How are Hand-Tufted area rugs made?

Don’t be fooled. Hand-tufted area rugs can look very much like hand-knotted area rugs. They are both made by hand but are created quite differently. Hand-tufted area rugs do not require the same level of skill that a hand-knotted area rug requires when it comes to construction. Hand-tufted area rugs are crafted on a loom (loom size depends on the size of the rug) where a cloth foundation is placed and then stretched. A hand tufting tool is then used to push loops of wool through the back of the cloth that has been imprinted with the overall rug design.

Hand-tufting area rug tool

After the process with the tufting tool is completed another foundation, called a Scrim is applied with latex glue. A final protective cloth backing is applied when the latex has dried and the Scrim is secure. Hand-tufted area rugs then get finished with a final shearing step. The rug is sheared so that all of the loops on top of the rug are even and a thick pile is created.

With a hand-tufted area rug, you will not be able to see the design on the back of the rug, only the front will show the pattern. Unlike hand-knotted area rugs, there aren’t any knots to tie which in turn takes less time to make. You will find that hand-tufted area rugs generally cost less than hand-knotted rugs because they do not require as much time to make. Hand-tufted rugs will hold up in high traffic areas within the home and will last anywhere from 10-25 years, however, there is one thing you should be aware of when it comes to hand-tufted area rugs. Over time, the rug’s backing may become somewhat stiff and you might notice that the latex has started to deteriorate or that it may begin to emit a slight odor similar to that of burnt rubber. This is a known characteristic of the latex and should not be considered a defect. It should also be noted that any type of spill or accident that exposes your hand-tufted area rug to moisture may actually accelerate this process. If an accident involving moisture does occur, care should be taken immediately to dry the rug. Many people do not find the repair of a hand tufted rug to be cost effective because they are relatively inexpensive when compared to hand knotted rugs.

Pattern will not be visible from the back of the hand-tufted area rug

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How can you tell a hand knotted rug from other types?

How can you tell a hand knotted rug from other types? Easy. Take a look at the back. Go to the rug, flip a corner and check out the back of the rug, it should show the same clear pattern as the front. Another way to tell is to trust the store or online site you are purchasing from. There are several reasons why a hand knotted rug is typically more expensive than other hand made rugs. Hand knotted area rug designs are more intricate and use the most labor intensive rug weaving process today. Typically, hand knotted area rugs have a more defined and distinctive design than a hand tufted or machine made area rug because of the way they are made. Let me help you understand. 1. First, an artist draws the rug's full-scale design on a special graph paper. 2. Each square on the paper represents a "knot" of the rug. 3. Once the design is drafted, the rug is placed on a frame, called a "loom". 4. Columns of thread are stretched vertically (referred to

Don't let the dirt settle in your rug.

If you plan on investing or have already invested in a handmade decorative area rug, it is important to learn how to care for one. The beauty and quality of your area rugs can be maintained for years to come with proper care and cleaning. Most types of vacuums are fine to use on your area rugs. Be extra careful with a vacuum equipped with a power brush, as this type of brush can create a raking effect on the rug pile and weaken the knots. Vacuuming helps prevent dirt on the surface of the rug from filtering down into the pile where it can accumulate and cause increased wear. Your area rugs should be vacuumed regularly to remove dirt and grit that can settle into your rug and may damage the fibers and foundation of the rug. You may not actually see dirt on the face of your rug but trust me the dirt falls and settles into the base of the rug over time. If your area rug is in a high traffic area such as the kitchen or family room, you should be vacuuming it at least once a week.

Rotate and Enjoy!

While there are a few recommendations for maintaining your area rug, the very first rule I like to tell my customers is to ENJOY it! Since many area rugs are used in rooms that can have a specific traffic pattern, it's a good idea to rotate your rug twice a year. Rotation will equalize sunlight exposure and will also ensure that the rug wears evenly. It is also a good idea to occasionally rearrange the layout of your room to change traffic patterns across your area rug. If your area rug has been in the same room for years you most likely have one side that is much more worn than the other. Although some experts claim that you only need to rotate your rug every one to two years, we believe you should make sure to rotate your rug twice a year to ensure more uniform wear and fading on all sides. Simply fold over each corner of the rug and then rotate the rug 180 degrees.

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