What Is Cross Tufted Weave in Rug? A Complete Guide

Tufting is a popular technique for manufacturing rugs and carpets. It involves using a tufting gun or machine to push and pull yarn through a primary backing fabric. The yarn loops are then cut or left uncut to create different textures and patterns.

One type of tufted rug construction is called cross tufting (also known as cross weave). So what exactly is a cross tufted rug? As a professional custom tufted rugs manufacturer, I will share a complete guide to help you understanding this woven rug style.

What Is Cross Tufted Weave in Rug?

A cross tufted rug takes the tufted construction one step further. After tufting vertical yarn rows into the rug’s backing, additional yarns are woven horizontally across the initial tufted piles.

This added cross weave dimension produces enhanced texture, patterns, and durability compared to basic tufting. The combo of perpendicular yarn directions makes cross tufted rugs an enticing option for high-traffic, design-focused spaces.

How Cross Tufted Rugs Are Made

A cross tufted rug starts out like most other tufted rugs. The main difference comes after the initial tufting process.

Here are the key steps to making cross tufted rugs:

Thread the tufting machine: The first step with any tufted rug is preparing the tufting gun or machine. This involves stringing and threading the yarn that will be used to make the piles and loops.
Tuft the primary backing: The tufting gun pushes and pulls yarn through a primary fabric backing in motions that are guided by a pattern. This creates rows of uncut loops along the backing’s length.
Apply the secondary backing: A secondary fabric backing is adhered to the underside of the primary backing to help hold and stabilize the rows of yarn tufts. An adhesive like latex is used to attach the two backings.
Shear the loops (optional): For some tufted rugs, the initial loops are cut to make a plush, velvet-like pile surface. However, loops are often left uncut depending on the desired texture and pattern.
Weave additional yarns crosswise: This is what sets cross tufted rugs apart. After regular tufting, extra yarns are woven horizontally across the length of vertically tufted yarns.

The cross weaving can completely cover the tufted rows underneath. Or the weaving may be more spaced out to reveal portions of the tufted yarn piles beneath.

So in summary:

Tufted rugs start with yarns stitched vertically into a backing
Cross tufted rugs take it a step further by weaving additional yarns horizontally

This extra cross weaving creates enhanced texture, dimension, and visual appeal.

Key Characteristics of Cross Tufted Rugs

Cross tufted rugs have some distinctive traits that set them apart from other woven rug constructions:

Multidimensional Texture

The most noticeable characteristic of cross tufted rugs is the added depth and texture. The crosswise weaving combined with the tufted piles underneath creates high and low surface dimension. There’s added visual and tactile complexity compared to a standard tufted or flatwoven rug.

Customizable Patterns

Varying the tufted yarns and cross woven yarns allows for customizable looks and patterns. For example, a cross tufted rug may alternate between loops and cut piles in the initial tufting. Then use the cross weave to help delineate geometric shapes or flow across the surface.

Enhanced Durability

Having both tufted and woven structural elements improves durability from wear and tear. If one set of yarns becomes damaged, the perpendicular weaving helps hold everything in place. So cross tufted rugs tend to have better longevity than other tufted constructions.

Casual Styling

Due to the rustic woven nature of cross tufting, these rugs have a more casual, outdoor-friendly aesthetic. They work nicely in laidback living spaces, covered outdoor patios, kitchens, kids’ rooms or other high-traffic areas.

Affordable Pricing

The craftsmanship involved in cross tufting makes these rugs cost a bit more than basic tufted rugs. However, they are generally cheaper than comparably sized hand knotted wool rugs. So cross tufted rugs strike a nice balance of quality and affordability.

Pros and Cons of Cross Tufted Rugs

Cross tufted rugs have unique advantages—along with a few potential disadvantages to keep in mind:

Pros

Added texture and visual appeal
Customizable patterns and designs
Enhanced durability over basic tufting
Casual styling works well in many spaces
More affordable than hand knotted rugs

Cons

Slightly higher cost than regular tufting
Can show wear if placed in extremely high-traffic areas
Sporadic shedding of loose yarn possible
Not as intricately detailed as hand knotted rugs

So if you like the enticing look and feel of woven rugs, cross tufted strikes a nice balance in terms of quality, durability and price.

Popular Materials Used in Cross Tufted Rugs

Cross tufted rugs can utilize a variety of textiles for the tufted pile yarns and woven cross yarns. Some of the most common materials include:

Wool

Wool is the gold standard fiber used in high-quality rugs. In a cross tufted construction, wool adds softness, flexibility and natural water resistance. The tufted wool piles create cozy texture that’s easy on bare feet. Durability is excellent even in heavily used spaces.

Cotton

Cotton has increased in popularity for cross tufted rugs. It’s woven more tightly than wool, creating extra dimension while remaining soft underfoot. Cotton rugs can lend lightness and a beachy vibe with their nubby textures. They also absorb and release spills faster than wool.

Jute

Jute is an ultra-casual fiber woven from natural jute grass plants. In cross tufted form, jute has attractive earthy texture while insulating against sound. Its organic nature provides a pleasant scent. Drawbacks are lighter overall weight and potential to shed loose strands.

Synthetic Fibers

For more budget-friendly options, cross tufted rugs can incorporate synthetic yarns like polypropylene (olefin), nylon or polyester. These modern materials are quite durable and stain resistant. However, some synthetics may lack the rich texture, coziness and environmental friendliness of natural wool, cotton or jute.

So when browsing cross tufted rugs, think about which fiber type best fits your space, lifestyle, décor and budget preferences.

Decorating With Cross Tuft Rugs

The woven craftsmanship and added dimension of cross tufted rugs infuse spaces with visual warmth and depth. Here are some decorating tips:

Use Large Sizes in Open Floor Plans

Ample surface areas allow the intricate patterns and details of cross tufting to shine. Fill expansive living rooms, bedrooms and recreation spaces with an oversized cross tuft accent rug. The high-low textures become an inviting focal point.

Layer Smaller Sizes

The casual vibe of cross tufting blends perfectly in layered bohemian environments. Use a few smaller cross tuft rugs atop wood floors or tiles. Layer them underneath console tables or in cozy reading nooks surrounded by plush pillows. Let the rugs’ colors and patterns captivate eyes to create a relaxed aesthetic.

Place in Heavy Traffic Areas

Sturdy cross tufted rugs are right at home in mudrooms, laundry rooms, hallways and kitchens. The durable woven and tufted construction stands up well to tracked-in dirt, pet dander, frequent appliance maneuvering, and other elements of high-traffic areas.

Coordinate Colors

Match or contrast the predominant hues in your cross tufted rug to colors found throughout the rest of the space. For example, pull an energetic tone from artwork or accent pillows into a vibrantly colored rug underfoot. Or use a more neutral rug as the calm eye of a storm of eclectic décor.

Show Off Texture

Fully expose the visual and tactile beauty of a cross tufted rug’s surface by leaving plenty of open floor around it. Avoid covering much of the rug with furniture or fixtures. Instead, let its charming woven texture captivate and balance the smoothness of woods, tiles, glass and metals found elsewhere in the interior design.

So don’t be afraid to make a cross tufted rug a centerpiece. Let it bring infectious texture and craftsmanship to any laid-back contemporary space.