The world of handmade rugs is a vast and beautiful landscape, densely packed with history and variety. There are many different means of hand-fabricating a rug. In this blog, we will be discussing the three main categories of production, namely; hand knotted, hand loomed, and hand tufted.
Each one of these three categories comes with its own set of advantages, and, though there is a lot to unpack, and sub-categories beneath each method, this blog aims to provide a digestible amount of insight into the world of hand-crafted rugs, in order provide the first-time buyer with enough information to make an informed decision.
At Cassim Rug Gallery, we believe that a handmade rug is more than a mere accessory, rather, it is a work of art and an investment that should be treated with care and respect, the same care and respect we hold for our customers all over Chicagoland.
Background; Defining Terms
The terms ‘knotted,’ ‘loomed,’ and ‘tufted’ all refer to different means of producing a rug. These methods of fabrication determine the rug’s look, feel, and value.
Hand knotted is considered to be the gold-standard of rug fabrication; their production is the most time-consuming and demanding, while their result is the finest of the three, featuring the highest level of detail and precision, while boasting the highest degree of overall quality.
Hand loomed rugs are fabricated on a loom where a craftsman weaves the length of the rug in a single motion. This makes a loomed rug less labor-intensive, and gives the designer less control over the final result.
Finally, tufted rugs are fabricated by passing a yarn through a mesh backing before applying an adhesive and an additional backing. They are produced very quickly, and are less durable because of the nature of their construction. They’re the least valuable of the three.
The World of Hand-Knotted Rugs
Hand knotted rugs are a world unto themselves, consisting of sub-categories and niche traditions. The Persian knot is commonly known to be the highest quality and most sought after fabrication within the category. The other common methods of knotting include the Turkish knot and Tibetan knot. Many cultures have their own variations of hand knotting, but for the sake of this blog, we will focus on the main three.
The Persian Knot
The Persian knot, also known as the “Senneh” knot is an asymmetrical knot, meaning that yarn is wrapped tightly around one warp (vertical) thread and then cut to create the pile (top, or upward facing texture.) This gives the Persian knot superiority over other methods in that it allows for the most knots-per-square-inch, or, the highest level of knot density. This advantage allows Persian knotted rugs to feature the highest level of detail giving craftsmen and designers unmatched control over the final product.
The Turkish Knot
The Turkish knot is a symmetrical knot, meaning that yarn is tied around two warp threads at once before being cut to create pile. Though less dominant world-wide than the Persian knot, the asymmetrical is still commonly used in rug production in places like Anatolia and the southern caucus region, particularly Kurdish tribal design communities.
The Tibetan Knot
The Tibetan knot is the fastest to produce of the three hand knotting methods. Tibetan knotted rugs are known for their extremely soft, plush pile.
Aesthetic Result
Each production method results in a distinct aesthetic result. How a rug looks, feels, and impacts a room overall is highly contingent on its means of production. A Persian woven rug will give a room an elevated sense of class, it will infuse a space with tradition and excellence, whether the rug features a contemporary or traditional design. A hand-loomed piece will have a similarly traditional feel, but with a more soft and placid aura. Hand tufted rugs will make a space feel cozy and inviting without demanding much attention.
The Choice is Yours
Whether you’re in the market for a new dining room centerpiece, or a guest room accessory, at Cassim Rug gallery, we feel it is important to be informed before making the investment. The above blog aims to give you a window into the world of hand-crafted rugs; a starting point.
If you’re interested in learning more about this artform, our website is home to a host of informative and thought-provoking articles, curated with the informed patron in mind.
If you feel you’re ready to take the next step, or if you wish to take a more hands-on approach to learning, come visit our showroom located in Downer’s Grove, Illinois, and we will be happy to have the pleasure of answering any questions you may have.
Call (630) 324-6567 or visit us Monday–Saturday 10–6, Sunday 12–5.
Cassim Rug Gallery | 239 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515 | cassimruggallery.com