Resources
Rug Glossary
Over 60 essential rug industry terms, explained for interior designers and architects. From construction methods to certification standards, every specification demystified.
A
- Abrash
- Subtle, natural color variations that occur within a single dye lot of hand-knotted or hand-loomed rugs. Abrash is considered a hallmark of authentic handmade rugs, adding depth and character. It results from slight differences in yarn tension, dye absorption, or wool batches.
- Antique Wash
- A chemical or tea-wash finishing technique applied to rugs to soften colors and give them a muted, aged appearance. Popular in transitional and modern interiors where a subtle, lived-in aesthetic is desired.
B
- Backing
- The underside of a rug, which may be the exposed foundation (warp and weft) in hand-knotted pieces or an applied secondary material in tufted or machine-made rugs. A latex or fabric backing is common in hand-tufted rugs to secure the pile yarns.
- Bleeding
- The migration of dye from one area of a rug to another, typically caused by moisture. Bleeding is a concern with non-colorfast dyes and is most likely during cleaning. Always test for colorfastness before wet-cleaning any rug.
- Border
- The decorative band that frames the central field of a rug. Borders can range from a simple single stripe to elaborate multi-band designs with guard stripes. They define the rug visually and help anchor it within a room.
C
- Carving
- A finishing technique where pile is sculpted to different heights to create a three-dimensional, relief-like effect. Carving adds texture and visual interest, making the design appear more dynamic. Common in contemporary and transitional rugs.
- Cashmere
- The fine undercoat fiber of the cashmere goat, prized for its extraordinary softness, warmth, and luster. In rug making, cashmere is often blended with wool for a luxurious hand feel while maintaining durability. Cashmere rugs have a standard pile height of 15mm. Learn more about cashmere rugs.
- Chain Stitch
- A looping embroidery technique where each stitch catches the previous one, forming a chain-like pattern. In rugs, chain stitch is used for decorative embellishments or as a finishing along edges. It is also a stand-alone technique in Kashmiri crewel rugs.
- Colorfast
- A quality indicating that a rug's dyes will not bleed, fade, or transfer color when exposed to light, moisture, or friction. Colorfastness is essential for rugs in high-traffic or sunlit areas. Professional-grade rugs should meet international colorfastness standards.
- Commissioning
- The process of ordering a rug to be made to specific requirements — including size, color, pattern, material, and construction method. Commissioning allows designers and architects to achieve exact specifications for a project. Explore custom commissioning.
- Creel
- A frame or rack used to hold multiple yarn bobbins during the weaving or tufting process. The creel feeds yarn to the loom in an organized manner, allowing weavers to work with many colors simultaneously.
- Custom
- A rug made to order based on a client’s specifications, including bespoke sizing, colorways, materials, and patterns. Custom rugs are essential for projects where standard dimensions or designs do not meet the brief. Start a custom project.
D
- Dhurrie
- A traditional Indian flatweave rug, typically woven from wool, cotton, or jute. Dhurries are lightweight, reversible, and well-suited to casual or layered interiors. They are often used in warmer climates where a lower-profile textile is preferred. See our Yuka dhurrie.
- Drop-match
- A pattern repeat where the motif is offset by half a repeat on alternating rows, creating a diagonal alignment. Important to understand when specifying wall-to-wall carpet or joining multiple rug panels for a seamless look.
- Dye Lot
- A batch of yarn dyed together in a single production run. Slight color variations can occur between dye lots, which is why it is critical to ensure all yarn for a single rug comes from the same lot. Dye lot consistency is a hallmark of quality production.
E
- Edge Binding
- A finishing technique where the raw edges of a rug are wrapped with yarn, fabric tape, or leather to prevent fraying and provide a clean, polished appearance. Edge binding options include serging, wide binding tape, and mitered corners.
F
- Felt Pad
- A dense, non-slip rug pad made from compressed fibers (often recycled). Felt pads protect flooring, add cushion underfoot, and prevent rug migration. They are recommended for all hard-surface floors and should be cut slightly smaller than the rug.
