Turkish rugs are a popular addition to your home decor. Whether in your living room, dining areas, or even a spare bedroom, a Turkish rug makes an excellent companion piece to your existing colors and decorations. Of course, this is because they not only look incredibly stylish but they’re also made of high-quality materials. How are Turkish rugs made exactly? Today, we’re going to walk you through the process and what makes a Turkish rug stand out from the crowd.
The materials
Of course, we first need to talk about the specific types of materials that a rug weaver will use to create a Turkish rug. The easy answer is “they use the finest materials on the market”, but let’s get specific.
First, wool is a commonly used material in a Turkish rug. Made from sheering sheep, wool is of course used in a wide variety of products, including clothing. The difference here is the quality of wool. Turkish rugs use only the highest quality wool.
Another common Turkish rug material is silk. As much of the region is near or on the old “Silk Road”, it only makes sense that the name came from somewhere. Genuine silk is unrivaled in quality which makes it a perfect option for Turkish rugs.
Finally, cotton is another popular choice for Turkish rugs. As with wool and silk, not just any cotton will do. It has to be of a grade far surpassing the cotton materials you see in an off-the-shelf shirt from your local retailer.
One final note: there is a distinct emphasis on natural dyes for color in a Turkish rug. You don’t want synthetic or artificial impurities interfering with the high-grade textiles.
The process
After procuring the right materials, the next step is to start weaving the rug. Once ready, the material of choice is rolled into a ball and then placed on a loom. The rug weaver then starts weaving the rug, creating tight knots. This process is known as the Turkish Knot, an appropriate term considering its origin. Another synonym for the Turkish Knot is double knotting or even symmetrical knotting.
Regardless of the terminology, the weaver will wrap the yarn around two sections (called “warps”), pulling it down and creating the double knot. This is different from other types of Oriental Rugs, creating a unique look and style that helps a Turkish rug stand out from its brethren.
The style
Styles and colors will vary, depending on what design or emotion the weaver wishes to convey to the buyer. Symbols are extremely common in Turkish rugs, including eyes to help ward off evil and the Yin Yang sign to demonstrate the importance of balance in one’s life.
Other options range from fertility symbols to the ever-present Phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.
How are Turkish Rugs made?
To answer that question, it’s easy. Turkish rugs are made with love and dedication! From the materials to the process to the chosen style, each decision reflects the personality and thought process of the rug weaver.
We carry a wide range of selections of Turkish rugs in virtually every color and with designs to match your home’s decor. Visit our website to see our latest selections or stop by our showroom today!
Read our other blog posts on Turkish Rugs:
