To an untrained eye, it may be challenging to recognize the difference between handmade rugs, machine-made rugs, hand-knotted rugs and hand-tufted rugs. In order to help you ascertain that you are purchasing an authentic handmade rug, we have put together a few quick and effective checkpoints that help you quickly and efficiently identify the differences and make an informed decision. Here are a few expert tips that will ensure that you are picking a one of a kind handmade rug.
Take a good look at the rug, front and back
One of the most classic ways of checking whether a rug is a handmade rug or not is to take a good look at both sides of the rug.If the detailing of the rug is more or less the same both on the front and the back, then it is more likely a handmade rug. When you look at the backside of handmade rugs, you will be able to identify individual knots. This is because when weavers handcraft handmade rugs, they manually insert the knots into the rug's foundation and tie each knot carefully by hand. However, in a machine-made rug, you will not be able to identify individual knots.
Check out the fringes of the rug
Another profound way of identifying a handknotted carpet is to check the fringes of the rug carefully. Check whether the fringes of the rug have been sewn in separately, or are they a part of the rug. If the fringes of the rug have been sewn in separately, then it is a sure sign that the rug is machine-made. However, if the fringes are a part of the rug, then the rug is most likely a handmade rug. In Handmade rugs, each fringe strand is an extension of the body of the rug, whereas, in machine-made oriental rugs, the sewn in fringes will not line up with the body of the rug.
Carefully examine the material of the rug
Usually, handmade rugs are made of natural fibres such as wool, silk, and cotton. When you examine the material of a rug and notice that it is made from synthetic fibres such as nylon, polyester, and artificial silk, then know that it is probably a machine-made rug.
Look for colour variations
While examining a rug, if you see slight colour variations in the colour throughout the pattern, then the rug in question is probably a handmade rug. This is because the process of making handmade rugs is entirely manual, including the process of dyeing the rugs. Natural materials used to make handmade rugs are dyed in different batches. Hence you can see the slight colour variation. However, while making machine-made rugs, the materials are usually dyed in a single batch,and thus the colours remain uniform throughout the rug.
Whether you are a premium quality rug collector or simply someone who wants to buy great quality authentic handmade rugs, check out our bespoke range of fine quality, and aesthetic handmade rugs. We guarantee that you will find just the rug that exactly matches your taste and preference. If you need more help in selecting the right rug, then do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We are always happy to help you.
Also Read: How to Clean a Rug or Carpet