Everything You Should Know About Hand Knotted Area Rugs
Traditional hand-knotted rugs are some of the most beautiful pieces of home décor. Still, they’re often overlooked in favor of machine-made rugs or flat-weave rugs. To understand why people should choose hand knotted area rugs over other kinds, it’s important to get an overview of what these rugs have to offer. From their aesthetic value to their ability to add comfort and texture to your room these handmade area rugs are the real deals!
Hand and knotted area rugs are not only a work of art, but they will last a long time too. If you want an investment piece that will stand out and last, then consider buying a hand knotted area rug. The first step to buying a hand knotted area rug is to understand what it is and how to spot a quality piece.
Check out this guide to have all the information about traditional hand knotted area rugs.
What are the hand knotted rugs?
Expert artisans create hand-knotted rugs by knotting each strand of yarn into place with painstaking detail. This particular way of hand-knitting a rug is in use since ancient times, originating in ancient region of Persia. In most cases, the most forms of ancient rugs use this method of hand-weaving. Among the most popular hand knotted wool rugs are Kashmir, Persian, and Oriental rugs.
These hand-knotted rugs typically use natural materials like cotton, silk, wool, or a mix of different materials. High-quality material and an intricate weaving method contribute to the rug's impressive durability. Besides, wool is a standard material for hand-knotted rugs. Often, weavers use a blend of imported wool with local wool to give it strength and texture.
Also, the occasional incorporation of silk gives a nice shine to the traditional hand-knotted rugs. While its cost is high and it isn't durable, it is often just an accent for the rug’s pile. On the other hand, cotton forms the foundation and gives a natural texture to the design. The wool, cotton, and silk carpets resist everyday wear and tear. These resilient carpets are perfect for areas with high foot traffic.
Are hand knotted and hand-tufted rugs the same?
No, hand-knotted rugs are not the same as hand-tufted rugs. Hand-knotted rugs are often the most valuable and expensive rugs available on the market. Although hand-tufted rugs can be just as beautiful as hand-knotted ones, there are several key differences between the two that separate them from each other and make them distinctive.
Moreover, making hand-knotted rugs is a difficult and painstaking process that takes expertise and physical effort. Weavers tie individual weft loops of a mesh-like yarn to warps on a vertical weaving loom. These various knots intertwine to form the pile of the rug, while weaving typically begins from the bottom up.
Contrary to that, a hand-tufted rug is in part handmade and partly machine-made and mostly has only a wool pile on a cotton base. Producing a hand-tufted rug is different from producing a hand-knotted rug. The hand-tufted rug utilizes punching wool into a canvas that is stretched over a frame with the help of a hand-operated tool. While this process does not require nearly as much time or as much skill as hand-knotting, it does not provide the same quality results.
7 Benefits of Buying a Hand Knotted Area Rug
While they’re beautiful, hand knotted area rugs can be somewhat expensive, especially when you consider the labor that goes into weaving them. However, if you want to add that upscale touch to your decor and don’t mind paying top dollar, it might be time to invest in a hand-knotted rug. But before you run out and pick one up, take some time to consider the many benefits of buying this type of area rug. From durability to versatility, there are plenty of reasons to love hand-knotted rugs!
1. Excellent craftsmanship
Unlike most commercial rugs, skillful artisans take their time and use traditional techniques to make incredible handmade rugs. It ensures they have better quality than machine-made pieces. Plus, they look elegant without taking up too much visual space in your home or office. A passionate and hardworking artisan may have put in up to a year to produce a single rug. Larger pieces of the same type of rug might be the work of a team of artisans that put in months.
2. Durable and Lasts Longer
A hand-knotted rug is worth investing in because it will last for decades. The extensive knotting process helps create durable fibers that last longer than other types of rugs. And because they’re hand-knotted, each one is unique, adding depth and character to your home décor. A hand-knotted rug will also stand up against spills better than machine-made rugs. And with proper care and cleaning, it will serve you for decades. Plus, with its resilient materials, a hand knotted area rug will look beautiful always!
3. A valuable investment
From functional to stylish, hand-knotted rugs can serve many purposes in your home. These intricate creations come from skilled artisans using centuries-old techniques that date back to when Persia was one of Earth’s most influential centers for rug weaving. Unfortunately, affordable hand-knotted rugs are nearly wiped out by modern manufacturing processes but they’re making a comeback. With their authentic designs and durable construction, these area rugs can last for generations. So, if you’re looking for an investment that will stand out in your home and keep its value over time, consider buying a high-quality hand-knotted rug.
4. Elegant beauty
A hand-knotted rug can add an elegant and sophisticated look to any room in your home. Hand knotted wool area rugs exude luxury and elegance. Adding one to your home will give you a comfortable space for entertaining or relaxing. These rugs use natural fibers such as wool or silk, which can add texture and character to an otherwise plain room. Their high-contrast elegant patterns have rich histories that will draw eyes toward them in any space. And because they’re all unique, you’ll find something that fits with your specific style at every price point.
