Area Rug Cleaning Glossary: C

Since 1977, Area Rug Cleaning Company has understood that your delicate fabrics are an expensive investment that, unlike regular carpets and upholstery, can last up to 150 years or more with proper care. Call (734) 973-2300 to request an estimate.

  • Cartoon
    A detailed design on squared paper, demonstrating to the weavers which colors to select for each knot. These designs are especially useful for rugs made by groups of people.
  • Cartouche
    A design element with a date or inscription in a rug.
  • Carved Nap
    Commonly seen in some Chinese and Tibet rugs, carved nap is a method of carving around a symbol to improve the look of the rug.
  • Catechu Dye
    Was commonly used in Indian rugs. The brown dyes are derived from an Asian tree with spikes of yellow flowers.
  • Category
    Refers to the different settings in which handmade rugs are produced. Handmade rugs are generally woven in the settings of Nomadic, Village, Workshop or Master workshop.
  • Caucasus
    Area in the south of Russia bordered by the Black and Caspian seas. Caucasian rugs are known for their bright lively colors and geometric designs. The rugs are commonly woven on a full wool foundation or on wool warps with cotton wefts.
  • China
    Country in East Asia, capital – Beijing. One of the largest exporters of handmade rugs in the world. China has been producing hand-knotted rugs for centuries, some of the early ones dating back to late 1600 hundreds. Chinese, Persian and French Aubusson designs are produced in Chinese workshops.
  • Chemical Dyes
    Rugs woven after 1935, using modern synthetic dyes.
  • Chemical Wash
    In order to improve the luster of the pile or soften the hues, chemical wash of lime, chlorine, or wood ash is applied to a rug.
  • Chenille
    Fabric often used in rugs, known for its luxurious pile.
  • Classical
    Elaborate rugs woven before the turn of the 19th century.
  • Cloud Band
    Frequently associated with Chinese rugs, also often appearing in Persian rugs, cloud band is a pattern which resembles a swirling band of clouds.
  • Color
    Derived from natural or synthetic dyes, color is one of the most important elements of the rug. All handmade rugs are recognized by their background border colors.
  • Color run
    Bleeding of the dye into yarn of the surrounding area. This may occur because the dyed yarn has not been washed properly after the dyeing process or because the chemical dyes are not stable. Several chemical treatments exist, however, which can remove the bleeding.
  • Color Symbolism
    Refers to the symbolic importance of color in the East. The traditional meaning of color can affect the choice of colors used in handmade rugs.
  • Colorfast
    If a rug has colorfast dyes, the colors will not run when washed.
  • Condition
    There are three conditions in the handmade rug industry—Fine, Average, and Worn, specifying the quality of the rug.
  • Contemporary
    Describes rugs which are less than 25 years old.
  • Cotton
    Soft fiber derived from cotton plants, one of the chief materials used in the foundation of handmade rugs.
  • Cross-woven
    Rugs made on Wilton loom. This technique allows the use of more colors as well as a more elaborate detail. Cross-woven rugs are done side to side as opposed to top to bottom.
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