Hand knotted rugs are more than just floor-covering items. They are specially identified for their traditional artistry.
Whether you are buying Kashmiri rugs, woolen rugs, or handmade runner carpets, knowing the procedure of creating hand knotted rugs helps you appreciate the art. It allows you to recognize the value, time, care, and precision involved in their making.
This comprehensive guide will describe the entire carpet-making process, from the design concept to a complete finished carpet. It will cover the source of materials, the techniques used, and the popular types of hand knotted rugs. Let’s move forward!
Understanding Hand-Knotted Rugs
If you are a carpet enthusiast, then a question definitely came to your mind how are hand knotted rugs made?
Handmade carpets are floor decorative elements that add an elegant touch to the space while reflecting the rich history of the ancient era of the territory.
A hand knotted rug is made of eco-friendly materials using the traditional technique. The carpet weaving artisans have preserved this art form from generation to generation. Using this ancient technique, they create unique, authentic, and high-quality rugs.
The Types of Hand Knotted Rugs
The rug trends in 2025 showcase that people buy handmade rugs that blend with their style & home interior, making their investment worthwhile.
Here are some common types of hand knotted rugs that are so popular all over the world. Discover these carpets including their materials and knotting technique:
Antique Carpets
Any carpets can be handmade antique carpets if they cross 100 years.
Kashmir Carpets
Kashmiri rugs are handmade Indian carpets made of pure silk using Persian-style knots.
Tribal Carpets
Tribal rugs are made of wool and sometimes camel hair using ancient tribal techniques.
Kilim Rugs
Kilim carpets are made from wool or blended with cotton using the slit-weave method.
Afghan Carpets
Afghan rugs are created using wool and sometimes silk material with Persian & Turkish knots.
Vintage Inspire Carpets
Vintage inspired rugs can be made from wool, silk, or synthetic blends, offering authentic and affordable alternatives.
Luxurious options like vintage hand knotted Persian rugs showcase timeless craftsmanship & elegance effectively.
Silk on Silk Rug
Silk on silk carpets is made of 100% pure silk and has a high knot, soft texture, and provides comfort feelings.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hand Knotted Rugs
Making an authentic carpet is a long process, from the design of the rug to the final carpet it requires precision, attention to detail, and utmost dedication.
Each rug is crafted using the traditional technique of carpet weaving which is preserved from generation to generation.
Here we have given the complete process of creating hand knotted rugs to make you understand the value of this unique craftsmanship.
Step 1 – Designing the Rug
When it comes to making the best hand knotted rugs, the first step is to create a design for it. Artisans take graph paper/paper to sketch a carpet outline on it, ensuring the final look of the carpet including types of patterns, designs, and symbols the carpet contains.
Step 2 – Selecting the Materials
The next step is to choose the materials for the carpet. The common materials used in carpets – wool (durable), silk (luxurious feel), and cotton (strong foundation). And the colors contained in the carpets are also extracted from the natural plants.
Step 3 – Preparing the Loom
Once craftsmen collect all the materials, they set up the loom to weave the rug from yarn. With warp and weft weaving, they form a pile to give the precise structure to the hand knotted rugs.
Step 4 – Knotting the Rug
Now the artisans tie each knot by hand to create detailing on the carpet. There are two common methods of knotting; Persian Knot (a single-loop knot used for fine detailing) and Turkish Knot (a double-loop knot used for more intricate detailing).
Step 5 – Weaving the Foundation
Similarly, artisans knot every row one by one with warp thread and then insert a weft thread for stability. This process continues for months or years based on the carpet size, design, and complexity.
Step 6 – Trimming and Clipping
After completing the process, artisans trim and clip the carpets to create a uniform surface, enhancing the design’s clarity and precise textures.
Step 7 – Washing and Drying
In the next step, artisans wash the hand knotted rugs many times to remove the extra dyes and fibers become softer. After washing the rug, artisans dry it in the shadow for many days to highlight its texture and shape.
Step 8 – Stretching and Finishing Touches
Now artisans stretch the carpet to maintain its final shape and give the final touches so it looks attractive, and elegant, and reflects its uniqueness.
Step 9 – Inspection and Packing
Before hand knotted rugs are ready for sale, each rug goes for the final quality check. After getting approval, the carpet supplier keeps them in their store for sale and sets a price based on dedication, time, and precision to make them.
Hand Knotted Rugs in India
India is leading the global market in the production of handmade carpets. Kashmir carpets are hand knotted rugs in India recognized worldwide for their luxurious feel, intricate details, & elegant appearance.
Many large carpet exporters in India have their artisans team and offer a range of premium and high-quality authentic handmade Kashmiri rugs.
Whether you need Kashmir silk carpets for living room, hall area, office location, embassy, or other organization space, you will get every type & size of carpets from India along with carpet-related services like carpet restoration and washing.
The Takeaway!
Carpet creation is a time-consuming process that requires patience, precision, and dedication. This makes it a worthwhile art to invest in. If you are looking to buy hand knotted rugs from India for your space, then go for Jansons Carpets.
We are a famous carpet supplier in Delhi that offers a wide variety of carpets, like Kashmiri rugs, Persian rugs, Kilim carpets, and more.
Along with this, we also offer carpet-related services, such as carpet washing services and guides to get rid of carpet beetle problems, & more.