Captivating Imperfections

Hand-knotted rugs, also referred to as Oriental rugs, are rugs made by hand on a specialised loom. To create the foundation of the rug, each weft is woven in and out of the warp threads over the loom. The wool or silk strands are then individually hand tied to each warp thread to create a design. Each strand is then precisely cut, carefully knotted and tightened to secure the construction. The artisan process of making a Hand-knotted rug is incredibly skilled. Because of this careful construction, Hand-knotted rugs will often last for hundreds of years often passed down as family heirlooms.
Designer Rugs see the value in preserving ancient methods of bespoke design to create high quality, long lasting rugs. Each handknot rug is truly unique unto itself, conceived in a journey through a sea of human hands weaving it into existence.
Creating rugs by hand using fine materials like Tibetan wool, silk and hemp is a highly valued art form. Each rug is artfully woven by hand – the technique remains practically unchanged over many centuries – and uses traditional methods in the service of contemporary design. The captivating imperfections of natural fibres and the variations of the human touch are present in every step of the process, the result of a commitment to promote individuality and inspiration in all of its production.

Designer Rugs has supplied hand knot rugs to some of the worlds most beautiful homes. Their selection of hand woven rugs is extensive and varied – from organic to geometric, floral to simple textures, you’re sure to find the design you need in our hand knot collections.

DYEING
Our handknot rugs start with luxurious raw materials such as wool, silk, hemp, bamboo, linen and more. A skilled dyemaster carefully mixes and tests colours to create the perfect hues for your rug. These colours can be customised to perfectly suit your home, and can range from earthy to rich and vibrant.
Once the dye is perfected, the materials for your rug are dyed and layed out to dry in the sun, then expertly spun into balls ready to be woven.

HANDKNOTTING
The final design is hand drawn onto a guide, and hung on the loom. Each individual knot to be sown is colored-coded and provides a template for the weaver to follow – an incredibly complex roadmap that is followed by sight only.
The rug is then woven using methods that remain unchanged over thousands of years. The weavers tie a knot around each cotton thread quickly and expertly, and it can take weavers up to six months to complete a rug. Once a row is complete, it is hammered down to form a dense and durable weave then cut to create a soft pile. This intricate, artisinal process creates a rug that is incredibly strong with all the beauty of human imperfections.

WASHING AND DRYING
After spending many months on the loom, the rug is complete. It is now vigorously washed – a true testament to its strength! The rug is now dried in the sun, and then carefully measured and stretched to to make sure it has been made to the specifications required.

FINISHING AND CARVING
Lastly, its all about the details. The rug is trimmed by hand to create a smooth and even pile, or to add intricate carved detail. Carving a rug gives it a sharp three dimensional look and highlights certain areas of the design.

THE FINAL PRODUCT
The result of this awe-inspiring process is a one-of-a-kind rug. Each rug bears the characteristics of its creators, filled with the subtleties and skills of a sea of human hands and millenia of ancient weaving skills. It is a magical yet slow process, that is worth the wait – the end product is a true investment piece that can be passed down for generations.

Designer Rugs & Design Addicts sponsored collaboration.