There are several different styles of rugs, and each type has its pros and cons. There are various factors and characteristics that people look for when shopping for a new rug. These include quality, durability, color, size, cost, design, ease of care, and how long it will last. For those seeking out a timeless rug that checks all of those boxes and will last as long as you need, a hand-knotted rug is an ideal choice.
Hand-knotted rugs date back thousands of years and are considered traditional masterpieces. The craftsmanship and dedication that go into each rug are hard to find anywhere else. The process is intricate and intensive, which is obvious in the high-quality, end product. When someone purchases a hand-knotted rug, they get what they pay for, which is a gorgeous, long-lasting work of art.
History of The Hand-Knotted Rug
Hand-knotted rugs have been around for thousands of years. A little trivia fact for you: the oldest, in-tact rug that has ever been found was during an archeological dig in Siberia. It is called the Pazyryk Carpet, which was carbon tested and determined to be from 500 B.C. Historically, these rugs were used for functional purposes to survive in cold climates. Over time, hand-knotted rugs were looked upon as a symbol of prestige, wealth, and luxury. Palaces adorned them on walls, kings were given them as gifts, and they were used in lavish ceremonies and spiritual customs.
Eventually, the Persian Empire passed on its rug-making knowledge and skill to others, which migrated toward East Africa and India. Today, you can see both Asian and African influence when you come across a traditional handmade, Moroccan hand-knotted rug. Artisans across the world have learned the true style of creating a hand-knotted masterpiece and continue to pass down the skill to the next generation.
How are Hand-Knotted Rugs Made?
Hand-knotted rugs were traditionally made from wool or silk, which is still true today. Of course, it is quite possible to stumble upon a manufactured, synthetic-fiber rug; however, buying one with natural fibers is best to ensure you get the quality and durability that only wool and silk can afford.
When hand-knotted rugs are customarily made by hand, the design is first sketched out on graph paper, which the weaver will then utilize. The wool or silk fibers are straightened and spun into a yarn then dyed in small batches. The dyed yarn is then dried in the sun and next it is prepared for the loom by winding it into balls of yarn.
Some weavers will make a digital design on a computer and follow it to know which color to use and where. The process of weaving each knot with a metal rod and loom requires patience, dexterity, and craftsmanship. In addition, the process of hand-making a hand-knotted rug is long and tedious. For example, one that is 4 x 6 feet and requires 691,200 knots to complete, with 200 knots per square inch, will take about 922 hours to make by hand. That takes quite some dedication! An experienced weaver can create up to 8,000 knots per day. The knots per square inch determine how high the quality and durability are.
Once the entire rug has been woven, hand-carving of details may occur. It is then washed, sometimes a few times, to clean it from dust and dirt and also to soften it. The rug is stretched out to dry before it is sheared to get rid of any unwanted or uneven threads. Lastly, the hand-knotted rug is bound with a needle and matching thread.
Take a couple of minutes to watch this interesting video on how hand-knotted rugs are made for stores.
Why are Hand-Knotted Rugs a Wonderful Choice?
Most people want a rug that is high in quality and long-lasting. And many will pay the extra money to have those characteristics in a rug. A hand-knotted rug can last generations if properly cared for. They are much more valuable than some other rugs, in that they are not mass-produced. Each one has been made by hand and with love.
For those who are environmentally friendly, hand-knotted rugs are free of the toxins and chemicals that typically come from factories. They also are made from natural, organic materials such as cotton, wool, and silk.
How do you spot a handmade, hand-knotted rug?
True hand-knotted rugs do not have backing; therefore, owners can flip them over and they should look the same on both sides. This is a benefit for some who want to rotate and flip their rug to preserve one side, although flipping it isn’t necessary. Another way to determine if the rug you like is made by hand or a machine is by looking at the evenness of the weaving and the knots. A machine-made rug will look perfect and even, while a handmade rug will have some uneven weaves and knots. This doesn’t make the rug bad. It simply means that someone physically put forth the time and effort to create a work of art.
Caring for a hand-knotted wool rug is not difficult. It is very similar to other rugs. It is recommended that you rotate your rug every few months.
Overall, a hand-knotted rug is a wonderful investment and will add beauty to any room.
If you’re in the market for a new one, Resonnaire Home has a wide selection of natural, elegant, and unique hand-knotted rugs.