More about Hand Knotted Carpets and Rugs

Handmade art is the legacy of the future.
When it is appreciated and embraced, it is cultivated.

The primary distinction between a rug and a carpet is the size – any thing over six feet is a carpet, and anything fewer than six feet is considered a rug.  Runners are generally long and narrow and can be laid between tents or down corridors.

Patterns and colors vary from tribe to tribe and city to city.  The plush pile with floral and medallion motifs are characteristic of many “city” pieces.  Tribal and nomadic pieces can often be identified with the more common loose weaves and geometric designs.

Persian carpets or rugs generally have a nap, or pile, which causes them to feel softer to the touch. There is a clear indication of the topside and underside.  Kilims are most often of very coarse grade wool, are thin, and are designed to be rolled with ease and tied to a camel’s back.  Kilims generally have no nap or pile, and therefore are reversible.   KPSI, or “knots per square inch,” measure how many knots have been tied in one square inch.  The more knots per square inch, the finer the yarn and finer the carpet.  KPSI is used for both carpets and Kilims.

Made for practical every day use, hand crafted woolen carpets can last for generations.