When most of us think of the classic braided rug, wethink of various weaves made up of yarns and fabrics. Woolenyarns and cloth scraps were the materials most widely used by early rugweavers. While it is true that rag braids and yarn weaves are the most popularand most available, there are beautiful braided rugs that are made from a widevariety of plant based materials.


In no small part, the environmental movement hasspurred the use of renewable materials in many aspects of our lives. Thetradition of braided rugs started out using left over materials such as scrapsof cloth. The modern use of renewable materials can be seen everywhere. Flooring made from renewable materials such as bambooand cork is gaining in popularity. Bamboo, hemp and jute fibers are used in avariety of fabric blends and you can find beautiful woven and braided rugs madefrom these versatile materials.


One material that is widely used for braided rugs isjute. Jute fiber has been used for thousands of years for everything from ropeand twine to paper and other commercial uses such as backing for carpet. Unlike synthetic materials, jute has a tremendousadvantage since it is completely biodegradable. When it is processed in variousways, jute can be fashioned into fabrics and yarns that can then be and woveninto beautiful braided rugs.


Jute can be dyed and colored in several ways,including the use of vegetable and other types of plant based dyes. When dyedproperly, jute will retain the color quite well. It is color fast, meaning thecolor will not fade with use. Jute can be treated with certain chemicals andcompounds that can improve qualities such as softness and workability. This isimportant when jute is used in yarn applications. To make yarns, jute is oftenblended with cotton, wool or other fabrics adding strength and durability.


Like other widely used plant fibers like bamboo andhemp, jute is a renewable fiber source that grows prolifically without the needfor chemical fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides.Including the fibrous inner material of the jute stalk that is used to producethe fiber, virtually all of the jute plant is used. Even the leaves are used asa food source.


Bamboo is another renewable plant fiber source thatis being used more and more as a fabric. Bamboo is fast growing and requiresvery little in the way of cultivation. Bamboo has several very interestingproperties that make it an excellent fabric. Bamboo contains a long lasting,natural antimicrobial compound. Bamboo fiber retains this antimicrobialproperty throughout the life of the fabric, even after repeated cleanings.


Like jute, bamboo has a very high tensile strength sothe fabric has good wear properties. Bamboo fabrics are lightweight making itan excellent choice for clothing, from shirts and pants to socks. Because ithas a very high absorbency rate, bamboo even makes for soft and absorbent bathtowels. Quality bamboo fabric is so soft that it has been compared to cashmerewool. Bamboo fabrics can be dyed and can be bleached using processes that areenvironmentally friendly.


No wonder that bamboo fabric is being used toproduced quality braided area rugs. Easy to clean, and with its antibacterialproperties, bamboo and bamboo blend make an excellent choice for making uniquebraided rugs.


Last but certainly least is the use of hemp fabric incrafting of braided rugs. Like jute and bamboo, hemp can be cultivated withlittle work and without using harmful chemicals. Strong and versatile, hempfiber can be made into a variety textile products including braided rugs.


About the Author


MitchEndick is a short article writer for the popular braided rug web site: &sec=article&uinfo=<%=server.URLEncode(1808)%>" target="_blank"title=www.braidedrugsale.com>http://www.braidedrugsale.com. Heprovides informative advice on purchasing quality braided rugs.