- Fiber Content
- The material composition of a rug, listed as a percentage breakdown of each fiber used. Common fibers include wool, silk, cotton, jute, cashmere, viscose, and synthetic alternatives. Fiber content determines a rug's durability, texture, sheen, and care requirements.
- Flatweave
- A rug construction method that produces a textile with no pile. The weft threads are passed over and under the warp threads, creating a thin, reversible surface. Flatweaves include kilims, dhurries, and soumaks. They are durable, easy to clean, and well-suited to layering.
- Fringe
- The exposed warp threads extending from the ends of a rug. In hand-knotted rugs, fringe is structural — it is part of the foundation, not an applied decoration. Fringe can be left loose, knotted, or bound, depending on the desired aesthetic.
G
- GoodWeave
- An international nonprofit certification that ensures rugs are made without child labor, with fair wages and safe working conditions. GoodWeave-certified producers undergo regular, unannounced inspections. Specifying GoodWeave certification is increasingly important for commercial and hospitality projects. Read about GoodWeave certification.
- GOTS
- Global Organic Textile Standard — a leading certification for organic fibers, covering the entire supply chain from raw material harvesting through manufacturing. GOTS-certified rugs guarantee that organic fibers were processed without harmful chemicals and under fair labor conditions.
- GRS
- Global Recycled Standard — a certification verifying recycled content in textiles. GRS-certified rugs contain a verified percentage of recycled fibers (such as reclaimed wool or PET) and meet environmental and social criteria throughout production.
- Ground
- The background color or area of a rug's design, upon which the primary pattern or motifs are placed. Also called the field. The ground color sets the visual tone and is the largest continuous area of color in the rug.
H
- Hand-knotted
- The most labor-intensive rug construction method, where each individual knot is tied by hand around the warp threads. A single 9×12 foot rug can require 300 to 500+ hours of work. Hand-knotted rugs are the most durable and valuable, with lifespans of 50 to 100+ years. Discover the art of hand-knotting.
- Hand-loomed
- A rug woven on a manually operated loom, where the weaver controls the shuttle and weft placement by hand. Hand-loomed rugs have a consistent texture and are faster to produce than hand-knotted pieces, making them a strong mid-range option for designers.
- Hand-tufted
- A construction method where pile yarn is punched through a backing fabric using a hand-held tufting gun. The loops are then sheared and a secondary backing is applied. Hand-tufted rugs offer design flexibility and a lower price point than hand-knotted, but have a shorter lifespan.
- Hank
- A measured skein of yarn, typically wound into a loose coil. In the rug industry, yarn is bought and sold by the hank. Hank size varies by fiber type and region but serves as a standard unit for ordering and pricing yarn.
J
- Jute
- A natural plant fiber used in rug making, prized for its earthy texture, golden color, and sustainability. Jute is biodegradable and requires minimal water to grow. It is commonly used for flatweaves, as a foundation fiber, or blended with wool for added structure.
K
- Kilim
- A type of flatweave rug originating from the Middle East, Central Asia, and North Africa. Kilims are woven using a slit-weave technique that creates distinct geometric patterns with clean color boundaries. They are lightweight, reversible, and suitable for wall hangings or floor use.
- KPSI
- Knots Per Square Inch — the standard measure of knot density in hand-knotted rugs. Higher KPSI indicates finer detail and more intricate patterns but also longer production time. A rug at 100 KPSI is considered good quality; 200+ KPSI is exceptionally fine. Read our KPSI guide.
L
- Lanolin
- A natural wax secreted by sheep's wool glands that provides water resistance and a soft hand feel. Some lanolin remains in wool rug fibers after processing, contributing to the material's inherent stain resistance and durability.
- Loom Knotted
- A construction method that combines the precision of loom weaving with knotting techniques. Loom knotted rugs achieve consistent knot density and pattern accuracy while maintaining the tactile quality of knotted construction. They offer excellent value for specified projects. Hand-knotted vs. loom knotted.
- Lustre
- The natural sheen or glow of a rug's surface, influenced by fiber type, yarn twist, and finishing techniques. Silk and cashmere produce the highest lustre, while matte finishes are typical of jute and undyed wool. Lustre affects how light plays across the rug throughout the day.
