Early American rug weaving

Another very early type was the patchwork rug. This was made of a piece of heavy homespun woolen which was probably too dark to be used for quilts.

The design was cut from scraps of brighter colored cloth and buttonholed onto the foundation. These rugs were not very durable because they were not really heavy enough for use on the floor.

Braided rugs were popular. These were made from strips of cloth braided together, sometimes three strands, sometimes a complicated braid of as many as twelve.

The braids were sewed tightly together, starting at the center to make a round or oval mat.

Sometimes straight strips of braid were sewed parallel to make an oblong mat which was finished with several rows of braid around the edge. The color scheme was planned so that the rug was dark in the center, changing to light on the outside, or vice versa.

Or the scheme would be several braids of dark alternating with several of light.