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How are hand-knotted rugs made?

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floor covering Axminster carpet, late 18th or early 19th century.

Hand-knotted rugs are crafted on a loom using a foundation of vertical warp yarns and horizontal weft yarns. The process involves tying individual pile yarns around the warp threads to create a tufted surface.1

The construction follows these steps:
* Knotting: Weavers tie rows of knots to form a pattern. Common techniques include the Turkish (symmetrical) knot and the Persian (asymmetrical) knot.1
* Securing: After each row of knots is tied, weft yarns are inserted and beaten down firmly against the knots using a heavy, malletlike comb to ensure the pile is secure.12
* Finishing: Once the weaving is complete, the pile ends are sheared to an even height, which can range from short to an inch long depending on the rug's style.1

The density of the knots determines the detail and quality of the design, with expert execution being essential for intricate patterns. A single weaver may complete thousands of knots per day, often requiring weeks or months to finish a complex carpet.12