Among our inventory of Persian, Oriental, Turkish, and Modern rugs we’ll occasionally hear an interesting question. It goes something like “What is the difference between hand-tufted and hand-knotted rugs?”
After all, on our website, we have a section specifically dedicated to Hand Knotted rugs. So what is the difference exactly? Let’s first look at the characteristics of each before contrasting the differences.
What is a hand-tufted rug?
To understand this question, we first need to talk about how weavers make rugs. First, the material (we’ll use wool from here on out today) is dyed. Once the wool has the depth of color the weaver is looking for, they’ll stretch what will become the rug’s mesh backing on a frame. Then, they’ll hand-draw their chosen design on the mesh. This process applies to both hand-knotted and hand-tufted rugs.
Hand-tufted rugs use a special tool called a tufting gun. This “pushes” the wool through the backing. Next, they’ll use various methods to hold the tufts in place before finishing the design. Finally, they’ll cover the rug with a cloth backing.
What is a hand-knotted rug?
Let’s pick up the rug design process at the same point as before. In this scenario, the weaver has already dyed their wool, stretched the canvas, and drawn their design.
Weavers use their hands to pull the wool across the frame and into the design. They’ll carefully create knots using no type of mechanical assistance. Instead, each knot is hand-created, with a skilled weaver having the capacity to make as many as 10,000 knots per day.
Hand-knotted rugs often have no backing, meaning that the knot is easily visible if you flip the rug over. This process is the most common method of production in Persian, Oriental, and Turkish rugs.
So what is the difference between hand-tufted and hand-knotted rugs?
As we mentioned there is no backing on a hand-knotted rug. This is the most visually obvious difference between hand-tufted and hand-knotted rugs. The reason is simple: sometimes, the materials used to hold a tuft in place can scuff wood. Rather than take that chance, the backing is applied to protect your flooring.
Second, the most obvious difference is the method of production. The knots in a hand tufted rug are — you guessed it — created entirely with human hands. Hand-tufted rugs use the aforementioned tufting gun and another method to “hold” the tufts in place (commonly a form of glue).
The highest quality rugs for your home
When deciding on any new addition to your home, it’s always helpful to work with an expert. Our team is well-versed in all aspects of the rug industry and can help you choose which rug style is best for you.
Ready to get started? Then visit the RugSource Retail Store, conveniently located at 7215 Smith Corners Boulevard in Charlotte. Our team will gladly help you find the perfect rug for your space! And for those who live outside of the area, you can contact us via phone at 980-819-7373 or by browsing our online catalog HERE.
