Modern rugs have a limitless design. There are no rules that dictate the direction a modern rug design must take, unlike the rules that govern oriental rugs. Amidst the boundless design directions, one particular style that is underrated is the patchwork design. Advantageous not only for its unique style, the patchwork design also has environmental benefits.
What is a patchwork design?
Patchwork area rugs are made from patching different pieces of hand-knotted rugs into a single rug. The design pattern is the result of different patched combinations but the rug remains one piece. In fact, sometimes you can see variations in the height of the pile because of the different pieces. Modern patchwork rugs can consist of either hand knotted or machine-made rug pieces. However, they are mostly hand knotted, given that hand-knotted rugs are more durable and have longer longevity. It is important to note that patchwork rugs can be made up of pieces of traditional rugs but are considered a subcategory of modern rugs since it is a modern design.
Where did the patchwork design come from?
The concept of patchwork was first initiated in Pakistan. The intent was to salvage usable sections of Persian hand knotted rugs by cutting and stitching the pieces together. Patchwork designs were then welcomed by the modern industry. Eventually, the patchwork became an independent design that evolved from the concept of recycling. Hence, it is important to note that not all patchwork rugs are actually recycled rugs but rather just a design. Modern patchwork rugs continue to be predominately made in Pakistan and Turkey. Although, there is always a possibility that the concept is adopted somewhere else.
What are the characteristics of patchwork modern rugs design?
Weave
Most patchwork rugs are hand knotted. The type of weave and knot in modern patchwork area rugs are medium and average, and larger knots in more recent works. Machine made looking rugs are also available, though again, it’s less likely it’s recycled rug but rather a design.
Material
The material in most patchwork modern rugs is mostly wool on in the pile of the rugs and cotton as the base. Since these rugs are of a medium or lower quality weave, there is hardly any use of silk in these rugs. However, an individually woven rug or a custom made could always be different.
Size and shape
Like most other rugs, modern patchwork rugs come in most sizes and shapes. Among the shapes that can be found in this category of rugs are square, rectangular, rounds, octagonal or hexagonal shapes.
Color and appearance
The colors used in modern patchwork rugs differ according to the type of the rug recycled and the dye. A patchwork rug can consist of pieces of traditional rugs along with corresponding traditional colors. Or it can be a transitional design, such as a recycled Chobi rug. Any color can be used along with modern geometrical shapes or stripes. In each of these cases, the colors used in the rug can be different. There is also a type of modern patchwork which is over-dyed. In this case, they are normally dominated by a secondary dye which is often a sharp load phosphoric color.
The patchwork design in modern rugs is unique and environmentally beneficial in a world moving towards reducing, reusing and recycling.
