Hand-Woven vs. Hand-Braided Jute Rugs: What's the Difference?

A hand-braided jute rug and a flatwoven jute rug aren't just two different looks. They're two different constructions, and that changes how each one performs on your floor.

How Each Is Actually Made

A flatwoven jute rug is made the way most people picture weaving. Jute fibers pass over and under each other in a flat, grid-like structure. A braided rug, on the other hand, is built differently. In a hand-braided jute rug strands of jute are twisted or plaited together first, then the braided rope is coiled and stitched into its final shape. The result is a more three-dimensional, textured surface rather than a flat one.

We touched on hand-braided rugs as a trend in The Vintage Braided Rug Trend, but that post was about styling. This one is about what the construction itself actually does for you.

Where Braided Construction Performs Better

The jute rugs in our Kerala Collection are beautifully hand-braided and come in several colors and styles, as well as in rectangular, round and oval options.

A hand-braided jute rug hides dirt and debris between cleanings more effectively than a flat weave, thanks to the texture. it also holds up well under concentrated, repeated foot traffic, like in entryways and hallways, or in front of a kitchen sink.

The hand-braided construction also has a bit more structural give underfoot, which some people find more comfortable to stand on for long periods.

Where a Flatwoven Jute Rug Is the Better Call

This 12' natural beige flatwoven jute runner performs beautiful in entryways and hallways and also comes in 10' length.

A hand-woven jute rug is a better option in a larger, open space, where a flatter, more uniform look reads better at scale. A hand-woven jute rug is also ideal in spaces where you want furniture to sit predictably, as flat weaves behave more consistently under table and chair legs.

A Third Option

We would be remiss not to mention our beloved Andes Collection of hand-woven jute rugs, which unlike flatweaves, have a luscious, thick texture. Created from 100% sustainable two-ply, hand spun jute boucle with tucked ends, they have a righ nubby texture and half-inch pile height.

What to Check Before You Buy

Look at the stitching tightness holding a hand-braided jute rug together. Loose stitching is the first thing to fail in poorly constructed jute rugs.

Also, take a look at the edge binding, since braided rugs put more stress on their outer edge than flat weaves do.

And finally, consider the jute fiber grade. A coarser, lower-grade jute frays inside a braid faster than it does in a flat weave.

To Sum It Up

Choosing between a hand-braided and handwoven flatweave jute rug is partially an aesthetic consideration, but it also comes down to where the rug is actually going to live. Explore the wide array of options in our Jute Collection. 

Not sure if jute is right for you? Take our Rug Finder Quiz for personalized recommendations based on your needs.