With kids rugs, as with all products, making a knowledgeable purchase requires an awareness of the materials and construction methods used to make them. This brief guide to kids rug materials and construction offers definitions for some of the most basic terms.
Materials:
" Acrylic
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber used as an inexpensive wool substitute. Acrylic
kids rugs are usually dyed in bright colors. They're less prone to fading through
sunlight exposure. Acrylic childrens rugs also dry quickly because of their low
moisture absorbency.
" Cotton
Cotton is a soft, natural fabric woven from cotton fibers. Cotton is a very
popular kids rug material because of its strength and durability.
" Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic fiber commonly used in classroom rugs for its strength and resiliency. Nylon is low maintenance, durable, and washes and dries well.
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Construction
Kids rugs can be either hand-made or machine-made. Handmade rugs are typically
knotted, tufted, or hooked.
" Knotted
Hand-knotted refers to rugs that are woven by hand. The rug is secured to its
foundation by a labor-intensive process of knotting rather than gluing, ensuring
the rug's quality and durability.
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" Tufted
Hand-tufted kids rugs are a step down from hand-knotted. A hook is used to
push the pile through the rug foundation, creating a loop that is cut for an even
surface. The yarns are glued in place with latex rather than knotted.
" Hooked
Hand-hooked kids rugs are similar to hand-tufted rugs, with two differences.
Hand-hooked rugs have short, looped piles rather than the thick, cut piles of
tufted rugs. The backing of hand-hooked rugs is also lighter.
" Machine-Made
Machine-made refers to kids rugs that are woven on power looms. The quality,
size, and color of machine-made childrens rugs varies widely, but they are often
less expensive because of the speed with which they're made.
