How Persian Carpets Are Made: A Step-by-Step Guide

Persasian carpets are known around the globe for their art which is a mix of beauty, durability and culture. Each carpet is a result of a few hundred years of tradition, skill and patience which is why they go beyond just decorative items. By looking at the creation of these masterpieces we see the reason for which they are so greatly valued and that they stand the test of time.

Selecting the Materials

The journey of a Persian carpets begin with choosing high-quality materials. Wool which is known for its durability and warmth is the primary fiber we use, silk which brings a finer more detailed element to the design also is a key material we work with. Cotton forms the base of our carpets which in turn gives them structure and stability. The quality of the materials we use plays a great role in the end product's feel, how long it will last and how it looks.

Preparing the Yarn

After sorting the fibers they are cleaned and put through the spinning process. In the past this was done by hand which in turn allowed artisans to control thickness and consistency. Hand spun yarn has a special character which machine spun yarn does not  it also plays a role in the authentic look of Handmade Carpets.

Natural Dyeing

In the case of Persian carpet production one of the key elements is the dyeing process. We see that natural dyes which are obtained from plants, roots, minerals and insects. Madder root we see to be a source of rich reds, indigo is used for deep blues and walnut hulls for earthy browns. What is also very -- these dyes age well and over time develop a great patina instead of fading.

Designing the Pattern

Before a weaver starts work they first create a design. That design is very different in character and is informed by the geography, history and culture. In to the mix go many types of Persian rugs which include floral, geometric, medallion, and tribal which each have the tale of their native region within them.

Setting Up the Loom

In the past the loom was the first step which involved stretching out the warp threads which would become the base of the carpet  this was very precise work which the weaver had to do as the alignment of the warp threads which at the end determined the carpet’s structure and which also included it’s symmetry. In what is today’s Persian workshops that practice still is very much in use and in fact vertical looms are what they mostly use especially for large and more complex designs.

Knotting the Carpet

Weave is done by which we tie individual knots to the warp threads. In the case of the Persian (Senneh) knot we see wide use because it does allow for fine detail and high knot density. After each row of knots we insert weft threads which we then press down tight. This labor intensive process which may extend over months or even years we see in carps of large size and greater complexity.

Finishing Touches

Once the weaving is complete the carpet is trimmed to even out the pile. Also it is put through a very thorough wash to remove impurities which in turn brings out the true color vibrancy. We do a final check that the quality and craft meet what is expected of Persian Rugs and Carpets.

From the raw fiber to the finished heirloom the creation of a Persian carpet is a which transforms skill, tradition and patience into lasting art.