5. Chemical-free and environment-friendly
Not only do hand-knotted rugs come in a wide range of styles and designs to fit any room in your home, but they’re also environmentally friendly. These rugs don’t have harmful chemicals and dyes so you can trust that your new rug won’t have adverse health effects on sensitive people. Additionally, traditional hand-knotted rugs don’t require much upkeep because they are naturally stain-resistant and durable. Many manufacturers pride themselves on using natural fibers such as wool or silk to weave these heirloom pieces that will last for years to come. You can buy one of these contemporary masterpieces online at ALRUG. Remember to check out our picture gallery to explore all of the options!
Also Check: Isfahan Rugs – The Complete Buying Guide
6. Variety in patterns and styles
You can find hand knotted area rugs in any design you could want. You'll never walk into a store and find one that's identical to another in pattern or size. So, if you have more than one color palette in your house, there is no need to worry about clashing colors from room to room because each rug will have its unique colors and patterns. And since these rugs are available in almost every shape, size, and design imaginable, finding just what you want shouldn't be difficult. Rugs in traditional patterns such as floral and animal prints, as well as contemporary designs with an ethnic flair are also available. So, you can find wool hand knotted area rugs made to fit any taste and decorating style. It’s almost impossible not to find something you love if you have your heart set on an area rug!
7. Versatility in use
Hand knotted 8x10 area rugs work exceptionally as stand-alone accent pieces on top of hardwood floors or placed over neutral wall-to-wall carpets. You can even use small handmade rugs in place of traditional wall hangings in spaces like foyers and hallways to create a dramatic but versatile look. The colors in hand-knotted rugs will also match most wall colors, making them ideal choices for brightening up any room while still complementing your current decor. If you have an existing rug that needs new life breathed into it, layer a hand-knotted area rug on top of it. It is an excellent way of revamping a dull décor without having to completely replace your entire floor covering.
Useful tips for buying Hand Knotted Area Rugs
If you’re in the market for a hand-knotted area rug, make a better decision. There are some things you should know before making your purchase. First of all, hand-knotted rugs are typically more expensive than machine-made rugs of similar size and quality. However, they’re also more durable and attractive overall. Depending on the brand or retailer you choose, it can be hard to determine whether or not it’s a hand-knotted rug or is just an imitation.
Whether you’re purchasing your first hand-knotted rug or you’re ready to replace an old one, read on for some great tips on buying hand knotted area rugs.
Know the different knot types
If you’re buying a hand-knotted rug, you’ll want to make sure it is indeed hand-knotted. The handmade knots are tighter while machine-made carpets have loose weaves. Machine knots fall apart easily and they lack a handmade feel. Also, be mindful of prices as knot count determines the cost. The more expensive rugs will typically have higher knot counts. If someone is selling a hand knotted area rug at a below-average price point, be wary of its authenticity. The density of the rug pile is also important to check. Sometimes, instead of binding around two weft threads, the weaver binds around four threads. It gives a thinning look to the rug. As it takes less time to make such rugs by tying fewer knots, the rug’s value and quality are low.
Find out the authenticity of materials
There are several easy ways to ensure you’re buying an authentic hand-knotted rug. One is to look for rugs that have been made with natural materials, such as wool and silk. It’s better to try finding one that comes with a certificate of authenticity. It’s something you can ask your salesperson about when shopping. These pieces should be able to tell you their origin and manufacturers. Finding the genuineness of materials is especially important. Since these pieces usually carry a high price tag due to their quality, don’t buy without proper investigation.
Buy from reputable sellers – Come to us at ALRUG
Once you choose a pattern, style, and size for your new hand knotted area rug, it should be fairly easy to shop online. However, since most of us don’t have experience in buying rugs, we need to be more careful. So, it’s essential to educate ourselves about different types of rugs and their characteristics before venturing out.
If you’re going to buy a hand-knotted rug for the first time, be sure to go to trustworthy vendors. Ask around to find one that sells high-quality and authentic rugs. Also, remember that while synthetics may be easier and cheaper, nothing beats authentic hand knotted area rugs when it comes to performance.
At ALRUG, we have an array of original hand knotted area rugs. Contact us today to place an order!
Final thought
Hand knotted area rugs can add an instant layer of warmth and beauty to any room. However, finding an authentic handmade rug isn’t easy. These rugs can last for decades, but if your rug uses low-quality wool, your rug won’t stand up to heavy traffic. As a result, it will start looking tattered much faster than it should. So, always look for a label that specifies the origin of the rug. And, if possible, avoid buying from companies that don’t provide specific information about their rugs’ origin.
When you’re looking for a rug, it’s important to keep a few key points in mind: size, material type, quality, and style. However, hand knotted rugs need more attention to authenticity. If you understand these elements ahead of time, finding your dream hand-knotted rug will be simple and stress-free.
Happy shopping from ALRUG!