How you can tell the quality of a hand-knotted rug? Knot count is one of the most important factors to look at, but it is not the end all and be-all of determining the quality of a hand-knotting rug. There are several other factors to consider as well, such as the material, knot count, and natural dyes. Read on to discover the best tips for determining the quality of a hand-knotted rug.
Knot count
The most important thing to look for in a hand-knotted rug is its material. It should be made from natural fibers, like wool, which is the most durable of all the carpet materials. Wool, which is renewable, has an antibacterial quality, and is also hypoallergenic. Silk hand-knotted rugs are especially beautiful and luxurious, but they do come at a higher price. Some dealers may even claim to sell only silk hand-knotted rugs, but that’s not necessarily true.
The knot count is another important metric. A higher knot count indicates that the rug was made by a skilled weaver. Knot counts can vary anywhere from forty knots per square inch (KSPI) to a thousand. Higher knot counts are more durable and work best with rugs that have intricate designs. Those with lower knot counts are best for geometric patterns. If you are not sure what knot count is, you can always look at the back of different rugs.
Irregularities
Irregularities are natural in any handmade rug. Some are more noticeable than others. Some rugs have dark spots where knots were re-colored with dye marker. Over time, these areas may become obscured or darken in color as surface soiling occurs. Professional cleaning can remove dirt and dye marker to bring the knots to the surface. A professional cleaner can also help color white knots, making them more visible.
Another sign of irregularity in a hand-knotted rug is fringe. Hand-knotted rugs usually feature fringe, which is often part of the warps. However, some machines sew fringe onto the rug. This can be difficult to spot, but the fringe is one of the most easily recognizable characteristics of handmade rugs. However, if the fringes are not visible, you can still tell if it’s hand-knotted.
Natural dyes
When it comes to natural dyes in hand-knotted rag rugs, you’ve got a lot of options. Plants and insects are often used to create natural dyes, which produce unique and exciting colour tones. Typically, natural dyes for rugs are made from larkspur, weld, and madder. Indigo plant leaves are also used to create enigmatic shades of blue, while henna seed is used to produce the yellowish-orange colour. And, while saffron and madder are usually found in rugs from Asia, they can also be used to dye wool.
The colors of natural dyes in hand-knotted rags vary slightly due to the way they were processed, the nature of the plant material used, and the natural variations in the yarn. This variation contributes to the depth and texture of the final carpet. Synthetic dyes, on the other hand, have no such variance. In addition to this, natural dyes are expensive, difficult to work with, and unpredictable.
Uneven knots
A hand-knotted rug is a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of decor. The technique of hand-knotting rugs uses a special loom and is a time-honored practice. These rugs are traditionally made using the same weaving process as Persian and oriental rugs, which dates back over a thousand years. Typically, the process begins at the bottom of the rug and works its way up. The weaver then inserts each knot into the foundation of the rug by hand. Despite the laborious process of hand knotting a rug, the finished piece is a gorgeous reflection of the artist’s skills.
While it may be difficult to see individual knots when a hand-knotted rug is new, they are easily hidden by the full length of the pile. Because they are different in color and material than the face fibers, these knots will become visible as foot traffic wears down the pile. Even though these imperfections may be unsightly, they are perfectly normal in Oriental rugs. A good way to spot them is by examining your rug from both sides.