How to Recognize Handmade vs. Machine-Made Persian Rugs: Quality Insights

 Walking into a Persian Rugs store is like entering the Arabian Nights with rows and rows of stunning carpets in the most intriguing designs and colors. But not all rugs are created equal and it’s important to know how to determine the quality of a Persian Rug before making a purchase. There are several key factors that should be taken into consideration including size, design, dyes and knot count.

Handmade Persian Rugs

Hand-woven rugs are made on a vertical loom and start out with warp threads that run across the length of the rug. A series of weft threads are then passed over these warps and used to form the foundation upon which knots are tied. Then wool and cotton threads are knotted around these wefts to create the pile. This process is repeated over and over until the rug is complete. During the weaving process, there are small imperfections and variations in color that add to the beauty of a handmade Persian rug but do not lower its value.

 Symmetrical and balanced patterns

A good quality Persian rug will have a high knot count with symmetrical and balanced patterns. These rugs will also have a soft feel and will not look stiff or overly thick on the back of the rug.

Look for a rug with a natural, not harsh or chemically treated, wool and cotton. This will help the carpet stand up to wear and tear. The backing of the rug will have a pattern that mirrors the front and is not as hard and plastic-like as many machine-made carpets. If the rug is colored using only natural dyes, it will be softer and more traditional than one that is colored with chemical dyes.

 Bidjar and Heriz rugs

The most popular motifs in Persian rugs are the boteh or vine – a curvilinear figure that appears on the fields of all rugs produced throughout the "carpet belt". Herati patterns, which contain a lozenge with a floral figure at each corner surrounded by lancet-shaped leaves are often found in Bidjar and Heriz rugs. Mina Khani motifs are similar, as well as Shah Abbasi designs that appear all over rugs from Kashan, Isfahan and Mashhad.

 Be more difficult to clean properly and can attract dirt and dust easily 

Another key determining factor is whether the rug has an all-over pattern or a field that contains smaller design elements. The latter may be more difficult to clean properly and can attract dirt and dust easily because the fibers hide it so well. The best way to clean these rugs is by shaking them out periodically or using professional cleaning services.

Conclusion

Keeping your Persian Rugs clean will help protect its valuable texture and design. It’s a good idea to vacuum both sides regularly, but always use a broom with soft bristles and do not beat the rug. Also, do not brush or shake the rug on its side or it may damage it. If you do have to shake your Persian rug, find someone to help so you don’t accidentally move it out of its original position. Lastly, make sure you have the proper cleaning products to use on your Persian rug.