I use a linen warp for my weft faced wool rugs. Linen is a very inelastic fiber and gives firmness to the rug. Cotton or wool warp and less expensive however they can stretch and if the warp stretches then the rug will not lay flat to the floor. The best linen for rug warp has a fairly rough surface and has to be perfectly made. My preference is the linen rug warp from Sweden because it seems to have the qualities I like for my rugs.
Once the weaving of a rug is complete the warp must be finished. Warp finishes keep the rug from unweaving and prevent the warp threads from fraying. I use several weft finishes but my favorite is the Philippine edge. The Philippine edge is a series of continuous knots that run without interruption from one edge of the rug to the other. When these knots are pulled tight I know for sure the weaving will be secure and the rug will lay flat. A good weft finish is handsome and adds years of use to my rugs.
Please see my blog article on Tapestry and Rug Care.
