| The warmth and charm of country decor can be | | | | center core. It does not make sense to invest |
| enhanced by adding braided area rugs to your | | | | your hard earned money in a rug that will |
| home. From French country and shabby chic to | | | | survive everyday wear and tear. |
| a country cottage look, braided rugs are | | | | |
| available in all shapes and sizes. Quality | | | | Flat and ribbon braids are made differently. |
| braided rugs are easy to care for and can | | | | The yarn or cloth is braided around two |
| last for many years. | | | | center cores that run parallel. Holding the |
| | | | braid to a consistent weave is somewhat more |
| There are many different braiding styles that | | | | difficult than weaving around a single center |
| be used to make a variety of different | | | | core. Flat braids are often seen used in |
| shapes. So when you are shopping online for | | | | unique swirl patterns that spiral out from |
| quality braided rugs, remember that these | | | | the center. False braids, unlike what the |
| classic rugs are available in a variety of | | | | name implies, are true braids with the cloth |
| weaves, colors, sizes and shapes. | | | | wrapped around one or two center cores. The |
| | | | type of construction makes false braiding |
| Traditional braided area rugs are most often | | | | very strong and durable. |
| seen in round and oval shapes, but the | | | | |
| selection does not stop there. Braided rugs | | | | To achieve the desired shape, the braiding |
| can also be found in squares and as long | | | | process must be very consistent. The braids |
| braided runners. Heart shaped rugs are | | | | for hearts and rounds must be sewn together |
| quaintly romantic and are very popular. The | | | | evenly so that the rug will lay flat. A |
| shape of the rug usually determines the type | | | | cheaply made braided rug may curl or pucker, |
| of braid that is used. A very popular shape | | | | especially after cleaning. When you are |
| for braided rugs is rectangular and made up | | | | shopping for any shape or size of braided |
| of smaller squares closely resembling the | | | | rug, always check the integrity of the |
| beauty of a patchwork quilt. | | | | stitching. If the stitching seems loose or is |
| | | | not uniformly spaced, you may consider |
| Braided rag rugs do not use a center core | | | | looking for a braided of higher quality. |
| unlike woven braids where yarn is spun around | | | | |
| one or two center cores. A standard rag rug | | | | Braided runners can be made so the braids run |
| braid is typically made up of four braids. | | | | parallel to each other then wrapped at the |
| Flat rag braids can have anywhere from four | | | | corners. Again, the way the rug is sewn will |
| to as many as twelve braids of cloth. The | | | | determine how long it lasts. Braids that are |
| most common are flat or ribbon braids though | | | | not sewn tightly will separate leaving you |
| round braids also used. Properly made flat | | | | with the choice of repairing or discarding |
| and ribbon braids are often preferred over | | | | the rug. Sewn too tightly and the rug is more |
| round braids. Some flat rag braids can be as | | | | likely to warp, curl or otherwise loose its |
| wide as two inches. | | | | shape. |
| | | | |
| Many less expensive, mass produced braided | | | | If braided rugs fit into your decorating |
| rugs can be found using a round braid. The | | | | plans, remember that your decor can be |
| braid is very often made up of four weaves of | | | | complimented with matching accent pieces. |
| yarn wrapped around a solid center core. | | | | Accents can include pieces such as braided |
| Regardless of the shape, the braids of cheap | | | | chair pads, placemats and table runners. |
| rugs will often wear through, exposing the | | | | |