Rugmaking

Rugmaking refers to the craft of producing floor coverings by weaving, knotting, tufting, braiding, or flat weaving. Rugs and carpets may be handmade or machine-made and use fibers such as wool, cotton, silk, or synthetic blends. The term rug is often used for smaller mats, while carpet denotes larger floor coverings, though usage varies by region.

Rugmaking has ancient roots in the Near East, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, where nomadic weavers developed pile and flat-weave techniques. Persian and Anatolian traditions produced intricate knotted carpets, while Turkish kilims represent geometric flat-weave patterns. The rise of industrial looms in the 19th century expanded production, and today rug centers are found in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and North America.

Techniques range from hand-knotting to flat-weave and modern tufting. The main knot types are Persian (Senneh) and Turkish (Ghiordes), used to form dense piles and patterns. Flat-weave, as in kilims, omits a pile. Materials include wool, cotton, silk, and blends; synthetics such as nylon and polypropylene are common in machine-made rugs. Dyes span natural to synthetic, and finishing includes washing, shearing, trimming, and backing.

Handmade rugs reflect regional motifs and artisanal practices, while machine-made rugs emphasize mass production and standardized designs. Quality factors include knot density, material quality, weave consistency, and finish. Care involves regular vacuuming with care for fibers, avoiding harsh sun, rotating to prevent fading, and professional cleaning for stains. Restoration and fragility vary by material, with wool and silk requiring careful handling.

Today, rugmaking combines traditional craft with industrial methods. Computer-aided design and automated looms enable precise repeats and large-scale production, while many studios preserve traditional hand-weaving and restoration techniques. Rugs play a functional and cultural role in homes, architecture, and heritage contexts, with ongoing attention to sustainability, fair labor practices, and conservation.