This is why all of our rugs are made using the traditional centuries-old method of hand knotting. This results in a superior product that is easy to clean and maintain, and is so robust it can give a lifetime of service.
Read our Quality Guide to find out about how other rug construction methods compare.
Whether it’s Bikaner Wool from India, Gazni Wool from Afghanistan or Himalayan Wool from Nepal, we use wools rich in lanolin, making them extremely soft and naturally resistant to liquid stains. Once the fleeces are sheared, the wool is sorted and hand carded. This process involves combing the wool between two paddles to clean and organise the fibres.
This method creates yarn of slightly different thickness, which will add character to the rug during the hand knotting process. It is then dyed in a vat of boiling water, turned by a wheel for up to 7 days. The wool is then spun for a second time to ensure the wool is in the best possible condition for knotting.
A full size coloured graph drawing of the design is hung from the top of the loom. Then a piece of wool is taken and knotted around each warp thread in turn using a metal rod. Once a line has been completed, a weft thread is woven across to hold the knots in place. The looms have on average, four people working on them. Knotting a rug can take 3-9 months depending on its size, knot count and design.
This removes any dust or excess wool that has become trapped in the pile. Gallons of recycled water is poured onto the rug and the pile is pushed in one direction using large paddles. It is then stretched on a rack to dry in the sun.
At this stage, the rug is transformed from a thick and shaggy texture to a uniform finish with a defined design. After the initial clipping, the rug may be cut to varying pile heights or be carved around specific design features. Finally, the fringes of the rug are trimmed, tucked underneath and hand stitched to secure.
Copyright Notice: All images are by U.Roberto Romano, courtesy of GoodWeave USA
