TECHNIQUE & TERMINOLOGY
We make 3 main distinctions of weaving techniques. These are Kelim, Soumak and Cut Pile. Cut pile rugs can be loosely classified into 3 styles: tribal, village or city rugs. We specialise in tribal or village pieces, which average at about 60-100 knots per square inch. Very fine wool and silk city rugs can have a knot count of 500 knots per sq inch or more.

Kelim
Kelim is the oldest of the weaving techniques, being first woven around 4000yrs ago.
Kelim is a flat woven technique and consists of a warp (vertical thread) and weft (horizontal thread). The weft, weaves back and forth, between the vertical warp threads. The pattern of a Kelim is somewhat determined by the technique. When one colour meets another, the weft is turned back on itself, leaving a gap in the rug. Because of this, 45 degree angles are typical as are zigzag or stepped patterns, which help to maintain the structure of the rug. A beautiful Kelim makes an excellent wall hanging. If they are to be placed on the floor, consider an underlay and/or low-traffic positioning.

Soumak
While also consisting of the same basic components of warp and weft, Soumak incorporates a 'supplimentary weft' which wraps the warp to define the pattern.
This creates a slightly denser rug than a Kelim, but generally not as dense as a cut pile. Weft threads are traditionally left loose and hanging at the back of the rug, which also contributes to its durability. Wrapping techniques offer the weaver additional design potential. Soumak is often used in small bags but can also be seen in large and beautiful floor rugs.
'Weft-float brocades' also fall into this cagtegory and are often used as decorative detailing in combination with other techniques.

Cut Pile
The cut pile rug also consists of a warp and weft as with the kelim, but with rows of individual knots being tied between each weft thread. The colour of the knot determines the pattern. These rugs are extremely thick, warm and hard wearing.
There are 2 main knots used in Cut pile rugs. The Turkish (or Gordies) knot and the Persian (or Senneh) knot. These knots are traditionally used in certain regions and assist with identification of the rug. The number of knots per square inch can vary greatly from 30 knots per sq. inch in a coarse tribal piece to 500 or more in a city rug.

tribal: Tribal pieces are woven by the Nomadic people of Iran and Afghanistan who tend their own flocks, spin their own wool and follow the traditional patterns of movement and lifestyle that their ancestors have followed for generations. These nomads wove their own bedding bags, saddle bags and animal trappings, none of which were originally made for sale or export. Usually the loom is simple, stretched out horizontally on the ground between 2 sticks. Their rugs were never very large and when the group moved to follow the seasons with their flocks of sheep & goats, the unfinished weaving was simply picked up and rolled away until they reached their next camp (hence the term 'up sticks and go'). This often resulted in uneven tension and crooked edges, which add to the authenticity and charm of these special pieces.

village: Village rugs are woven by people in a more settled, but still rural and remote situation. The rugs are made in the weaverÕs home, slowly over many months. The wool would be purchased in the local marketplace and the upright loom would be set up permanently in the home. These are still individual rugs, generally woven by only one person from beginning to end. The design can be slightly more sophisticated while still remaining quite geometric and angular.

city: City rugs are defined by their very high knot count and intricate pattern. These rugs are carefully planned out, woven from a cartoon supplied by an artist. Often several weavers will work on the same rug. While admiring the skill and artistry involved in these rugs, we find the tribal & village pieces far more spontaneous and exciting.

soumak