Aubusson rugs

Aubusson rugs are always made with a flat tapestry weave. France ranks second only to Flanders in the beauty and technical skill of her tapestry weaving.

The rugs differ from the wall hang­ings and furniture coverings because they are heavier and some­what coarser, making them more suitable for use on the floor.

Even so, they are so fine and delicate that there is always a sturdy lining of firm cloth sewed to the back and the edges are carefully turned under.

Both vertical and horizontal looms are used for weaving Aubusson rugs. The warp, usually cotton, is stretched the width of the rug, rather than the length.

The weavers start the work from one side of the pattern, never from the end. The design is woven with fine, colored weft threads of wool or worsted, which are so tight and so closely packed that they completely cover the warps.