Thorndike Mills Rug-Making Quality

The Yarn Braid Process
  • Only the finest carpet yarn in wool or synthetics are used in the manufacture of our braided rugs.
  • Color texture and design are controlled by precise weaving techniques.
  • Yarn spools of 2-ply strength of specified fibers are woven into strips of fabric. Thorndike takes this extra step initially to maximize the durability of your yarn-braided rug.
  • The woven yarn is hand wound by skilled craftsmen in preparation for braiding.
  • The spools of woven yarn are braided around a natural/synthetic fiber core.
The Cloth Braid Process
Thorndike Mills cloth materials are custom made according to T.M.I.’s rigorous standards and specifications ensuring complete control of quality and color.
  • Bolts of cloth are cut into fabric strips of precise widths using modern cutting equipment.
  • These fabric strips are hand guided and spliced together to create color designs. The spliced cloth is sewn on an angle to insure strong seams.
  • The newly spliced cloth travels along tension bars to be folded and stitched to prevent edge ravel and ensure stability and performance.
  • The folded material is wound onto hand made wooden spools and braided on large braiding machines without any interior filler.
  • The braid is now ready to be stitched into the finished product.
Masterful Craftsmanship
Skilled workers hand-guide the stitching of the braids. Braids are transformed into custom rugs on T.M.I.’s unique, specially designed air tables, allow the rugs to float and glide in concentric circles during stitching.