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Making Rugs By Hand
QUALITIES & TECHNIQUES
Once materials are selected, there are many ways to
create a rug. Each technique produces a different textural
surface, from fine and flat to chunky or shaggy.
HANDKNOTTED
Perfected by artisans over hundreds of years,
the art of hand knotting is a favourite amongst
the rug-making community. This technique uses
thousands of individual knots that are tied tightly
around the warp and weft of the rug. The surface
texture and height can be adapted by using
different knotting techniques, and the size of
the knot determines the quality of the rug. The
smallest knots allow fine detail and pattern and
give exceptional durability.
HANDLOOMED
This method uses a loom and a shuttle, which
allows the craftspeople to weave much faster
while still creating a variety of surfaces. This way
of working lends itself well to plain rugs, small
scale patterns and interesting textures realised in
single colours.
HANDTUFTED
A contemporary approach that has
revolutionised the process of traditional rug
making, hand-tufting uses a hand-held tool
to pierce the canvas with the yarn to create
the pattern. This technique enables huge
creative freedom.
