Jute is a vegetable fiber imported from India. It is cheap and strong, has stiffness and body and does not shrink, so in some cases it is more desirable than cotton for backing yarns. It is also sometimes used for pile yarn and flat-woven Summer rugs.

EAYON

Synthetic fibers have gained some importance in floorcovering manufacture, especially since wool was scarce during the war years. Rugs made from half wool and half rayon have proven quite satisfactoiy.

Experiments with new types of rayon which have more resilience and resistance to soil are being made, but to date they are not an adequate substitute for wool.

Other synthetic yarns may have future possibilities. Nylon is superbly resilient and dirt-resistant but its price today makes it prohibitive for floorcoverings.