Oriental rugs are renowned for their intricate designs and exceptional craftsmanship. These rugs come in various types, including knotted, tufted, and flat-woven rugs, each with unique construction methods and knot types. In this guide, we will explore the anatomy of a hand-knotted rug, the different types of knots and their usage, and how to properly count knots to determine rug quality.
A. WARP: The parallel threads running through the entire length of the rug onto which the knots are tied.
B. WEFT: The threads running across the width of the rug inserted between all the rows of knots. These threads pass through alternate warp threads. Their job is to secure the knots in parallel lines and to strengthen the fabric.
C. KNOT: The term used for a strand of wool yarn which is looped around two adjacent warp threads and then cut to form the pile (surface of carpet).
D. OVERCASTING: A simple wrapping of dyed yarn along the entire length of both sides of a handmade rug.
E. FRINGE: The visible continuation of the warp threads at both ends of the carpet.
F. KILIM: The pileless web of warp and weft between the rug's pile and the knotted fringe. This is also the name for a rug without pile.
Oriental rugs are crafted using various construction techniques. The most common types include knotted, tufted, and flat-woven rugs. Each type has distinct characteristics and methods of creation:
The type of knot used in a rug can often indicate its origin. Persian knots (asymmetrical) and Turkish knots (symmetrical) are the most common:
Counting knots on an oriental rug is essential to determine its quality and value. The process involves counting the number of knots per square inch (KPSI). Here's how to do it correctly:
Hand-tufted rugs are made using a tufting gun to insert yarn into a base fabric. This method is faster than hand-knotting and results in a rug that looks and feels similar to a hand-knotted rug but at a lower cost. The construction steps are as follows:
Flat-woven rugs have no pile and are made by weaving the warp and weft threads together. They are lightweight, reversible, and typically less expensive than knotted rugs. Common methods for changing colors in flat-woven rugs include:
Quality grading systems for handmade rugs vary by country. The most common measure is Knots Per Square Inch (KPSI), which indicates the density and quality of the rug. Here are the general KPSI ranges:
Higher knot counts typically result in greater intricacy and clarity of design, as well as higher value and durability.
By now, you should be ready to apply these systems to real rugs. While learning to count knots correctly can be challenging, it is crucial for assessing a rug's quality. Remember that Indian, Chinese, and Persian design Pakistani rugs show each knot only once, while Pakistan Bokhara rugs show each knot twice.