Cheap Braided Rugs

by Giorgina Devereaux

Braided rugs are usually made from wool or nylon braided.  However, some braided rugs have been created from materials, such as socks and fabric scraps. 

Also, various forms of braided rugs include a banded braid, cloth braid, a flat braid, a yarn braid, and more.  The braided rugs are made using three or more strips of the selected fabric and folding the raw edges to the center and then braiding them together. 

With an oval rug, the center braid should be one inch longer than the width/length in feet. 
 

They are versatile because they can be used in the living room, dining room, or anywhere else you would like to add color and warmth.  Since they come in a variety of sizes and color combinations, it makes them perfect for all areas and surfaces.  It gives your home a comfortable and welcoming feel that is not stuffy and formal.  You may use them on all types of flooring, including bamboo, cork floors, and ceramic tile. 
 

It’s their versatility and durability that makes these rugs desirable.  They are soft to walk on because of their thickness and have a long life since braided rugs are reversible.
 

Types of Rug Braids

• Banded Braid

• Center Braid

• Cloth Braid

• Flat Braid

• Pliant Braid

• Round Braid

• Standard Braid

• Tube Braid

• Yarn Braid

Banded Braid:  This is a style of braided rug where the widebands of solid or multicolored braid form a predetermined pattern that is consistent for each rug.
 

Center Braid:  A center braid consists of the center of the rug being composed of a single solid color and surrounded by a series of multicolored braids. 
 

Cloth Braid:  These rugs are made of true cloth braids cut from large rolls of fabric.  With cloth braids, large rolls of fabric are first cut into narrow strips measuring 1”–3” wide.  Each strip is then folded along the outer edges and then again in the middle to form an enclosed 4-ply strand.  Not only does this create a clean edge, but it gives the braid added strength.
 

Flat Braid:  Flat braids are the traditional technique of making braided rugs.  This type of rug is produced with yarns that are braided around two parallel cores. 

The beauty about the flat braid is that it maintains its shape and form.  The braids can be also be made using cloth. 
 

Pliant Braid:  This is a simple process of flat braiding where one strand is woven over the other.  The pliant braid is usually thinner than a flat braid, with the number of strands ranging from four to twelve strands. 
 

Round Braid:  A round braid is generally produced by weaving four or more strands of yarn or fabric around a single, solid core. 
 

Standard Braid:  The common 3-strand braid is considered a standard braid.  With a standard braid, three strands of material are used and the outermost strands are brought back over to the center of the braid.  There is no limit to the number of strands that can be used with a standard braid.     
 

Tube Braid:  This type of braid is sometimes referred to as “tubular braiding” where the yarns are woven around a center core of material. 
  

Yarn Braid:  A yarn braid rug evolves from yarn in its initial state to a beautifully finished area rug.  This type of rug is made from several 3-ply yarns braided together.
 

Yarn braids are produced from rolls of yarn that are first woven into flat strips, rolled onto spools, and then three or more of these yarn strands are combined to form the final braid.  The braid is then rolled into the desired shape and stitched together to form the finished rug.