How Are Persian Rugs Knotted?

Warps and Wefts

• When handknotting a rug, knots are tied by looping yarn around warps. Warps, usually made of cotton, are vertical, parallel strings running up and down the length of the rug. The wefts, on the other hand, are horizontal strings running across the width of the rug, over and under the warp strings and between the rows of knots. Wefts keep the knots in place and add strength and durability to the rug.

Knot Types

• Two types of hand-tied knots are common in Persian rugs: Senneh and Ghiordes. Senneh knots, also called asymmetrical, Persian or double knots, produce a finer weave and are usually used for curvilinear patterns. Ghiordes knots, also known as symmetrical, single or Turkish knots, are commonly used on geometric patterns.

Senneh Knot

• To make the Senneh (asymmetrical) knot, yarn is wrapped around only one warp strand and then looped behind the neighboring warp strand. The two ends are divided by one warp. This technique leaves only one loop or bump visible across the warp on the back of the rug.

Ghiordes Knot

• When making a Ghiordes (symmetrical) knot, the yarn is passed over two adjacent warp strands. Each end of a yarn is then wrapped behind one warp strand and brought to the surface between the two warps. Both ends emerge in the same spot. The ends are cut to form the nap or pile of the rug.

Yarns

• Persian rug weavers use a two-ply or single-strand yarn for their knots. Yarns can be made of cotton, silk or wool. A handknotted rug can be identified by flipping it over. If it has the same colorful design on its front and back, it is knotted by hand. A high knot density, or the number of knots per square inch, is an indicator of quality in handknotted rugs.