How to Tell If a Rug Is Handmade

If you are searching for a long-lasting addition to your home, the best way to go about is by choosing a handmade vintage rug. These rugs last for a lifetime and are often even passed down through generations. Handmade rugs contain detailed artistry that is the result of year and years of practice. The craftsmanship that goes into the making of these rugs can't be replicated by any weaving machine.

Though it might seem pricy at first, a rug is an investment. When you purchase a handmade rug you can trust that it is the top quality and will last much longer than other rugs.

But how do you figure out the difference between a hand-knotted vintage rug and a machine-made one?

Luckily, we can show you exactly what to look for. Here are some of our top tips to tell the differences apart.

Signs a Vintage Rug Is Handmade:

Are the Knots in Uniform?

Don't be misled by perfection. The best way to determine if your rug is handmade is by taking a look at its underside. If the knots aren’t uniform, then you can safely conclude that there were woven by hand and that you own an authentic, hand-knotted carpet.

Weaving machines usually work precisely, leaving perfectly uniform knots. On the other hand, knots weavers make cannot be that symmetrical. So, handmade knots are easy to recognize.

Is the Fringe Sewn On?

If you’re not sure what the knots on the underside are trying to tell you, look at the vintage rug’s fringe. Does it look like a natural part of the rug? Or does it seem like it was sewn on after the carpet was finished?

The difference should be pretty noticeable even to an untrained eye.

If the fringe is a continuation of threads coming from the rug, then your carpet is most likely handmade.

The fringe of a machine-made rug is usually added after the rug is complete. Most often, it will be sewn on by the weaving machine or glued on to the carpet.

What is the Material of Your Rug?

What material is your carpet made from?

If you own a wool or a silk rug, it is most likely handmade. Other materials used in handmade rugs include cotton, fiber, and jute. In other words, if the material is natural, then your carpet is likely handmade.

What about machine-made carpets? Well, even among those, you can find a wool rug. That's not the most common material though. A majority of them are made from synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic.

Types of Handmade Rugs

With these tips in mind, you’ll have an easier time figuring out if a carpet is handmade or not.

But did you know that there are different types of handmade rugs too? Those include:

Hand-knotted rugs — Oriental rugs are typically of this kind. The craftsman does everything by hand.

Hand-tufted rugs — These rugs made with the help of a handheld tufting gun. A hand-tufted rug is less expensive but still durable.

Handwoven rugs — They don't have knots or tufts, but are woven by hand. An excellent example of this type is the kilim rug.

Aside from these main handmade rug types, there are several others you may encounter.

For instance, a handmade Persian rug is quite famous for its detailed pattern-work. Turkish rugs are another famous type and are known for their color harmony and the top-notch thread quality.