Method

COMMON CONSTRUCTION METHODS

HAND-KNOTTED

Knotted weave refers to the method of weaving used in most rugs. In this technique the rug is woven by creation of knots. A short piece of yarn is tied around two neighboring warp strands creating a knot on the surface of the rug. After each row of knots is created, one or more strands of weft are passed through a complete set of warp strands. The weaving process begins at the bottom of the loom and moves upward as the horizontal rows of knots and wefts are added.

HAND-TUFTED

A hand-tufted rug is created without tying knots into the foundation, but rather by pushing wool or acrylic yarn through a primary backing, creating a …tuft…. Then, using a latex glue to hold the …tufts… in place, a rug-maker will apply a secondary foundation, or …scrim…, which is then covered by a third and final cloth backing to protect your floor.  The final step involves shearing the tops of the looped tufts to create the pile. The height of the pile is determined by how much yarn is cut off, and how far the initial loop was pushed up.

HAND-WOVEN

Hand-woven area rugs are made on a cottage loom that is operated by hand. The warps are set on the loom frame and the weft is physically woven over the warp using shuttles. It is further enhanced by utilizing handlooms, which has limitations but, is quite faster.

FLAT WEAVE

Flat weave refers to a technique of weaving where no knots are used in the weave. The warp strands are used as the foundation and the weft stands are used as both part of the foundation and in creating the patterns. The weft strands are simply passed (woven) through the warp strands.

MACHINE-MADE

Machine-made rugs are woven on power looms operated either by machine or computer. Once design and colors are determined, a computer card is created which tells the computer which size and color rug it needs to produce. The loom is strung with a warp of jute, or sometimes cotton. The rug is then woven using wool, nylon, polypropylene, olefin, or another suitable yarn.

HOOKED RUGS

Traditional rug hooking is possible by pulling loop of yarn or fabric to a still woven base made of jute or natural fibers. Loops are pulled through a cotton backing material by using a crochet-type hook. Therefore, latch-hooking uses a hinged hood to form a knotted pile from a short piece of yarn.  Hooked rugs are naturally constructed in a round shape, and it is believe hand hooked rugs first appeared in North America – Main New Hampshire in the eighteenth century.

BRAIDED RUGS

Braided rugs belong to the hand-made rug family. Braided rugs are made by mixing traditional craftsmanship, affordability and lately have become a symbol of trendiness for your home. Braided rugs come in a variety of sizes, colors and styles. Braided rugs are classified from traditional to contemporary because of their bold and rich colors. Braiding techniques are known for being around for centuries. Braided rugs are often symbolized as rustic and classic, many of them are made by mixing different materials such as jute, wool and synthetics such as polyester. 

KILIM RUGS

Kilim rugs are created by interweaving wefts and warps, hence creating what many people know as a flatweave. They are considered by many as oriental rugs, but kilim rugs have a category of their own, since they do not have a pile like standard area rugs. Not having a pile like regular oriental rugs gives the impression that they might be reversible, but they are not. Kilim rugs are believed to be originated in Iran and parts of Turkey, but their origin is still a mystery. Kilim rugs are still as popular as they were 100 years ago and they will continue to be popular thanks to their great appeal and durability.