The creation of a Turkish rug is a journey that combines tradition and skill. Each rug has an amazing story, starting with being made by weavers in rural locations, all the way to being placed in a home. It’s quite fascinating to learn all the different pieces and decisions that go into making one single piece. And learning about it makes these works of art even more valuable. Read on to learn all about the process of making a Turkish rug, from the initial design to its final sale.
Step 1: Finding a Designer + Inspiration
Historically, these rugs were being made in a village or by a nomad group. The head of the household would typically go to the nearest town to find a designer. The designer draws inspiration from the natural surroundings, historical events, or cultural symbols of the region. Even if a family or village has an idea for a design, it’s typical practice for a designer to edit or refine the design to make it more beautiful. After the design has been agreed upon and the designer is paid, it’s time to go through the bazaar to find the materials.
Step 2: Selecting the Materials
Quality materials are crucial in the creation of a Turkish rug. Wool is the most common material, known for its durability and softness. Cotton and silk are two other materials often necessary, depending on the design and style of rug. All of these materials are typically purchased undyed and need to be taken to a special dye maker where the exact shades and colors are agreed upon. The actual process of then dyeing the wool takes a significant amount of time and is tedious but important.
Step 3: Dyeing the wool
Why is dyeing the wool so important? It makes or breaks the rug's visual appeal. Even the most beautiful pattern if dyed incorrectly will alter the feeling and energy of the Turkish rug.
Throughout history, wool has been dyed using animals and plants. The most common plant used to dye Turkish wool is the madder plant and its root, which gives us the wonderful red coloring seen in an overwhelming amount of Turkish rugs.
pictured: madder root
But, what has to happen even before this dyeing process starts?
First, the skeins of wool are hand-spun and the wool is soaked in different mixtures. The mixture depends on the color being chosen - egg white or tartaric acid are two examples used. When the wool is soaked in these ‘mordants’, the fibers and dye are able to come together better. Afterwards, the wool is placed into large vats where the dyes ‘simmer’ - there are fires at the base of each vat to keep the liquid dye at the right temperatures. Most wool is plunged into the dye several times to achieve the optimal color and in between is hung in the sun to set its color. Once the desired color has been achieved, the wool is rinsed in water to remove any excess and set further. During this process, the family/village creating the piece will start construction on the loom.
Rugs made of silk are more expensive and more difficult to care for - they were extremely popular throughout history when rugs were purchased by kings and queens to adorn their castles and kingdoms. Rugs have always been a sign of wealth, and these silk rugs were no different - they are true luxury. In today’s world, we see less and less silk rugs in homes as they’re more difficult to care for. We have opted to not purchase any silk rugs for High Pile Designs as we don’t feel they fit as well into modern society and the way people are living their lives today.
Step 4: Preparing the Loom
There are two types of looms - those that will stay in one place for the duration of the rug making (in a home), or those that need to be dismantled and carried around to different locations with the family. This is one reason Turkish rugs have different symmetries throughout. If a nomadic family is weaving a rug and needs to move further south for the winter, they’ll need to take down their loom and put it back together in their new location. And this can happen more than once during the making of a rug.
The loom is arguably THE essential tool in rug making. It’s set up by securing the warp threads, which run vertically and form the rug's foundation. The tension and spacing of these threads must be precise to ensure the rug's structural integrity.
Step 5: Weaving the Rug
Weaving a Turkish rug is a time-consuming and intricate process. We have flat woven rugs (kilim, cicim) and then hand-knotted rugs (pile). And there are two primary types of knots used in rug making:
- Turkish (Ghiordes) Knot: This symmetrical knot is tied around two warp threads, creating a durable and tightly woven rug.
- Persian (Senneh) Knot: This asymmetrical knot is tied around a single warp thread, allowing for more detailed and intricate patterns.
The Turkish knot tends to be stronger than the Persian knot because it’s doubled, so many say Turkish rugs are more durable than Persian rugs.
The weaving/knotting process takes months and often years, depending on the rug's size and complexity. One end is started, including the fringe, which acts as a guard for the end of the rug. The design is pinned to the loom so the weaver can follow - but she may still decide to improvise. We’ve seen initials, family members, or little designs woven into pieces that look out of place, but were placed there on purpose. We love that the energy of the weaver is always in each piece.
Pillow pictured: Lumbar from the Anatolia region featuring initials in top left corner
Step 6: Washing and Finishing
Once the weaving is complete, the rug undergoes a thorough washing to remove any remaining dirt and to set the colors. In villages, the rug is taken to a nearby river and dunked under water, held down by stones. The washing process can also help to soften the rug and enhance its sheen. After washing, the rug is left to dry in the sun, which can further brighten the colors.
The rug is then taken to a master shearer to ensure an even pile height and to bring out the clarity of the design. This step requires precision to avoid damaging the rug - and sometimes the pile is ironed as a finishing touch.
Step 7: Finding a New Home
The final step in the journey of a Turkish rug is finding a new home. The family in charge of creating this piece has to decide whether or not to sell immediately. They may want to enjoy it for a season or two. Throughout history, rugs were woven and given as dowries for weddings. The bride would weave a rug for her new family and give it as a gift but in today’s world, that is happening less and less.
Whether purchased by a collector, an interior designer, or a homeowner, each rug brings a piece of Turkish heritage into its new home.
The Importance of a Rug’s Journey
The journey of a Turkish rug is a testament to the dedication and artistry of its creators. When looking at a rug, it’s hard to truly understand the heart and dedication that went into creating it. From the initial design to the final sale, each step involves skill, tradition, and respect for cultural heritage. By understanding the intricate process behind these beautiful pieces, we can better appreciate the craftsmanship and history that make Turkish rugs so special and start to understand even further why purchasing a handmade rug vs a machine-made rug is the right choice.
Love & Rugs,Carly and Jessie