Carpet Glossary J

jacquard

An apparatus on carpet weaving loom that produces patterns from colored yarns. The pattern information is contained on perforated cards. The holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the pile surface. Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices.

jaspe

Irregular stripes of two hues, shades, or values of the same color used to produce a particular effect on the pile yarn of plain or evenly designed fabrics. Various jaspe effects can be produced by varying the twist of the yarn.

jerker bar

Part of the tufting machine comprising a movable guide or eyeboard through which the pile yarns are threaded. It controls tension on the pile yarns on their path to the tufting needles, removing slack on the upstroke of the needle bar and contributing to yarn feed control.

jute

A natural cellulosic fiber made form certain plants of the linden family which grow in warm climates such as found in India and Bangladesh. Jute yarns are used for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns and twine. Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted carpet as primary and secondary carpet backing. The latter are similar to burlap fabrics commonly used for carpet wrap and sewn burlap bags.

jute backing

A natural fiber derived from a plant in the Far East that is spun into yarn. It is used as the backing yarn for many woven carpets and woven into a backing fabric for tufted carpets. its use in tufted carpeting has rapidly diminished in recent years.