Floorcloths have been around for over 200 years. Some of the first floorcloths were made from recycled ships sails. Floorcloths were first used to cover dirt or wooden floors before linoleum or carpeting was available. They were originally used under the dining room table and known as "crumb cloths". Floor cloths has also been called "canvas rugs".
Many of the early designs for floor cloths were taken from wallpaper patterns. The floorcloth patterns included diamonds, cubes and squares. Usually it was the lady of the house who handstenciled or painted the brightly colored floorcloths. Because of their bright colors, floorcloths were considered art and featured in many family portraits. Early floorcloths were made by stretching the floorcloth on the side of a barn.
Floorcloths were popular until about the 1920's when linoleum became the floor covering of choice. Floorcloths have begun to rise in popularity again in recent years as more people have discovered how easy and fun they are to make. I like to think of a floorcloth as floor- art. You can use them in your kitchen, dining room, hallway, or porch. You can also customize your floorcloth to fit into any color scheme that you choose.
