If you’ve been rug shopping recently, you’ve undoubtedly come across Kilim rugs. These attractive flatweave rugs don’t just have beautiful designs; they also have an intriguing history.
Keep reading to find out where Kilim rugs are made and what distinguishes them from alternative styles.
What does Kilim mean?
Kilim is a Turkish word that is used to describe a pileless rug with many potential purposes that has a specific heritage. Kilims are often included under the more general banner of “Oriental rugs,” although they have many features that distinguish them from other rugs in this category.
Where do Kilims come from?
Kilim rugs are made using a technique that is practiced in a specific geographical area.
This area includes Turkey, North Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, China, and Central Asia as well as the Balkans and the Caucasus, where traditional Kilim carpets are commonly manufactured.
How are Kilim rugs made?
Kilim carpets are made using looms. Short strands are knotted onto warps and held together by tightly-pressed, interwoven wefts. The end product is a flatweave rug.
The technique used to create these rugs is known as “slitweave.” This is because a gap (or slit) is left between different blocks of color before the weft is returned around the last warp.
The warp is completely covered by weft, and diagonal patterns are favored because this keeps the structure of the rug strong.
What materials are used to create a Kilim?
Wool is the most common material used to create a Kilim carpet. This is because it’s durable and easy to manipulate. It also takes on natural dyes well.
In Kilim-making regions, wool is plentiful. It’s a material that’s easy to access. Merino sheep wool is especially sought-after due to its inherent shine; however, domestic sheep provide most of the fleece that later becomes Kilim carpets.
Cotton is regularly used in warps, and to a lesser degree, animal hair may also be used in the manufacturing process of these pieces. Flatweave rugs made from lustrous natural silk are rare and considered especially valuable due to their softness.
What do Kilim rugs look like?
Kilim carpets often feature bold, geometric patterns, although floral designs may be included too.
The motifs you find on Kilim carpets are often based on ancient symbols that were once used to communicate.
Kilim carpets can carry mythical significance due to the integration of these meaningful symbols.
How are Kilim rugs used?
Because these rugs are flat (so easy to move), they can be used in a range of ways. Of course, they can be used as rugs, but they may also be sofa coverings or hung on the wall as decoration. Their versatility is another feature that distinguishes Kilims from other rugs.
Where can you buy Kilim rugs?
If you’re interested in buying an authentic Kilim rug, make sure you shop with a reputable vendor like Rug Source. We offer a vast selection of Kilim rugs to choose from, and their quality is guaranteed.
Read our other blog posts on Kilim Rugs:
- https://rugsource.com/what-is-a-kilim-rug/
- https://rugsource.com/the-comprehensive-guide-to-kilim-rugs/
- https://rugsource.com/tips-for-placing-hanging-and-storing-kilim-rugs/
- https://rugsource.com/how-to-clean-a-kilim-rug-at-home/
- https://rugsource.com/how-to-repair-edges-of-kilim-rug/
- https://rugsource.com/what-makes-a-rug-kilim/
- https://rugsource.com/which-country-makes-the-best-kilim-rugs/
- https://rugsource.com/three-tips-to-teach-you-how-to-repair-the-edges-of-a-kilim-rug/
