Manufacturing Guides
Hand Knotted Carpet Manufacturing Process
Hand knotting is the oldest and most revered carpet construction — a single rug can contain hundreds of thousands of individually tied knots and take months to complete. Here is how heirloom hand knotted carpets are made.
1. Design Graph (Naqsha)
The design is charted onto a knot-by-knot graph called a naqsha, which guides weavers on the colour of every single knot. Yarns — wool, silk or blends — are dyed to match.
2. Loom Warping
Vertical cotton or silk warp threads are strung tightly on a loom. These form the foundation onto which knots are tied. The fineness of the warp influences achievable knot density.
3. Hand Knotting
Master weavers tie each knot by hand around the warp threads, row by row, following the naqsha. Knot density (KPSI) — from 40 to 300+ — determines detail and value. This is the most time-intensive stage, often spanning months.
4. Shearing, Washing & Finishing
Once knotting is complete, the pile is clipped level, the rug is hand-washed to bring out lustre, stretched flat, and the edges and fringes are finished. Final inspection confirms it matches the design.
Key Takeaways
- Each knot is tied by hand — a fine rug can take months and contain 100,000s of knots.
- Knot density (KPSI) is the key indicator of detail and value.
- Silk and wool-silk constructions enable the finest, most valuable pieces.
- A well-made hand knotted carpet can last generations and appreciate in value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a hand knotted carpet take to make?+
From several weeks to many months depending on size and knot density. A fine silk rug at 200+ KPSI represents thousands of hours of skilled work.
Why are hand knotted carpets expensive?+
Because each knot is tied individually by skilled weavers over a long period, using premium natural fibres. The labour and materials make them an investment that often appreciates.
What knot density should I choose?+
40–80 KPSI for durable wool pieces; 100–150 for refined wool/wool-silk; 200–300+ for fine silk. We help balance detail, budget and use.
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