Often, carpets differ in weave styles. But, you may not be aware as which rug making method is used in production of a particular carpet. There are 6 major ways of making rugs. Here is an info graphic explaining the 6 basic rug making techniques.

• Hand Knotted

The yarn is stretched over a loom in a vertical manner (warps). It also includes similar rows of threads (wefts). The artisans start tying knots around the wefts and continue to make the entire carpet. Patterns are made on the rug through different knotting techniques. Persian and Tibetan style are two major knot styles.

• Hand Hooked

On the loom frame, the yarn is stretched. Required design is stenciled on the surface of this yarn. The weaver uses a tool that has a needlepoint shaped like a hook. Artisan pulls the thread to create loops on the frame. This creates a pattern on the carpet. A series of such looped structures completes the pile of the rug. Final touch to the carpet is given by adding a backing.

• Hand Tufted

After the artisan stretches threads over the frame, he or she uses gun shaped tufting tool to punch hooks or knots around rows of yarn. These carpets possess cut pile. These look fine and are durable too. Tufts on the frame of rug can be drawn with needle tool as well. Shearing and edging are final touches to the carpet.

• Flat Weave

As the name suggests, this kind of woven rug does not possess the complex structure of wefts and warps. Plain weave of yarn is passed over the other pile. Thus, the carpet looks thin but has high quality. So, there is a separate set of warps and wefts. This technique does not interlace thread to create any knot or loop.

• Braided

This is one of the simplest ways of making a carpet. Braided rugs use more than two strands of thread. These carpets can be constructed at home. The first strand goes under the other. The second step involves pulling the other free strand over the next thread. A dense network of these intertwining yarn strands completes the carpet.

• Loomed

Loomed rugs are machine made. Modern loomed carpets can be completely made through machineries. This means, the artisans do not have to make the knots, tufts or hooks on the frame by hands. The frame of yarn stretches over the loom. The artisan just has to operate the needle and tools mechanically to construct these rugs.

The above-mentioned rug construction techniques are majorly followed by carpet manufacturers. Now, when you go to buy a rug, knowing the types of construction techniques used will be easier.