Even though both hand-knotted and hand-tufted rugs are made by hand, that is where the similarity ends. The process of creating both types of rugs is different not just in complexity, but also the time it takes to create one, and the skill level required in manufacturing it.
What Is a Hand-Knotted Rug?
Hand-knotting is an ancient art used to make rugs that are masterpieces of intricate designs. A hand-knotted rug is a one-of-a-kind rug that is woven completely by hand on a special loom. Popular types of hand-knotted rugs include Oriental and Persian rugs. These rugs are made from natural materials, such as wool, silk, and cotton. They have a flatter pile with less texture.
Weaving a hand-knotted rug requires a great deal of skill and often a lot of time to produce. The quality and very often the cost of a hand-knotted rug is determined by the number of knots per square inch. In this case, a higher density means better quality.
What Is a Hand-Tufted Rug?
A hand-tufted rug is made partially by hand and partially by a mechanized tool. This type of rug is made of wool. The process for creating a hand-tufted rug differs greatly from a hand-knotted rug. A hand-tufted rug is made by punching strands of wool into a canvas that is stretched on a frame with the help of a hand-operated tool. This process is not very time-intensive and does not require the same level of skill that hand-knotting does.
When to Choose a Hand-Knotted Rug Over a Hand-Tufted Rug
Hand-knotted rugs have superior value because they are original, not mass-produced. The high quality of the knots makes a hand-knotted rug outlast a hand-tufted one. The tufts of a hand-tufted rug tend to loosen up and come out over time. A hand-knotted rug can become a family heirloom and last for generations if it is used with care. A hand-tufted rug will not last as long in the same level of condition.
If you want to buy a rug that has value beyond its use in your home decor today, look to well-made rug hand-knotted by expert artisans. A good-quality hand-knotted rug can become a collector’s item, but this doesn’t hold true for just any hand-knotted rug. There is a whole range of hand-knotted ones, from poorly made examples to exquisite ones. For example, some countries use poor-quality or highly processed wool for hand-knotted rugs. Other hand-knotted rugs may be handmade using a Jufti knot, also known as a false knot. This false knot is a way to cut corners and time from making the rug and it also lowers the quality of the carpet. It pays to learn about Persian and Turkish knots that are used to make the highest quality hand-knotted rugs.
However, if you prefer to spend less, opt for a hand-tufted rug. A hand-tufted rug costs less than a hand-knotted rug because it usually takes less time and skill to make and is thus less costly to produce. This lets the manufacturer pass those savings on to you.
Hand-tufted rugs never quite achieve heirloom status because they are not one of a kind. But they can still be beautiful to look at and make an appealing and interesting addition to your interior decor.
- Fully handmade Partially handmade
- Heirloom quality Not heirloom quality
- Months to make Short time to make
- Does not have a backing Has a backing