Rug weaving takes an enormous amount of patience
as every single knot is tied by hand. Knot density measures
the number of knots per square inch, which can vary from
30 to 1,000. Knot density is a good measure of carpet
quality and value. Usually the higher the knot count,
the more valuable the piece is. It takes a master weaver
many years of experience to make very small knots. A high
knot density allows for more detail and refinement of
design. To give you an idea, it takes an experienced weaver
working seven days a week, roughly two and a half years
to produce a 2m x 3m rug with 250 KPSI (knots per square
inch). The knot count per square inch is unique to each
rug. The count could range from 60 to 1400 KPSI, depending
on the material used and the skill of the weaver.
Knot density is not a very accurate measure of value for
tribal or village rugs. As nomads often produce these
rugs they do not have access to advanced tools and materials
that a master weaver in a city would. Tribal rugs have
lower knot densities, as the higher the knot density the
longer it takes to make, and since nomads migrate with
the seasons, the rugs must be finished before the next
migration or they will have to take their looms with them.
Thus, these pieces are usually evaluated for their designs
as they are often produced freehand from memory, as well
as their colours, as the dyes used are obtained from natural
materials and the fact that their lifestyle, culture and
traditions are portrayed through the rugs.
The beauty of a handknotted rug is due to the angle of
the pile (the yarn that stands up from the weave) the
rug appears to richer and deeper in colour when the rug
is viewed against be nap (the direction which the pile
of the rug faces), yet muted, radiant and lighter in tone
when viewed along the nap.
