Both hand-knotted and hand-tufted rugs are, of course, made by hand. However, the process of crafting is quite different due to the complexity of design, skill level required, and time to complete. These unique making methods makes hand-tufted and hand-knotted rugs distinctly different in textures, appearances, and durability.
HAND-KNOTTED RUGS
Hand-knotted rugs are premium quality. These pieces are works of art, are truly stunning & resilient, creating one-of-a-kind collectable artwork. No two are exactly the same. These rugs are heirloom quality and are often passed down from generation to generation, becoming a treasured focal point of the owner’s space. They are the very definition of luxury and have an incredibly elevated aesthetic.
Hand-knotting is a time-honored art form. Using this an ancient technique, each rug is woven entirely by hand on a loom. The weaver inserts the knots into the rug and ties each by one individually. As a point of reference, many Oriental and Persian rugs are hand-knotted. Rugs made in this way have a flatter pile with less texture.
The quality of a hand-knotted rug is measured in knots per square inch. The more knots, the higher the density – and, the higher the quality. Our premium quality, the hand-knotted rugs are made in 100 knots. It takes months sometimes even years for more intricate works – of dedicated, skillful artisan to complete one rug. The time, thoughtfulness, and precise technique required to make a hand-knotted rug does give them a higher price tag than rugs made with the hand-tufted method. Our hand-knotted rugs are made in Nepal, by artisans weaving business for generations, with superior materials, Chinese mulberry silk and Tibetan wool from free range sheeps.
HAND-TUFTED RUGS
On the other hand, the process for crafting a hand-tufted rug begins by stretching a canvas backing material across a loom, and hand-punching the design into the backing. At this point, a hand-held tufting tool is used to punch the threads through in the form of the design. Similar to the hand-knotted process, these fibers are then trimmed down to a low to medium pile height that causes the design to become clear to the eye. Once this process is complete, a binding is adhered to the back of the rug to give the fibers strength.
The hand-tufting method still takes a great deal of time and skill, but isn’t quite as time-intensive and detailed as the process to create a hand-knotted rug. Our hand-tufted rugs are made in India by the most skilful artisans with 650 tufts. This is the highest grade in hand-tufting. While searching the world for the responsibly-sourced and durable fibers, we discovered that the most suitable natural materials for hand-tufting are New Zealand wool and Eucalyptus Tencel (type of silk).
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HAND KNOTTED & HAND TUFTED RUGS
How else can you recognize hand-tufted from a hand-knotted quality? The most noticeable difference is in their backing (or lack thereof). A hand-tufted rug has a supportive backing to hold the tufts in place while a hand-knotted rug looks almost identical on both sides due to the high quality of the knots..
Both hand-knotted and hand-tufted rugs can be incorporated in unique ways into different spaces. Typically, Loominarea clients select a hand-knotted, premium quality rug for prominent spaces such as a living room or master suite. For other rooms, like a child’s room, office, or hall, they may opt for a more standard quality, hand-tufted rug. This is why we offer a selection of rugs in both techniques within all of our luxury rug collections.
When selecting the technique & quality that’s right for your space, consider the longevity, aesthetic, and feel that you desire. Then, trust Loominarea’s makers to create your beautiful piece.
