Handmade wool rugs and machine-made rugs both have their own unique characteristics and benefits. But what exactly sets these two types of rugs apart? And which one is the better choice for your home?
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the differences between handmade and machine-made wool rugs.
Comparing Handmade and Machine-Made Rugs
The primary distinction between machine-made and handmade wool rugs lies in the method of their creation - one is manufactured by machine, while the other is crafted by hand.
The hand-knotted process imbues handmade Persian rugs with a level of care and attention that is not present in machine-made counterparts.
Due to this difference in production, there are notable variations in the:
- Origins of the rugs
- Durability and craftsmanship of the rugs
- Feel of the rugs
1. Origins
One key difference between handmade and machine-made rugs is their origin.
Handmade rugs, particularly those from the Middle East such as Morocco, often have rich cultural and traditional roots. On the other hand, machine-made rugs lack a distinct origin, as they are simply produced in a factory.
This makes handmade wool rugs more unique and special, adding to their charm and allure.
Furthermore, the fact that custom handmade rugs are often crafted in the Middle East and then transported to other parts of the world, adds to the rich history and story behind each rug.
2. Durability and Craftsmanship
The quality and durability of the product is other significant distinction between handcrafted and machine-made rugs. Antique handmade rugs are produced utilizing age-old methods that have been handed down through the centuries, leading to a higher-quality final product.
Handmade wool rugs have knots that are tied by hand, as opposed to machine-made rugs, which are produced in factories using power looms.
The quality of the employed fibers and the rug's overall appearance and feel vary as a result of this methodological discrepancy.
Natural fibers used in handcrafted rugs are more durable than the synthetic materials frequently used to make machine-made carpets, such as nylon and polyester.
As a result, handmade wool rugs often have a much longer lifespan and can last for decades or even longer, making them a better value for money in the long run. On the other hand, machine-made rugs typically have a lifespan of around 20 years.
3. Feel
The effort, time, and energy that goes into crafting a handmade rug are evident in its feel.
Handmade wool rugs have a distinctly human touch that sets them apart from machine-made rugs.
The hand-knotted process imbues each rug with a level of care and attention that is not present in machine-made counterparts.
In addition to the human touch, handmade wool rugs also have a softer and plusher feel. The natural fibers used in the crafting process, such as wool, add to the overall softness and plushness of the rug.
Machine-made rugs, on the other hand, may not have the same texture and feel as handmade wool rugs, as they are often made from man-made materials like nylon and polyester.
How to Tell the Difference When Purchasing a Rug?
Knowing the differences between handmade and machine-made rugs is important, but it is not enough when it comes to purchasing a rug.
It is essential to be able to identify the difference between the two types of rugs, so you can make an informed decision and avoid overpaying or receiving a rug that does not meet your expectations.
One way to tell the difference between a handmade rug and a machine-made rug is by feeling its texture.
However, this may not always be a reliable method, as the difference in texture may not be noticeable without a direct comparison.
That's why we have outlined 3 steps that can help you to distinguish a handmade rug from a machine-made rug:
1. Back of The Rug
The first step in determining whether a rug is handmade or machine-made is to examine the back of the rug. The back of a handmade rug will have a distinct look, with knots that are not perfectly straight and may be of varying sizes.
This is because the knots are tied by hand, which allows for variations and imperfections.
In contrast, machine-made rugs will have knots that are uniform and perfectly straight. These knots are not actual knots, but rather an imitation of knots made by a machine.
They will not have the same character and variations as those made by hand.
2. Fringe of The Rug
Usually, the warp threads are used to create a handmade rug's fringe. It is typically sewn onto a rug created by a machine, though. In order to make their machine-made rugs appear handcrafted, businesses do this.
A handmade rug's fringe can be seen as being a structural component if you look attentively. If you look closely and feel the rug, you will see that it is sewn on top of machine-made rugs.
3. Edges of The Rug
The edges of a rug are the final place where you can use to identify the differences.
A hand-made rug's edges are sewn by hand, as opposed to a machine-made rug's edges. Because the edges may have a tiny difference in size, you can also distinguish between the two.
They will also be slightly thinner on a machine-made rug because a machine has just stitched it all the way through evenly, requiring less work to ensure it adheres in the near run.
We hope this article has helped you understand the distinctions between handmade and machine-made rugs.
Handmade rugs found online are unique and special and can add a touch of character and personality to any room. If you're interested in finding a one-of-a-kind rug to enhance your space, be sure to check out Qaleen's collection.
