8 of 8

Write now Article Tools

You walk on it every single day. Your kids run on it, lay on it and maybe even eat off of it. You may have even rolled around over it again and again as well as your dog or cat. But how is that carpet made? There are two ways carpet can be made. One method is called tufting. A second method is called weaving. Weaving can be done by machine or hand, is very durable, but because it is usually made of wool it is also usually very expensive for the buyer. Tufting is made by machine and covers how 90% or more of carpets are made today. Carpets made using the tufting method are cheaper than woven carpet and usually use synthetic or cheaper yarn material. So which kind of carpet you invest in depends on how much money you are willing to spend and what your specific needs are in carpeting.

Tufting machines use computers to help create specific densities, patterns and style. Basically the computer sets up the overall construction of the carpet itself. The first step in tufting is to weave the fibers being used into the backing material. The backing material is there to keep fibers in place. Once the fibers are woven in the second step is to dye the carpet. Some carpets are dyed before the final few processes and some are dyed after. The ones that get dyed before will usually only be one color and have no pattern or style to it at all. Carpets that get dyed after tufting will most likely go through one or more silk screens in order to attain the pattern or style they were made for. Another step is stain protection which most companies apply to every carpet they make. Latex is now usually applied and a second backing layer is combined with the first through a heat press. The final stage is shearing and inspection to make sure the carpet it of high quality and is appealing to the eye.

For carpets that are woven, whether woven by machine or hand the process is the same. Fibers are placed vertically on a frame. The vertical fibers are called warps. These are pulled tight enough to keep tension when the yarn is being woven over and under or around them. After the weaving is complete the yarn is kept in its place with fibers laid horizontally called wefts. Again these types of carpets are very high quality and expensive, especially if made by hand. Because of the detail that can go into these kind of carpets they are great for when many colors are wanting to be used or very specific, detailed designs are needed or warranted.

Of course yarn is not the only material someone can use to make a carpet. Many people make homemade carpet using strips of fabric and a large crochet needle. Usually homemade carpets are small and considered more of a rug than anything else. Knowing and understanding how each company creates and prepares carpet for you can help you save money and get the best quality for your money the next time you are in the market for new carpet. How the carpet you buy is made can affect the quality, color and durability after installation when the real wear and tear begin.

Learn more about this author, Carisa Silvesan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How carpet is made?
We want to hear your view. Write now!