Chain Stitch Rugs

Chain stitch rugs can be called the affordable rugs. They are much less expensive than the pure silk or wool carpets and equally beautiful. They vary in sizes and shapes and can be used as floor coverings, wall hangings, sofa throws or corner mats.

Technique
The base of the chain stitch carpets is usually Namda, which is felted wool and cotton. The base having 80% wool is considered best. The base may also be is Hessian cloth and coarse wool or jute cloth.

The chain stitch may be worked with silk wool or cotton threads. The stitches are done with a crochet hook instead of a needle. This hook is traditionally called ari. Hook work covers a much larger area than needle work in the same amount of time.

Patterns
Very fine Persian patterns can be created using chain stitch. The dense chain stitch filling allows continuous flow of patterns similar to the knotted carpets. Different floral and other motifs are worked with great precision. The stitch when performed on the cloth or jute appears same on both the right and the reverse side.

Regions
Chainstitch is the traditional kashida or hand embroidery of Kashmir. The finest chain stitch carpets are produced in Kashmir. The Bikaner - Udaipur belt of Rajasthan also has some areas where chain stitch rugs are made.