How Are Oriental Rugs Made?

Explanation

• Like other types of rugs weavers use a loom to tie knots, however Oriental rugs are hand-tied directly to the foundation instead of being glued. Designs are created line by line, horizontally.

History

• Oriental rugs are normally named after the area from where the rug was made.

Time Frame

• Although normally more than one weaver works on a rug at a time, it would take one skilled weaver approximately 151 days to weave a 9-foot by 12-foot rug of average quality.

Quality

• Judge the quality of a rug by counting the number of knots per square inch. Take into consideration the density of the knots, as well as the type of dyes used.

Dye Types

• Until recently, only organic dyes were used to dye the wool in Oriental rugs. Natural dyes fade gently and may provide a desired patina.

Pattern

• The color, pattern, and kinds of animals on Oriental rugs all had cultural significance. Weaver families would commonly place things in their rugs to record family history.