Well, we’ve been talking a lot about rugs lately. We’ve admired their elegance. We’ve adored the comfort they provide. We’ve been astonished by the exquisiteness they add to households. But more than anything, we’ve been bedazzled by the sheer variety of rugs you can choose from. We are far from exploring all of the incredible rugs based on their types, patterns, building material, and usability. So, here’s yet another article dedicated to discovering the still vast categories of the rug. We’ll talk about the braided chindi rugs in this one.
This article is in many aspects different from the previous ones, nevertheless. This is because it emphasizes a less popular variant of the rug. Yes, we will discuss the Chindi or Rag rug as it’s popularly known in the west!
But, most importantly, instead of merely determining the best chindi rug you can buy, we’ll also focus on how you can create one at home. There are a few questions you must have the answers to before we move on to that part, nonetheless: –
What is a Chindi Rug?
Chindi is a local Indian subterranean term used to indicate sub-par articles. Interestingly, the same term is also used to determine a scrap or a torn piece of cloth. And, chindi or the rag rug is a name given to the rugs created in rural parts of Northern and Deccan India.
They’re quintessentially created by weaving together pieces of scrap clothes together. And, that’s what makes them more of a utilitarian article than a homely ornament!
These rugs were originally woven by the Indian villagers for all sorts of practical use. That’s why they do not have any ties to the long-lost royal lineages of India. In fact, these are still considered as rugs of the poor by most Indians.
That being said, braided chindi rugs have developed a unique sect of connoisseurs. And, these connoisseurs admire the braided chindi rugs for the very unusual traits that set them apart. Yes, they’re adorned for their abstract designs. They’re also known for their contribution to recycling and sustainable development. You can check this specific aspect of chindi rugs here.
How is it Made?
As mentioned earlier, any chindi rug is made by weaving pieces of torn clothes together. However, the process is a bit more complicated if you want to comprehend it in detail. That being said, these rugs are hand-made by people. So, you can make them at your home too. All you need to do is follow the steps mentioned below: –
- The first step would be to gather a lot of cloth strips. The easiest way to do so is to cut out equally long and wide strips from a larger piece of unused cloth.
- It is imperative to conceive the design of your rug before making it. Therefore, the second step will require you to finalize the shape, size, and design patterns (if any) you want for your rug.
- For the third step, you must place all the strips together in the final shape you desire. Make sure to position the strips, one mildly overlapping the other.
- The next step would be to sew together the overlapping pieces in the exact pattern you arranged them.
- It’s relatively easier to create a square or rectangular rug than round or oval ones. That’s because you can simply weave the overlapping edges of the rag strips together for the first. However, the second category requires longer braids to coil up and create the desired shape.
What Materials Are Used in Making a Chindi Rug?
Braided chindi rugs, as we’ve mentioned multiple times by now, are compiled with waste clothes. Therefore, the constituent cloth strips do not make much of a difference. In other words, all sorts of fabric can be used to create these rugs. that being said, these rugs are primarily obtained from northern and central parts of India.
The weavers (or the local villagers) who’re known to weave these usually have an abundance of cotton waste. So, the primary fabric for most braided chindi rugs is cotton.
What About the Styles and Usability of Chindi Rugs?
You must understand that the primary quality of a chindi rug is the way it looks. The use of versatile cloth materials and colors makes them look vibrant. Plus, it also gives these rugs an additional amount of resilience.
You have two specific benefits with braided chindi rugs. The first one is because of their rugged nature. This lets them withstand a lot more shear and tear before they give up. Therefore, they’re best suited for places that attract heavy and frequent footfall. Plus, you can wash them without having to worry about disintegrating them.
Are Chindi Rugs Popular?
Yes, their demand keeps on increasing steadily as more western connoisseurs develop a taste for them. Do mind that these rugs are mostly preferred in households. One of the biggest reasons for this is its high usability and durability. Plus, these rugs are often found displaying a bouquet of colors and abstract patterns. This perfectly complements contemporary and retro-modern houses all over the world.
How to Clean the Braided Chindi Rugs?
It must be relatively clear to you by now that chindi rugs are made with multiple strips of waste cloth. This helps the rugs to develop an endurance that’s next to none. However, this also makes the rugs more vulnerable in terms of dirt and dust accumulation. In other words, the multiple stitches and joints found on these rugs attract a lot more dirt.
Therefore, you cannot clean off these rugs by simply vacuuming. However, shaking the rugs can get them rid of all sorts of dirt. You can then use a vacuum cleaner to sweep off all the unwanted crap. These rugs do not require special care. However, it is always better to spot clean them to avoid any chances of permanent staining. We’d recommend against machine washing these chindi rugs. One of the primary reasons is the multiple weaves they include.
Conclusion
This article was meant to grant you insight into the world of chindi rugs. We discussed their origin and how they’re made. We established the process to make them at home. We elaborated on the styles, designs, and patterns they usually boast. And we even shared the right ways for you to wash them.
Now, it’s all up to you to decide whether you want to create one such rug or get yourself the readily available versions from the market. No matter what you choose, you’d be eventually supporting the community and environment. And, that’s what makes us happy the most!
