Glossary of terms
Brussels pile (loop pile)
Each carpet tuft is not cut and therefore remains a loop. Brussels pile reflects more light resulting in the same colours being less rich than in cut pile. Flemish migrant weavers originally brought this technique to the UK.
Chlidema Squares
A bordered square where the entire plan is taken into account and the body and border elements are designed as an integral part of the carpet. When all the strips of carpet are joined together a bordered square with 4 perfectly designed corners is produced. (see ‘bordered squares’ section for details).
Cut Pile
Where each tuft is cut, exposing a velvet finish to the carpet.
Dyematching
A service where any swatch, whether it be fabric, paint etc, can be matched. This service normally carries a premium.
Handtrial
A facsimile of a woven carpet. A handtrial is produced by a person using a needle and board through which they pull the yarn. Standard handtrial size is 9” x 9”.
Machine Made Sample
This is an automated method of a producing a handtrial, often using a Kibby machine. Machine made samples are larger and quicker to make, but due to its automation the process is less flexible than handtrials. Machine made samples measure up to 18” x 18”.
Runner
A single length of narrow carpet with an integral border to the left and the right side. Often used in corridors and on stairs.
Selvedge edge
The standard woven edge that runs along either side of the finished woven carpet. This is essential when sewing widths of carpet together.
Tuftbox
The Company’s standard colour range, enabling faster production of trial work.
Wall to Wall
Multiple widths of narrow carpet sewn together extending from side wall of a room to the facing wall, close fitted to the skirting board on all sides.
Woollen yarn
The standard yarn used in the carpet industry, typically on Axminster type carpets. It is coarser than worsted yarn and is used in our commercial contract products
Worsted yarn
Finer than woollen yarn due to its longer staple length. Worsted yarn has an enhanced clarity and depth of colour.
2 / border
(pronounced ‘2 over border’)
A method of weaving 2 borders at the same time across the width of the loom. A selvedge edge is guaranteed on each border which is essential when sewing a border to the main expanse of carpet.
