The History of the Carpet Loom

The carpet loom plays a huge role in the history of weaving. Even today, Bloomsburg Carpet relies on its looms for high-quality, beautiful, durable carpet weaves. Learn about the history of the carpet loom and how we are weaving history into Bloomsburg Carpet today.

A Brief History of the Carpet Loom

The vertical loom used by early nomads to weave carpets became known as a warp-weighted loom. The warp thread hung from a rod, weighted at the ends. This loom was easily dismantled while remaining intact, which made it easy for traveling groups to carry it. Later, by the 10th century, settled societies produced carpets on horizontal treadle looms. As a result, these allowed for longer warp threads and more intricate design opportunities. And the weaver could sit while working!

Carpet Looms in America

Carpet looms made their way to America in the late 1700s. In 1791, William Sprague established the first woven carpet mill in Philadelphia. Soon, other mills opened throughout New England. By 1839, Erasmus Bigelow developed the first carpet power loom, a mechanized loom propelled by a line shaft. Replacing the making of carpets on a handloom, the invention greatly enhanced carpet production in America.

Other Loom Additions

A Jacquard mechanism was added to the power loom in 1849. Using punched cards with holes that correspond to rows of design, the Jacquard loom is a precursor to the first punch-card computers. The Jacquard loom creates opulent carpets such as Axminster carpet with cut pile in intricate design patterns of up to 12 colors. Additionally, it creates a beautiful Wilton carpet in which the multi-color design combines with different pile options. A velvet loom employs a wired system, resulting in a wide variety of textures and colors and a thick soft pile.

Woven carpet is typically produced on a broadloom to obviate the need for seams. As a result, the process is very similar to woven cloth. Weaving allows for many different colored yarns while producing extremely intricate design patterns. Normally, woven carpet is the highest quality of carpet on the market.

There are three major types of woven carpet available, and Bloomsburg Carpet is the only American carpet manufacturer that allows in-house weaving for all three. Using high-speed looms, Bloomsburg produces various types of woven carpet, including the three major types of woven carpet, Axminster, Wilton, and velvet carpet.

How Can You Order Bloomsburg Carpet?

A professional designer can work closely with manufacturers to ensure the precise design and superior quality in every luxury woven carpet you order. As a result, a client should work with professional designers and sales agents who are familiar with the product. Installers and regional maintenance can help you choose the perfect materials, weave, and design for your needs.

At Bloomsburg Carpet Industries, we produce a highly styled woven carpet of superior quality. We stand committed to the time-honored technique of carpet weaving and the beauty and excellence that this technique creates. Our employees are passionate about the tradition of American manufacturing and committed to keeping the long history of carpet weaving alive and thriving in the U.S.A. We stand behind the environmental responsibility of our products while continuing to design and produce with attention towards sustainability.

If you have any further questions about our variety of carpet styles, do not hesitate to call us today.