M
- Material Strike-off
- A physical sample produced during the commissioning process to demonstrate yarn colors, materials, and texture before full production begins. Material strike-offs allow designers to verify that the selected fibers and dyes meet their expectations under real lighting conditions.
- Medallion
- A central, symmetrical motif that serves as the focal point of a rug's design. Medallions are a defining feature of many traditional Persian, Turkish, and Indian rug styles. They range from elaborate floral compositions to simple geometric shapes.
- MOQ
- Minimum Order Quantity — the smallest number of units a manufacturer will produce in a single order. MOQs are relevant when commissioning custom rugs, especially for hospitality or commercial projects where multiple identical pieces are needed.
N
- Natural Dyes
- Colorants derived from plant, mineral, or insect sources rather than synthetic chemicals. Common natural dye sources include indigo (blue), madder root (red), pomegranate rind (yellow), and walnut husk (brown). Natural dyes produce rich, complex color tones that age gracefully.
- Nap
- The direction in which the pile of a rug naturally leans, determined by how the knots are tied during production. Nap affects how light reflects off the surface, making a rug appear lighter from one direction and darker from another. This is normal and should be considered during placement.
- New Zealand Wool
- A premium wool fiber sourced from New Zealand sheep, renowned for its exceptional whiteness, consistent quality, and superior dye absorption. New Zealand wool produces vivid, uniform colors and is considered among the finest rug wools available globally.
O
- Open Field
- A rug design where the central area features a single, uninterrupted color with minimal or no patterning. Open field designs are favored in modern and minimalist interiors where the rug's texture, material quality, and subtle color variations take center stage.
- Over-dyed
- A technique where a completed rug is immersed in a second dye bath to create a unified, saturated color effect. Over-dyeing is often applied to vintage or traditional rugs to give them a bold, contemporary appearance while preserving the underlying pattern as a subtle texture.
P
- Patina
- The subtle surface change that develops on a rug over time through use, light exposure, and gentle wear. A well-developed patina softens colors and adds depth, making the rug more beautiful with age. Patina is a sign of quality natural materials and authentic craftsmanship.
- Pile
- The upright surface fibers of a rug, created by the knots or tufts that stand above the foundation. Pile gives a rug its softness, texture, and visual depth. Pile can be cut (for a smooth surface), looped (for a textured surface), or a combination of both.
- Pile Height
- The measurement from the base of the rug's foundation to the top of the pile fibers, typically expressed in millimeters. Lower pile (under 10mm) is practical for high-traffic areas, while higher pile (12mm to 20mm) offers a more luxurious, plush feel. Cashmere rugs typically have a 15mm pile height.
- Pile Weight
- The weight of the pile fiber per unit area, usually expressed in grams per square meter (gsm) or ounces per square yard. Pile weight indicates density and quality — higher pile weight generally means a denser, more durable, and more luxurious rug.
- Pompon Sample
- A small tuft or ball of yarn used to demonstrate color, fiber quality, and texture during the design and commissioning process. Pompon samples are sent to designers for approval before production begins, allowing color matching under actual project lighting.
R
- Runner
- A long, narrow rug format, typically 2.5 to 3 feet wide and 6 to 14 feet long. Runners are designed for hallways, entryways, staircases, and galley kitchens. When specifying runners, ensure the width allows at least 4 inches of exposed floor on each side.
- RWS
- Responsible Wool Standard — a global certification that ensures wool comes from farms with progressive animal welfare practices and responsible land management. RWS certification tracks wool from farm to final product through the entire supply chain. See our sustainability commitments.
S
- Scouring
- The process of washing raw wool to remove lanolin, dirt, and other impurities before spinning and dyeing. Proper scouring is essential for even dye absorption and consistent color. Over-scouring strips too much lanolin and reduces the wool's natural resilience.
- Selvedge
- The finished longitudinal edges of a rug, formed by the weft threads wrapping around the outermost warp threads. In hand-knotted rugs, selvedge is typically reinforced with overcasting or whip stitching. A well-executed selvedge prevents unraveling and indicates quality construction.
