How are knotted rugs made?

Creating knotted rugs is a process that requires patience, a precise technique, and a lot of creativity. Each hand-tied knot is distinct, resulting in a unique piece. If you've ever wondered how these rugs are created or were curious, in this article we tell you all about them: how to make knotted rugs, the basic materials you need, and the most common techniques for weaving them. Keep reading!

What are knotted rugs and why are they so popular?

Knotted rugs are textiles created using the technique of tying each strand of yarn one by one onto a warp and weft base. This method of creating a rug requires a certain skill, although there are simpler techniques you can use if you're just starting out. What makes these rugs special is not only their artisanal manufacturing process but also the great durability they offer in the long term. A well-made knotted rug can withstand many years of intensive use.

These rugs have become so popular thanks to their decorative versatility. You can create geometric, floral, abstract designs, or even recreate images, all depending on your imagination and skill. Furthermore, the creation process gives you total control over the colors, pile density, and final texture, which means you can completely adapt the rug to your tastes.

Materials for making a knotted rug

Choosing the right materials is necessary to get a good result. We recommend using materials that suit your experience level, the intended use of the rug, and, of course, your budget.

• Warp and Weft: The base of every knotted rug is composed of warp and weft threads. If this is your first time creating a knotted rug, we recommend using good quality cotton, as it is durable, easy to work with, and economical. The warp threads must be especially strong because their function is to support all the tension during the knotting process.

• Yarn: Wool is the most used material, as it is easy to work with, better hides errors, and offers great durability. Look for merino wool or New Zealand wool, which have the right texture and resilience.

• Tools: You will need a rug mesh, a knotting hook, sharp scissors to cut the pile evenly, a metal comb to compact the rows of knots, and a ruler or square to make the edges straight.

• Other materials: Don't forget graph paper to design patterns, colored pencils to plan color combinations, and markers to mark sections on the loom. It is also useful to have a lamp with good lighting nearby to make your work easier and prevent eye strain.

Step-by-step to make a knotted rug

Below we tell you how you can create a knotted rug in phases:

Planning and design

Dedicate time to planning what your rug will be like: colors, design, size, or the place where you are going to put it and how it might fit into that space. The most recommended thing is to start with a small project, approximately 60 x 90 centimeters. Design the pattern on graph paper. This will allow you to visualize the final result and calculate the necessary amount of material.

Loom preparation

Mount the warp on your loom, making sure the threads are well-tensioned. The separation between threads should be uniform, between 2 and 4 millimeters depending on the thickness of the yarn you use for the knots. A poorly prepared warp can ruin the entire project, so take your time at this stage. However, if you want to start with something simpler without the need for a loom, you can create a hand-knotted rug. For this, we recommend having your base, colored yarns, and crochet needles as well as the guide with the design to follow.

Start of knotting

Start from the bottom of the loom and work your way up, row by row. Each row must be completely finished before moving on to the next one. Use your pattern as a guide, but don't obsess over achieving absolute perfection in your first projects. Consistency is more important than technical perfection when you are learning. In the case of hand-knotted rugs with a needle, it is essential that you follow the guide to the letter. This is a squared pattern that you must use as a reference to make the rug. Each square of the pattern corresponds to a space on the base where the knots will be made. Pay attention to the indicated colors as this facilitates the process, ensuring the final result matches the guide.

Knotting technique

Take a strand of yarn of the right size, generally double the desired pile length, leaving a margin to tie the knot. Pass it around two warp threads, following the type of knot you have chosen. Pull firmly to secure the knot, but without tightening excessively so as not to deform the base.

For hand-knotted rugs, you must insert the needle through a small square of the mesh, placing a folded strip of wool in the hook. Then pull it back through the hole in the mesh so that the rug knot is completely attached to the base. Follow the process knot by knot until the design is finished.

Compaction and uniformity

After weaving each row or every few rows, use the metal comb to compact the knots downwards. This gives the rug a uniform density and prevents empty spaces from forming.

Cutting and leveling

Once the knotting is finished, the cutting process begins to level the rug pile. Use sharp scissors and work little by little, cutting gradually until you reach the desired height. This process requires patience, as it is easy to cut too much, and if you make a mistake, there is no going back.

How to make a knotted rug at home

Creating your knotted rug at home requires some considerations, but it is perfectly possible with the right preparation.

• Adequacy of the workspace: You need a well-lit area where you can comfortably leave your materials. A room with natural light is ideal, but make sure you also have good artificial lighting to work during hours of less light.

• Work at your own pace: Working at home gives you the flexibility to progress at your own pace. The most important thing is to be consistent and establish a routine, even if it's just 30 minutes a day, as this way of working will help you achieve the expected result without frustration.

• Workspace organization: Organize your wool by colors in transparent boxes or bags to avoid tangles and facilitate choice during the knotting phase. Keep scissors and tools in one place to not lose them and have them always at hand. A utility cart with wheels can be very useful for keeping everything organized.

• Workspace cleaning: The knotting process and especially the cutting generate small fibers that can accumulate in the work area. Regularly vacuum the space so that these residues do not accumulate.

Most used knot types

The knotting technique is everything when it comes to creating a knotted rug, and knowing the different types of knots will allow you to choose the most suitable one for each rug.

• Turkish knot (Ghiordes knot): This is probably the most versatile and easiest knot to use when you are starting. It is performed by passing the yarn around two adjacent warp threads, bringing both ends up, and pulling to secure. It offers a uniform surface and is relatively easy to master. The resulting rug has good resistance to wear and allows for creating designs with a lot of detail.

• Persian knot (Senneh knot): Slightly more complex than the Turkish one, this knot passes around one warp thread and under the adjacent one, with one of the ends emerging between the two threads. It produces a slightly different texture and allows for a higher density of knots, which results in finer designs.

• Spanish or single-strand knot: Its use is not as common but it is useful in certain applications. This knot is made around a single warp thread. It produces a more open texture and is mainly used in kilim rugs or in sections of the rug where a particular effect is sought.

Alternatives to knotted rugs

Although knotted rugs are extraordinary, not everyone has the time, patience, or resources to make them by hand. That is why from Atticgo we want to give you our particular recommendation for other rugs that, although not exactly like knotted rugs, also have a special charm:

If you are looking for the appearance and texture of a knotted rug, short pile rugs are a good alternative. These pieces perfectly recreate the feel of a knotted rug and are available in multiple styles, from abstract and geometric designs to vintage and Berber patterns. You will find them in materials like polypropylene and polyester, which are very durable and easy to maintain.

Kilim rugs are an excellent alternative if you are attracted to oriental and ethnic designs. Although they are woven instead of knotted, they offer attractive patterns and a unique texture. They are perfect if you appreciate the work behind a knotted rug but prefer easier maintenance.

If the handmade aspect is what most attracts you to knotted rugs, you can choose one of our jute rugs with interesting textures that can offer that artisanal feel you are looking for, especially in boho or Nordic styles. If what you are looking for is that soft and cozy texture characteristic of knotted rugs, long pile rugs are perfect. They are available in neutral colors like beige, grays, and whites, as well as in bolder tones, and provide that premium feel underfoot.

Now you know how to create a knotted rug. The important thing is to start, experiment, and, above all, enjoy the process. Every home needs those details that make it special, and a good rug can be exactly that if you do it with Atticgo.