Understanding how a rug is made deepens appreciation for the finished piece. The process involves numerous steps, each requiring skill and attention.
Fiber Selection and Preparation
The process begins with fiber selection. We inspect raw materials for quality—consistency in texture, appropriate strength, natural color variation. Only fibers meeting our standards proceed to the next step.
Selected fibers are cleaned and prepared. Wool is washed and carded to align the fibers. Cotton is ginned and spun. Plant fibers are processed to remove unwanted material and prepare them for spinning.
Spinning
Fiber must be spun into yarn before weaving. This process twists fibers together, creating continuous strand. The amount of twist affects the yarn's properties—tighter twist creates stronger, harder yarn. Looser twist makes softer yarn.
Artisans adjust spinning based on the rug's intended use and desired texture.
Dyeing
If the rug will use colored yarn, dyeing occurs after spinning. Yarn is immersed in dye baths, then rinsed and dried. The process requires attention to temperature, time, and dye concentration to achieve consistent results.
Weaving
With yarn prepared, weaving begins. The loom is set up with warp threads. Then, row by row, the weaver creates the textile. This stage requires the most time and skill.
For hand-knotted rugs, each knot is tied individually around warp threads. For flatweave, weft threads are woven through the warp in patterns that create the design.
Finishing
Once weaving is complete, the rug is removed from the loom. Edges are secured. Any excess material is trimmed. The rug is washed to remove oils and set the weave.
Finally, the rug is inspected. Any irregularities are corrected. Only pieces meeting our quality standards receive the Kapetto name.
"Each piece takes weeks to complete, ensuring exceptional quality and attention to detail."
This entire process—from raw fiber to finished rug—typically takes several months. This timeline cannot be shortened without compromising quality. Patient, skilled work creates textiles meant to last generations.
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