Natural Fiber Characteristics
Natural fiber floor coverings are woven from plant and animal fibers and tend to have irregularities that are considered normal because they occur in nature. Weave and shading irregularities are inherent in the fiber and the manufacturing process, so you should expect to find them. What you will not find anywhere is a perfect natural fiber floor covering. These irregularities provide distinctive, interesting character that makes each natural fiber carpet unique.
Color Variance
Showroom samples may not match current inventory. Color differences are more significant with natural fibers than synthetic ones due to seasonal conditions or location. Variations will occur between rolls, within rolls and within a custom rug. Keep this in mind when seaming. The beauty of natural fibers is that they are never truly solid in color. Natural fibers are sorted and blended for a certain amount of uniformity but will always have a degree of variation in color. A few examples of this would be 1) wool can have color variance when undyed, and will absorb color differently if dyed, 2) the gold and grey tones of jute vary in intensity and are created by the movement of water or lack thereof when harvested, and 3) vegetable fibers, especially hemp and jute, will showcase variations in color and texture due to soil differences and seasonal elements.
Striation
Striation is normal in natural fiber carpet. Color variance of natural fibers contributes to the appearance of lines. During the manufacturing process, multiple cones from different yarn bales individually feed the loom, side by side, to create each pattern. Additionally, uneven tension and variations in weave create a high/low visual effect throughout the carpet and within a custom rug. Striation and color variance occur naturally and are not considered defects.
Color Changes
Natural fibers eventually return to their original color. Bleached products darken over time, and dyed fibers fade. Sunlight will cause color change; direct sunlight may have a more dramatic result.
Bowing
Industry standard allows up to 2% bowing of woven broadloom carpet (includes woven jacquard and woven wilton). Bowing should be taken into consideration when planning for a seam. Due to construction and the unique nature of the fiber, some collections have bowing tolerances over 2%. Bowing may be more apparent depending on binding selection. Contact your Account Manager for more information.
Irregularity in the Ribs
Some ribs will be closer together, some farther apart.
Variation in Loop Size
Carpets made of natural fibers may have irregular yarns that can create the appearance of a variance in loop size (warp or weft yarns). Variations of either thick or thin yarns within 50% of normal are allowed. Variations in yarn size are usually created during the spinning process. Sophisticated fiber combinations, including wool and linen, wool and cotton, wool and jute and even wool and hemp introduce an assortment of distinctive patterns and lush textures. There is the possibility of variation in loop size due to the different combination of fibers which adds to the natural beauty of these products.
Plugs
Fibers that were tied off in the manufacturing process.
Sprouts
Short fibers that were tucked in during the manufacturing process. Seagrass, jute, and hemp are short fibers. During handling, they sprout. Clipping sprouts is recommended.
Foreign Yarns
This occurs when fibers from previous production find their way into the current yarn. This is due to the nature of the fiber, collection process, and weaving process. Foreign yarn is common in all natural fiber products.
Peel and Husk
Many natural fibers are extracted from plants and can contain plant fragments such as peel or husk. Most of these organic remnants are removed during the spinning and manufacturing process. However, some fragments remain after the combing process and are commonly found within natural fiber products.
Shedding of Loose Fibers is Normal
It is a natural result of the process used to create carpets. When floor coverings are produced, a combing process occurs, which helps remove short and broken fibers. However, some fibers fall onto the surface of the pile and appear as ‘fluff’. The shedding can vary depending on the material type.
Falling Pile
Plush carpets may show light and dark bands when unrolled known as falling pile. This is corrected by changing the direction of the pile, either by hand or by vacuuming. Pressure marks due to the weight of the roll may result during storage or transit and take longer to correct. Vacuum in reverse direction of the pile as necessary.
Falling pile is inherent to all plush carpets and not a manufacturing defect. All carpets must be vacuumed regularly to assist in texture retention.
Pattern Repeat
Pattern repeats are approximate and can vary for natural fibers.
Visible Seams
Seaming natural fiber carpet or rugs can be visible. Not all products are recommended for seaming. All seams are made at the discretion of the purchaser.
Expansion & Contraction
The hygroscopic nature of natural fibers means they adjust to environmental conditions, they are constantly moving. Loose-lay for 24 hours in the room in which it will be installed, and at the temperature it will typically experience. This allows the fibers to acclimate to their new surroundings.
For Indoor Use Only
Natural fiber products should not be used in areas where moisture is present or ventilation is inadequate.
Residential Use
All products are intended for residential use.