Understanding the Difference Between Hand-Knotted, Hand-Woven, and Hand-Tufted Carpets

When shopping for a handmade carpet, you might come across terms like hand-knotted, hand-woven, and hand-tufted. While all three reflect the involvement of skilled craftsmanship, they differ greatly in construction, durability, time investment, and cost. Knowing the distinction can help you choose the right carpet for your home, lifestyle, and budget.

Hand-Knotted Carpets

Hand-knotted carpets are considered the pinnacle of craftsmanship in the rug world. Each carpet is made by individually tying knots of yarn onto a foundation, often using wool or silk, on a vertical loom. The number of knots per square inch (KPSI) determines the carpet’s detail, durability, and value.

This is a highly time-intensive method—depending on the size and complexity, a single carpet can take months or even years to complete. Because of the labor and skill involved, hand-knotted rugs are often the most expensive. However, they are also extremely durable and can last for generations with proper care. Every hand-knotted rug is unique, making it a true work of art.

Key Features:

• Made by individually tying knots.

• Highest durability and lifespan.

• Unique patterns and premium materials.

• Time-consuming and expensive.

Hand-Woven Carpets

Hand-woven carpets, often referred to as flatweaves or kilims, are made by weaving threads horizontally and vertically without any knots. Since there’s no pile (the soft surface created by cut ends of knots), these rugs tend to be thinner and more lightweight.

These carpets are typically reversible and are best suited for casual areas, under dining tables, or in hallways. Although less durable than knotted carpets, they are easier to maintain and often come at a more affordable price point.

Key Features:

• No pile, made by interlacing warp and weft.

• Lightweight and usually reversible.

• Budget-friendly and good for low-traffic areas.

• Simple patterns, tribal or geometric designs.

Hand-Tufted Carpets

Hand-tufted carpets are created using a tufting gun. The artisan punches yarn into a canvas stretched on a frame, following a stencil of the design. After the design is completed, a backing is glued on to hold the tufts in place, and the surface is sheared for a smooth finish.

This method allows for intricate patterns and textures with much less time and cost compared to hand-knotting. However, the presence of glue and backing means they are less durable and may shed over time. They are ideal for decorative purposes and medium-traffic areas.

Key Features:

• Made with a tufting gun and glued backing.

• Quicker and less expensive than hand-knotting.

• Moderately durable but prone to shedding.

• Good for decorative use.

In summary, hand-knotted rugs are heirlooms, hand-woven rugs are practical and versatile, and hand-tufted rugs are decorative and cost-effective. Choose based on your priorities—be it budget, durability, or design. Expore our collection of handmade rugs on www.imperialknots.com