Understanding rug construction techniques helps buyers appreciate quality differences and select appropriate pieces for their needs. Each method produces distinct characteristics.
Hand-knotting creates the most durable, valuable rugs. Individual knots are tied around warp threads, with each row compacted before the next begins. Knot counts range from 25 to over 1000 per square inch. Higher counts enable finer detail and indicate greater labor investment.
Common knot types include Persian (Senneh) knots, which wrap around single warp threads, and Turkish (Ghiordes) knots, which wrap around pairs. Each type produces slightly different surface characteristics.
Hand-tufting uses a gun that punches yarn through backing fabric. Adhesive secures the pile, and a second backing covers the adhesive. This efficient technique produces attractive rugs at lower costs than hand-knotting.
Flat-weaving encompasses several techniques. Kilim weaving interlocks weft threads without pile. Dhurrie construction uses similar techniques with cotton warps. Soumak wrapping creates textured surfaces without cutting pile.
Hand-looming uses manually operated looms with shuttles and heddles, accelerating production while maintaining handcraft character. This technique suits flat-weaves and low-pile constructions particularly well.
Each technique has appropriate applications. Hand-knotting suits heirloom investments; hand-tufting offers excellent value; flat-weaves provide durability and easy cleaning.