- Senneh Knot
- Also called the Persian or asymmetric knot. The yarn wraps around one warp thread and passes under the adjacent thread, creating a finer, more detailed knotted surface. Senneh knots allow higher knot densities and are preferred for intricate, curvilinear designs.
- Shedding
- The release of loose fiber from a new rug's pile during the first weeks or months of use. Shedding is normal for wool and natural fiber rugs and diminishes with regular vacuuming. It does not indicate a defect; it is simply excess fiber working its way out of the pile.
- Sizing
- A starch or chemical treatment applied to warp threads before weaving to add strength and stiffness, making them easier to work on the loom. Sizing is washed out during finishing. The term also refers to the process of determining correct rug dimensions for a space.
- Spec Sheet
- A detailed specification document that records all technical attributes of a rug — including dimensions, fiber content, construction method, pile height, KPSI, colorway, edge finish, and care instructions. Spec sheets are essential for trade professionals when submitting to clients or contractors. Understanding rug spec sheets.
- Strike-off
- A small-scale sample of a rug, typically 1 to 2 square feet, produced before full manufacturing to verify colors, pattern, materials, and construction quality. Strike-offs are a critical approval step in the commissioning process, preventing costly errors in full production.
- Submittal
- A formal package of product information, samples, and specifications submitted by a designer or supplier for client, architect, or contractor approval. Rug submittals typically include spec sheets, material samples, images, and maintenance documentation. Access trade resources.
- Swatch
- A small fabric or material sample used to evaluate color, texture, and quality. In the rug industry, swatches are cut from production samples or created as standalone references for designers to use during the selection and specification process.
T
- Tibetan Knot
- A knotting technique that uses a temporary rod to create uniform pile loops, which are then cut to form the pile surface. The Tibetan knot produces a distinctive, chunky texture and is commonly used in Himalayan and Nepali rug production. It allows for slightly faster knotting than Persian or Turkish methods.
- Tufting
- A rug-making method where yarn is pushed through a backing material using a tufting gun (hand-tufted) or automated machinery (machine-tufted). Tufted rugs require a secondary backing to hold the yarn in place. Tufting offers design flexibility and faster production compared to knotting.
- Turkish Knot
- Also called the Ghiordes or symmetric knot. The yarn wraps around two adjacent warp threads and is pulled through the center. Turkish knots produce a sturdy, dense pile and are preferred for bold, geometric designs. They are structurally stronger than asymmetric knots.
U
- Underpad
- A cushioning layer placed beneath a rug to prevent slipping, reduce noise, protect flooring, and extend the rug's lifespan. Also called a rug pad. Underpads should be selected based on the floor surface type (hardwood, tile, carpet) and cut slightly smaller than the rug.
V
- Vegetable Dye
- A subset of natural dyes derived specifically from plant sources, including roots, leaves, bark, berries, and flowers. Vegetable-dyed rugs develop a warm, nuanced color palette that mellows gracefully with age and light exposure, unlike synthetic dyes which can appear harsh over time.
W
- Warp
- The vertical (longitudinal) threads that form the structural foundation of a woven or knotted rug. Warp threads are held taut on the loom and run the length of the rug. They are typically made from cotton, wool, or silk, depending on the rug type.
- Weft
- The horizontal (lateral) threads that are woven over and under the warp threads to create the rug's foundation. In hand-knotted rugs, weft rows are inserted between each row of knots to lock them in place and provide structural integrity.
- Whip Stitch
- A hand-sewn finishing stitch used to secure and reinforce the selvedge (side edges) of a rug. The whip stitch wraps yarn tightly around the edge, preventing fraying and unraveling. It is a common finishing detail in quality hand-knotted and hand-woven rugs.
Y
- Yarn Count
- A numerical designation indicating the thickness or fineness of yarn, expressed as the number of plies twisted together and the spinning count. Higher yarn counts indicate finer yarn, which allows for greater knot density and more detailed patterns. Yarn count directly affects the texture and weight of the finished rug.
Need help specifying rugs for a project? Our team supports designers and architects with samples, spec sheets, and custom commissioning.