putting a liner on the back would be the best way to prevent them from ripping from their own weight when hung. By putting a liner on, the rod pocket wouldn't be directly attached to the tapestry.
I hope you enjoy sharing your grandparents tapestries!
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Chinese embroidery, hand embroidered - various color backgrounds, 12 x 13 $15.00 ... |
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Sewing with Nancy: Fuse, Press, Success! [VHS] Nancy Zieman, hostess of TV's Sewing with Nancy, brings her 3-part series on Fuse, Press, Success to you in this 60 minute video. Highlights: - Selecting the right fusible interfacing for a project - Fusing techniques which assure a durable bond - Custom interfacing technique for finishing facings - Double fusing buttonholes and quarter patch collars - Using stabilizing strips; stabilizing knits -... |
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Making Vintage Bags: 20 Original Sewing Patterns for Vintage Bags and Purses $11.56 Fashion-conscious ladies love their purses—and vintage is today’s key couture look. These bags draw inspiration from the elegance, glamour, and sophistication of styles popular in the 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s, so they’re as exquisite as anything in a fine boutique…but at a fraction of the cost. There are 20 original projects in total (five per era) and they have wonderful details like ... |
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The Art of William Morris in Cross Stitch $24.95 A collection of over 40 cross stitch designs inspired by William Morris, the famous 19th century decorative artist, whose designs are as popular today as they were during his lifetime more than a century ago.... |
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Harrisville Designs Style A Laploom $32.93 In today's fast-paced, high-tech, super-hyped world, learning an ancient craft may be just the calming influence kids need. With Harrisville Designs' simple, sturdy, authentic hardwood lap loom, children and teens can learn basic techniques for weaving tapestries, wall hangings, bags, pillows, place mats, purses, and more. Equipped with slanted nylon pegs, this 12-by-16-inch loom comes with enough... |
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Harrisville Designs Needlepoint $16.12 These projects' manageable size and simple designs make this the perfect needlepoint kit for beginners. Young textile artists can learn basic tent and overhand stitches to create a 2-by-7-inch bookmark and two 2-by-4-inch coasters or wall decorations. The kit includes three plastic needlepoint canvases and enough brightly colored wool yarn to complete all three projects. By following the clearly i... |
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Harrisville Designs / Extra Value Lap Loom A with Two Complete Weaving Projects $49.99 Harrisville Designs Lap Looms are portable hardwood tapestry or frame looms that can be woven on while resting on a table, floor or, yes, your lap! This special value set includes both the original Fiesta yarns and the Sierra yarns for two complete projects in one package!Harrisville Designs offers products for the weaving and knitting enthusiast, as well as our line of educational toys for childr... |
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MCCALLS AVON 5380 TAPESTRY PATTERN COLLECTION NEW $6.99 |
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Set of 2 Beaded - Tapestry Needle Threaders $1.99 |
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Kwik Sew Kenmore Exclusive Canvas Denim Tapestry 12" x 16" TOTE BAG Pattern $8.99 |
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Tapestry Fabric Border Trim 7 Inch GREEN BURGUNDY, 5 YD $60.00 |
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Vintage McCalls Tapestry Pattern Collection designed for AVON - UNCUT $0.99 |
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Size 20 6/Pkg Tapestry Hand Needles 56T-20 $6.48 |
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Keep Your Machine Clean & Dust-Free~SEWING MACHINE TAPESTRY TOTE STORAGE BAG $34.99 |
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Keep Your Machine Clean & Dust-Free~SEWING MACHINE TAPESTRY TOTE STORAGE BAG $34.99 |
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John James Curved Tapestry Needles Sizes 20, 22 and 24 Pack of 3 $2.99 |
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Keep Your Machine Clean & Dust-Free~SEWING MACHINE TAPESTRY TOTE STORAGE BAG $34.95 |
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LoRan Needle Necessities Kit –CN2 6 piece needle pack of size 24 and 26 tapestry $6.99 |
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Mary Arden Hand Sewing Needles Choice Tapestry,Sharps,Beading,Chenille,Carded $2.00 |
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Mary Arden Hand Sewing Needles Choice Tapestry,Sharps,Beading,Chenille,Carded $2.00 |
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Mary Arden Hand Sewing Needles Choice Tapestry,Sharps,Beading,Chenille,Carded $2.00 |
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Mary Arden Hand Sewing Needles Choice Tapestry,Sharps,Beading,Chenille,Carded $2.00 |
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5 Large Eyed Needles - EXC for Tapestry - SIzes 18 - 22 EXC Unused Cond $3.00 |
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3 Tapestry Needles - Size 18 - Made in England - New Unused Condition $2.50 |
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4 Pony Gold Plated Tapestry Needles Size 18 Sewing/Cross Stitch/Embroidery $2.50 |
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Jacquard Acid Wool Dye #638 SILVER GRAY .5oz Powder, Wall Tapestry Color Art $9.96 |
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Jacquard Acid Wool Dye #623 BRILLIANT BLUE .5oz Powder, for Tapestry Art Design $9.96 |
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Jacquard Acid Wool Dye #622 SAPPHIRE BLUE .5oz Powder, for Tapestry Art Design $9.96 |
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Avon Tapestry Holiday Crafts,10 Holiday Designs,Instructions,by McCall.NIP $8.95 |
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Curved Tapestry Hand Needles-Size 20, 22, 24 3/Pkg $6.92 |
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Tapestry Hand Needles-Size 18/22 6/Pkg $5.68 |
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Twin Pointed Quick Stitch Tapestry Hand Needles-Size 2g $6.78 |
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Platinum Tapestry Hand Needles-Size 24 2/Pkg $7.60 |
Diamond Tapestry Crochet Square - Chart Crochet