Boucherouite Rag Rugs

Born as humble domestic carpets
"Boucherouite" (also spelled boucharouette) is often explained as “made of rags”. The name is linked to Moroccan Arabic, from Bu Sherwit, a phrase that can be read as “a piece of second-hand material”, a fragment taken from a worn garment. These rugs were born from resourcefulness: when wool was scarce or expensive, Amazigh women kept weaving for their homes by repurposing textiles that were already part of everyday life.

Each rug, a personal archive
Every Boucherouite could be intensely personal, almost like a family story woven into colour and texture. A first dress, a little sister’s summer skirt, a grandfather’s djellaba, or the outfit the artisan wore for an important celebration. Those fragments of life became the rug’s quiet memory.

A wide mix of recycled fabrics
Today, Boucherouite rugs can include a wide variety of recycled textiles: cotton, wool, nylon and other synthetic fibres. Some pieces even feature small accents such as lurex-like threads, depending on what was available to the weaver. This is upcycling in its most creative form, and a naturally more sustainable approach to design.

Improvisational design, bold colour
Patterns are often geometric but intentionally imperfect. Think checks, diamonds, stripes, zigzags and kaleidoscopic blends. The spirit is free and expressive. Bold colours, loud contrasts and unexpected pairings are part of the charm.

Texture is part of the story
Since the materials vary and are knotted or woven differently, the surface changes from piece to piece. Some feel almost tufted, others look shaggy, and others still read as more recycled-rag-like. The result is a distinctive mix of textures you can see and feel.

Where they thrive
If these rugs feel a little daring at first glance, that’s often exactly why they work so well in neutral homes. They add a touch of warmth and personality, make a room feel less serious, and bring a cosy layer of texture. They also suit everyday spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, entryways and kids’ rooms, where you want an handmade piece that is practical and easy to clean.

From pre-loved materials to collectible pieces
Boucherouite rugs have moved far beyond the idea of “modest rugs”. Today they appear in curated interiors and collectors’ homes, chosen for their character, creativity and unmistakable presence.