How Our Rugs Are Made
Our rugs are hand-knotted, handwoven, flatwoven or hand-tufted. Each construction has a different feel and care needs. This guide can help you choose one for your room.
| Construction | How it’s made | Feel & look | Lifespan | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-knotted | Each knot tied by hand on a vertical loom, then clipped to form the pile. | A pile with a woven foundation; texture and detail vary with the yarn and knotting. | Long-lasting with appropriate care | Living rooms and detailed designs |
| Handwoven | Yarn interlaced on a hand-operated loom, sometimes with a looped or cut pile. | Textured, structured, often natural fibers. | Depends on the material, use and care | Everyday living and bedrooms |
| Flatweave (kilim) | Woven with no pile at all. | Thin, light, often reversible. | Depends on the material, use and care | Dining rooms, kitchens, hallways, layering |
| Hand-tufted | Yarn punched through a backing with a hand tool, then sheared even. | Soft, plush, bold designs. | Depends on the pile and backing, use and care | Bedrooms, lower-traffic rooms |
Materials
- Wool — a resilient fibre with a comfortable feel. Some wool rugs shed at first; follow the care advice for your rug.
- Wool & silk — silk adds sheen and fine detail. Best in lower-traffic rooms.
- Jute & hemp — strong, earthy plant fibers. Keep away from water and damp floors.
- Cotton & recycled cotton — often used in lighter flatweaves. Check the rug’s care instructions before washing.
Frequently asked
How can I tell a hand-knotted rug from a machine-made one?
The reverse can help: a hand-knotted rug usually shows individual knots and the design through its foundation. Fringe alone is not proof. Check the construction details or ask us to explain the rug you’re considering.
Why do handmade rugs cost more?
Hand-knotted rugs take skilled work, with each knot tied by hand. The price also reflects the material, size and complexity of the design.
Shop by weave
Choose the construction for the room
Should I choose hand-knotted or hand-tufted?
Compare the actual rug’s fibre, backing, pile and care needs. Hand-knotted rugs are tied knot by knot; hand-tufted rugs use a backing and a hand tool. Neither label alone tells you the right choice for your room.
Where can I compare the designs?
Browse the hand-knotted, handwoven and flatweave collections, then check product-specific details. Ask us about the feel, sizing or sample options for any rug you are considering.
Need a different size?
Tell us the rug you like and the size you need. We’ll confirm what can be made, the price and the estimated shipping date before you decide.
