Development of hand woven rugs using blended cotton waste and hemp yarn

The present study entitled “Development of hand woven rugs using blended cotton waste and hemp yarn” was carried out to analyze the characteristics of developed yarns. Both the cotton waste and hemp fibers were purchased from the local markets of Kotkapura, Distt. Faridkot, Punjab. Blending of cotton waste and hemp fibers was done by taking two fibers in the ratios of 65:35, 50:50, and 35:65 cotton waste and hemp respectively. Blending and spinning was done using carding machine and spinning wheel respectively. The yarns prepared in different proportions were tested to check the mechanical and physical properties. The yarn blended using 65:35 cotton waste and hemp fiber was adjudged the best as, it had greater strength (18.75lbf) and moisture regain (4.21%). This yarn was dyed using reactive dye and later used for development of rugs. Twelve designs of rugs were developed in Coral draw XIII with different types of motifs and colours. The developed designs were shown to a panel of ten judges and were asked to give preference for the most suitable design for making rugs in two sizes i.e. 2’x4’ or 3’x5’ size. Each selected design was later drawn in Coral draw XIIII in two colour combinations. The judges were again asked to given the preference for the best colour combination for each design. An inventory was prepared to record the views of forty five consumers (home makers). In this part the home makers were asked to give their preference regarding design, colour combination of prepared rugs. Rug 1, with fish and zigzag motifs was ranked first (WMS 4.15). Rug 9 prepared using orange, green, blue and pink colours was selected for best colour combination. On this basis of overall appearance, 51 percent respondents categorized the rugs, very good. Fifty nine percent of the respondents quoted the price of rugs to be adequate, 97 percent of the respondents preferred the texture of the rugs. The weaving of rugs can be promoted as enterprise, where a weaver can earn 11 percent to 23 percent profit.