KNOW-HOW

A rug typically refers to a piece of carpet that has finished edges. Rug can be made from different processes, including knotting, weaving, stitching, felt, tufting, etc. When we look for a rug, we usually think that we need to match it to the style of the room and we pay close attention to color and pattern. For example, we classify rugs into several categories according to their design: modern, with contemporary patterns, and traditional with oriental patterns.

However, the construction of a rug makes a big difference in relation to its decorative style. This article discusses the various types of carpet-making methods and the decorative styles that they typically associate with.

Hand-knotted rugs

A hand-knotted rug is a one-of-a-kind rug that is entirely handwoven on a special loom. The making of a handmade rug is an extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming process that requires technical knowledge and expertise. It requires thousands of knots to be inserted and individually tied to the foundation of a rug. The pile of the rug is made up of these knots, and the weaving process is typically done from the bottom up.

Hand knotted rugs are famous for their exquisite beauty, exceptional durability, and fine craftsmanship technique. They are true masterpieces. Oriental, Kashmir, and Persian rugs are popular types of hand-knotted rugs. Natural materials, such as wool, silk, and cotton, are used to make these rugs. Because they are typically made in more traditional communities, such as Afghanistan or Pakistan, their design is often oriental, with classic colors. This process of rug making is used in the majority of traditional rugs.

knotted rugs are typically associated with classic decorative style or traditional style. If your home has a classic style of decoration, with wooden furniture, marble flooring, moldings, etc., and a tendency to look luxurious and expensive, you may want to invest in the purchase of a hand-knotted rug.

Woven wool rugs

Flat-woven rugs are made by hand or machine by interlacing vertical yarns (the warp) through horizontal yarns (the weft). Flat-weaves do not have a pile. Because they are not woven onto a backing, they are double-sided. Flat rugs such as Kilims and Kashan rugs are made by this type of rug construction. Woven wool rugs make a natural decoration for traditional and rustic décor. They also match well in bohemian or hippy décor style.

A few words about Kashan Rugs: Kashan rugs are a traditional Persian rug. They originate from a city in Iran that shares its namesake, Kashan. The Kashan rug designs are inspired by Islamic art and architecture and the carpets have a long history in the region. Cotton is used for the warp and weft of these rugs (The foundation fabric). Traditional Persian asymmetrical knots are used in the weaving technique—the more knots, the higher the quality. The rug pile is made of wool with a touch of silk mixed in. A typical Kashan design evolves around a central medallion, which is surrounded by dense vegetable and arabesque motifs.

Hooked rugs

Hooked rugs are created by threading loops of yarn or fabric through a mesh backing, such as burlap, linen, or rug warp. The loops are pulled through the backing material with the help of a crochet hook mounted in a handle. The yarns in different colors can create a pictorial design. Because any pattern (classic or modern) can be created using this technique, these carpets are theoretically suitable for a wide range of styles, but in general their look is cozy and casual. Because of the high pile, the rugs are fluffier than other types, giving them a cozy and rounded appearance.

Braided rugs

Braided rugs are made when narrow strips of cotton or synthetic fabric are braided together, and then wound around its own center to form a circular or oval rug. Braided rugs are frequently used in traditional style homes with an emphasis on Colonial Style.

Hand tufted rugs

Hand-tufted rugs are made with a tufting gun that makes creating high-quality rugs easier and much quicker than other hand-made techniques. Hand-tufting involves the following steps: First, the artisan stretches a foundation cloth on a frame. They he starts to shoot yarn loops from the back to the front using a tufting gun. Once he finish the front surface he shave the loops to create an even surface. Skilled artisans can also create rug designs with specialized scissors, which further complements their designs.

This rug is used in a huge range of decorating styles, from traditional to Mediterranean and to contemporary décor.

Other Types of Rug making Techniques

Needlepoint rugs

Needlepoint rugs are created by stitching on an open grid cotton fabric called a "canvas" with a sewing needle and wool yarn. Eventually, millions of individually made wool stitches cover the entire canvas, creating any kind of pattern, usually floral pattern. This technique has the flexibility of hand-stitching in making intricate patterns.

Needlepoint rugs are often associated with European and country style homes. They also match well with any vintage style. Floral patterns are ideal for romantic decoration.

Felt rugs

Felt rugs are made from wool fibers that are fused together. Wool felts when exposed to moisture, heat, and pressure. Felt has been used for centuries in both the creation of rugs and clothing. These rugs are soft to the touch and come in a variety of styles, including eclectic, formal contemporary, and rustic. Kazaks, a traditional community in central Asia, make hand-felt rugs.

Conclusions

The construction of your rug, whether hand-knotted or hand-hooked, is important: it determines not only the quality and longevity of the rug but also the look. Knowing about several rug-making methods will help you decide which rug is better for your needs and decorative style. Some rug making methods complement certain decorative styles better than others. For example, handmade, hooked rugs complement traditional decor while woven kilims match better with vintage, ethnic and traditional styles. Also, the color and the pattern play an important role in the look of the rug. So even in the minimalist Scandinavian style, one can find modern woven kilims with bold colors.

Today, most rug making is done industrially. Machine-making techniques have not only lowered the cost of rugs, but have also allowed designers to produce more original and experimental designs. Electric loom machines, often controlled by computers, can now apply all weaving techniques and create woven, hooked, and tufted rugs in a fraction of the time of handmade techniques applied by skilled artisans. Automatic loom machines can a variety of intricate patterns and modern rug designers and textile designers use digital software to design patterns.