The Benefits of Handmade Rugs
Handmade Rugs is crafted on a loom, which is then placed based on the exact measurements of the rug the artisan wishes to create. There are generally three different kinds of handmade rugs, and each one has its own distinctive qualities. They can be made from wool, cotton or synthetic fibers. The fibers can also be woven on looms, or they can be made into a pile by using a frame. Each kind of rug will have its own distinctive appearance and characteristics.
The cheapest kind of rug you can purchase is the genuine oriental rug, which can be made in several different ways depending on where it was crafted. In the most common way, the individual who crafts an oriental rug will wrap the wool or cotton with a rawhide thistle or wool yarn and place it on a spinning wheel to form a tight circular area rug. Often times the rug maker will use this area rug as a border in a room or around a picture to add a sense of depth and a certain look.
Another way a handmade oriental rug is crafted is by a machine. In this instance, the area rug is actually woven on a loom, but the fabric is not rolled like a typical wool rug. Instead, the area is formed into a tight spiral by passing yarns or threads through numerous turns, until the desired diameter is reached. Then the yarn or threads are turned, once more passing through the loops to form a tight spiral. Once the desired diameter is reached, the loop is turned once more to form the final diameter of the handmade rug.
Woven rugs have the benefit of being able to be machine made if the artisan so chooses. However, there are many traditionalists who still prefer the handmade rug because of the time and effort that go into the weaving process. Many of these people choose to use traditional materials such as animal skins or wool for their rugs. While these materials have long been considered the “in thing” long before machine made rugs were ever manufactured, they still are among the most sought after materials for handmade rugs.
While there are many different types of knots used in the construction of a handmade rug, three of the most common knots used are weft (either loose or tight), back and forth, and overstretch. Weft knots are usually considered to be the most desirable, especially for beginners. Because these knots are very tightly joined, they have the added benefit of increasing the density and softness of the carpet. Overstitch is usually considered a “tugger” knot; while it is similar to the regular overstretch, it has a loop at one end that pulls slightly taut when pulled through the other end of the rug. An overstretch produces a rug that has a sleeker, softer look and feel.
For those individuals who are seeking an elegant, durable piece of handmade art, there is no better choice than a handcrafted rug. With hundreds of styles and materials available, the sky is literally the limit when it comes to creating your own unique handmade rugs. Even if you are not particularly artistic, you can still create a beautiful handmade rug that will be cherished for many years to come. With the prices of synthetic rubbers rising, the appeal of buying a quality handmade rug is growing. Go ahead and invest in your future by starting a new tradition with a well-made rug.
