Buying rugs

Sometimes it almost seems as though there were a diabolical conspiracy between manufacturers and retailers to produce and sell only 9 x 12 rugs. In the days when most rugs were bordered, each size had to be individually designed, made into a loom pat­tern, set, and woven.

A 9 x 12 was the "size 16" of rugs. Since it fitted the average room, it was the most popular size. As it was made in greater quantity it cost less to produce so its price could be appreciably lowered.

Consequently, the price of any other size rug, smaller or even larger, was greater per square yard of fabric and a woman had to pay a penalty for buying more yardage.