Glossary: Rugs, Mats & Stair Treads

Applique: Properly spelled "Appliqué", a needlework technique in which a piece of Fabric is applied to another, usually with stitching. Applique is used as a part of Quilting, as well as by itself in the making of Pillows, Seat Cushions and more. Penny Rugs are examples of elaborate Applique.

The Coin Rug

Chenille: A Fabric made from Yarns with a special twisting technique that causes the "pile" to stand out, creating a soft, fuzzy feel and an iridescent look. Often made from Cotton, it can also be made from Wool, Synthetic Yarns or a Blend. "Chenille" is French for catepillar, the fuzzy varieties of which it resembles.

Greek Key: A certain repeating geometric motif originating in ancient Greece, and also associated with ancient Rome. It is thought to have represented the ocean's waves, and symbolized eternity. It is also called "Greek fret", or a "meander". It is, naturally, associated with Neoclassical as well as Transitional design. The term "Greek Key" is relatively modern, and suggests its resemblance to the cuts of an old-fashioned key.

The Greek Key Indoor/Outdoor Rug

Houndstooth: A distinctive check pattern used in Textiles, featuring a repeating abstract geometric shape (thought to resemble a tooth).

Penny Rug: A particular style of Applique needlework, originating in 19th. Century America. Finding a use for small scraps of Fabric such as Felted Wool, crafters fashioned small circles from them using coins -- hence the reference to pennies. The style may incorporate other shapes, such as stars. Associated with Primitive as well as Farmhouse decorating, it is applied to Wall Hangings, Table Runners and Throw Pillows as well as Rugs (although the word "Rug" is often still applied).

Polymer: Technically a type of large molecule found in many natural materials including wood, paper and wool, the term "Polymer" is generally used to refer to almost any synthetic material (effectively a synonym of "plastic"). Most often, it refers to Vinyl or Polypropylene.

Space Dyed (Yarn): Sometimes called Dip Dyed Yarn, this yarn has been dyed multiple colors along its length by one of a number of methods, either chemical or mechanical. Making braided products from space-dyed yarn gives a unique, multi-colored look to the product. It's called "space" dying because of the intervals of un-dyed yarn involved in the process, not because it comes from outer space.

Space Dyed Yarn used in the Ridgevale Wool Collection

Continue

Shopping Cart

Glossary: Rugs, Mats & Stair Treads

Information

Customer Service

Extras

My Account