For the production of our handknotted and handwoven rugs we use century-old techniques are a tangible connection to the rich history and cultural heritage that they embody.

By choosing hand-made rugs created using century-old techniques and natural yarns, we not only bring exceptional beauty into our homes but also contribute to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship. Supporting artisans who dedicate their lives to perfecting this ancient art form ensures the survival of these valuable techniques for generations to come. We can help sustain the livelihoods of artisans, encourage fair trade practices, and foster a greater appreciation for the artistry and cultural heritage they represent.

The art of hand-knotting rugs has been passed down through generations for centuries, creating a tradition that blends skill, precision, and creativity. This time-honored technique involves the meticulous tying of individual yarn knots onto a foundation to form a sturdy and enduring textile. It requires a mastery of intricate patterns and a deep understanding of the interplay of colors and textures. This labor-intensive method requires both patience and expertise, as a single rug can take weeks to complete.

Handmade rugs hold a distinct allure that sets them apart from their mass-produced counterparts. The intricate patterns, meticulously woven knots, and natural yarns come together to create a rug of exceptional quality and beauty. Each rug is a unique work of art, showcasing the individuality and craftsmanship of the weaver.

Handmade rugs possess the ability to transform a space, bringing warmth, color, and texture to any room. Whether adorning a traditional or contemporary setting, a hand-knotted rug adds a touch of elegance and sophistication that machine-made rugs cannot replicate

Production

By handmade we really mean handmade !

The process of making handmade rugs is meticulous and requires skilled craftsmanship. The key steps include:

Designing the Pattern: If we produce a rug or a carpet with a pattern for you, a detailed design is first created in a one on one scale on graph paper, indicating the colors and knot placements.Also when a shaped rug is made a one on one template has to be drawn to indicate the exact shape of the rug.
Selecting and Preparing the Yarn: Natural fibers like wool, silk, cactus, nettle, hemp or cotton are chosen, spun into yarn - mostly handspun in our products- and dyed by hand using natural or synthetic dyes.
Setting Up the Loom: The warp threads (vertical threads) are stretched on the loom, forming the foundation of the rug.
Making the Rugs and carpets: Skilled artisans tie individual knots around the warp threads following the design pattern. The density of knots determines the rug’s quality. the higher the density, the finer the knots and the longer the production takes. In our handknotted and handwoven rugs as sumakhs en kilims like Ourika several weavers are sitting next to eachother making each a part of the rug/carpet. Some of our qualities are woven on handpowered looms of big width again by several weavers working simultanously.
Weaving the Weft: After each row of knots, a weft thread is inserted horizontally and pressed down to secure the knots or the weaving in place.
Trimming and Shearing: Once weaving is complete, the rug is trimmed to create an even surface in case of a cut pile rug. for a cut/loop rug this takes again more time as only certain parts can be trimmed.
Washing and Stretching: The rug is washed to remove excess dye and dirt, then stretched to maintain its shape and put in the sun to dry. In this stage the cotton warp we use for most of our productions will shrink which is why there is a 5% tolerance on our rugs/carpets. All rugs/carpets are produced bigger then the ordered size as the shrinkage of the cotton base is not an exact science and will differ from rug to rug due to washing and environmental elements.
Final Finishing: Edges are reinforced by binding them by hand. If fringes are asked for they also need to be detailed before the rug is ready for sale.

Therefore production does take time...

yarn picking

Handknotted rugs and carpets

spinning

dyeing

Hand-knotting is one of the most labor-intensive and prestigious rug-making techniques. Artisans tie individual knots onto a foundation of warp threads, creating detailed patterns. The density of knots per square inch determines the rug’s durability and value.

We produce handknotted rugs using the Tibetan knot, persian knot and turkish knot to create our rugs. The pile can be a cut pile, a

loop pile or a cut&loop pile to create patterns. The warp is stretched vertically between 2 beams and the pile is knotted around these

warps. The Persian and the Turkish knot are being put one by one, the 'tibetan knot' means that pile yarns are looped around warp threads while a trapped metal rod is used to determine the thickness of the rug. The loops formed are left as they are to form a loop pile or cut with a blade to open and so becoming cut pile.

Ohter qualities as sumakh are made on a horizontal loom and come closer to handwoven rugs but still complete built up by hand without any use of a mechanical support.

Handwoven rugs and carpets

Handwoven rugs have been an essential part of home decor and cultural heritage for centuries. Crafted with intricate designs and natural materials, these rugs are known for their durability, beauty, and unique character. The art of handweaving involves various techniques and materials, each contributing to the rug’s final appearance and quality.

Different Production Types

Flatweave Rugs
Flatweave rugs, such as kilims and dhurries, are woven on a loom without knots. This technique results in lightweight, reversible rugs with bold geometric patterns. These rugs are easy to maintain and are ideal for casual and modern interiors.
Hand-Loomed Rugs
Hand-loomed rugs are created using a loom-operated process where yarns are interwoven to form a dense surface. While similar to flatweave rugs, they often have a thicker texture and additional finishing techniques like hand-carving or shearing to create depth and patterns.

Types of Looms Used in Rug Production

The loom plays a crucial role in the weaving process, determining the structure, design, and quality of the rug. Different types of looms are used based on the weaving technique and the region of production:

Vertical Loom (High-Warp Loom): Commonly used for handknotted rugs and carpets: this loom allows for intricate designs and detailed craftsmanship. It is stationary and provides stability for complex patterns.
Horizontal Loom (Low-Warp Loom): this portable loom is placed on the ground and can be easily transported. It is often used for kilims and other flatweave rugs.
Pit Loom: This traditional loom has the warp threads extending into a pit below ground level, allowing the weaver to use body weight for better tension control. It is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern rug weaving.

Braided rugs

Braiding involves interlacing strands in a diagonal pattern, weaving involves interweaving threads at right angles. we offer braided rugs in different natural materials in our Wabis Sabi collection.