Contemporary carpets

Various handcraft organizations in the country are doing an interesting job in stimulating the production of handmade modern rugs.

The American Craftsmen's Cooperative Council has a New York headquarters where the small regional groups that compose its membership can market their products. It is an opportunity for the individual to get help with the always difficult problems of what to make and how to sell.

The Second World War saw some new types of cotton rugs developed and produced in large sizes, primarily because of the shortage of carpet wools. In some of them, the pile is punched up through the back with an electric needle.

The loops are either cut or left uncut. Others are made by stitching rows of cotton fringe onto a foundation fabric. They have a very interesting shaggy texture.