Rug Glossary

Construction Terms

Hand-knotted: Each knot individually tied by hand. The most labor-intensive and durable construction.
Hand-loomed: Woven on a loom by hand. Creates consistent, flat textures.
Hand-tufted: Yarn punched through canvas backing with a tufting tool.
Hand-woven: General term for any rug made by hand, including dhurries and flat-weaves.
Dhurrie: A flat-woven rug, typically reversible. Traditional Indian technique.
Flat-weave: A rug without pile. Thin, reversible, and durable.
Loom-knotted: Knotted on a loom frame, combining loom structure with hand-knotting technique.
Pile: The upright fibers of a rug. Measured in millimeters.
KPSI: Knots Per Square Inch. Higher KPSI indicates finer, more detailed weaving.
Senneh knot: Persian knot technique. Creates a tighter, more defined pattern.
Warp: Vertical threads on the loom that form the structure.
Weft: Horizontal threads woven through the warp.

Cashmere: Downy undercoat of highland goats. Extremely soft and lightweight.
New Zealand Wool: Premium wool known for whiteness, elasticity, and durability.
Mulberry Silk: Highest quality silk with brilliant luster.
Mohair: Fiber from Angora goats. Lustrous and durable.
Alpaca: Fiber from alpaca animals. Softer than cashmere, hypoallergenic.
Jute: Natural plant fiber. Robust and eco-friendly.
Lanolin: Natural oil in wool that provides stain resistance.

Patina: The natural aging and softening of a rug over time.
Abrash: Subtle color variations in hand-dyed yarns. A mark of authenticity.
Selvedge: The reinforced edge of a rug.
Fringe: Exposed warp threads at the ends of a rug.
Border: Decorative frame around the main field of a rug.
Field: The central area of a rug's design.
Wabi-sabi: Japanese concept of finding beauty in imperfection. Inspires the Sabi collection.

Beater bar: Rotating brush in vacuums. Avoid for delicate rugs.
Rug pad: Cushioning layer placed under a rug for protection and grip.
Pile direction: The direction fibers lean. Vacuum with the pile, not against.