The Coming of Age of Rips Rugs

Perhaps not as famous as the tradtional Swedish rag rug, the rips rug has led a some what sheltered life.  Here, Ylva Kongbäck explains the history of the rips runners.  

It's hard to explain what rips is, but if you're going to try, it's cotton rugs that are woven over ribs that usually consist of threads.
The technique probably arose in western Sweden sometime in the 1850s, when cheaper cotton came in from the Orient. At that time, the rugs were made at home in the cottages and the rule that applied was: you take what you have!

The ribs could consist of almost anything. It could be rags, string, jute tape and in fishing communities old fishing nets were used. Over time, the rips rug found their way into the homes of the bourgeoisie and into the likes of the  Swedish artist called Carl Larsson who had rips rugs all over his floors.
During the 20th century, mechanical manufacturing developed at Kasthall's factories in Kinna, an area in Sweden.   They mainly produced rugs intended for hotels. When they stopped making the product, the Rips rug lived a hidden life.  Today they are gracing the floors of beautiful homes all over the world adding a touch of colour and Swedish design to their interiors.