There are three placemats in this set - handwoven by one of the wonderful artists who supplied the rag rugs.  The fabric is a knit of unknown origin and the mats are woven of a single fabric.  The striated design is what happens when a patterned fabric is woven.  I love these.  The "rag rug" fabrication brings some rusticity with it but the striations of color provide a lot of sophistication.  These are washable but I would use a laundry bag to protect the fringe.