An Intro To The World Of Rugs
When it comes to the world of rugs, there is no denying the riveting beauty of hand knotted area rugs. Their vibrant colors and intricate designs add to interior design styles ranging from traditional to modern. They can serve as the main attraction, or play a supporting role. Before you begin browsing the magnificent Persian carpet designs that are available, there are a few things that you need to know that will help you understand what you are purchasing and to help you appreciate them even more.
What Are The Types of Knots Used To Weave A Rug?
In the world of carpet making, weavers use different types of rug knots. The type of knot used is largely based on region and culture, but this is not always the rule and you can find carpets that mimic other regions. This is especially true with more modern rugs where techniques became more uniform across regions. Before we explain the various knots you may find, let’s explain a few basics first.
First, you need to understand the terms warp and weft. The warp is the threads that run vertically on the carpet. They were tightly strung to the rug weaving loom as the carpet was being made. Sometimes, older texts will use the term “woof.” These tightly strung strings are the foundation of the carpet. They can be wool, cotton, silk, or sometimes exotic fibers. The type of warp used depends on region and what was available, affordable, or preferred by the rug weavers in local communities.
You will not see the warp threads of the carpet unless you look at the back. It is the weft that is the main attraction. The weft can either be woven in an over / under technique, tapestry woven (kilim), or consist of rows of knots. When knots are used, several rows of plain weave are used to keep them in place. Now, let’s explore the knots.
The most common type of knot is known as the Senneh, asymmetric knot, or Persian knot. It is used throughout the carpets of Iran, India, Central Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China. Each knot is worked over a pair of warp threads. The knot completely circles around one of the warp threads, but only passes behind the other. Both knot ends are visible on front side of the carpet and make up the design that you see.