Rug knots are the basic building blocks of hand-woven rugs, and they play a huge role in the rug’s overall quality and design. The way knots are tied and how many knots are packed into a square inch, known as Knots Per Square Inch (KPSI), can affect the rug’s durability, texture, and detail.
Different types of knots are used in rug-making, and each gives the rug a unique look and feel.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of rug knots and explain how KPSI helps determine a rug’s craftsmanship and value.
What Types of Knots are Used in Rug Weaving?
In rug making, different types of knots are used by weavers, often based on the region and local traditions.
However, this isn’t always the case, as some rugs are made to imitate styles from other areas.
This is especially common in modern rugs, where weaving techniques have become more similar across regions.
Before we dive into the different types of knots, let’s go over a few basic points first.
First, it’s important to know the terms “warp” and “weft.”
The warp refers to the vertical threads that run through the carpet. These threads are tightly stretched on the weaving loom as the rug is made.
In older writings, you might see the term “woof” used instead. These strong threads form the base of the rug and can be made from materials like wool, cotton, silk, or even rare fibers.
The type of warp used often depends on what was available, affordable, or commonly preferred by weavers in different regions.
You won’t see the warp threads unless you look at the back of the rug. The main focus is on the weft, which can be woven using different methods. It might be done in an over-and-under pattern, tapestry style (like kilims), or made up of rows of knots.
When knots are used, a few rows of plain weaving are added to hold the knots securely. Now, let’s take a closer look at the different types of knots used in rug making.
The most common knot in rug making is the Senneh knot, also called the asymmetric or Persian knot. It’s widely used in carpets from Iran, India, Central Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China.
Each knot is tied around two warp threads, fully wrapping one thread while only going behind the other. Both ends of the knot show up on the front of the rug, creating the visible design you see.
The Ghiordes knot, also known as the Turkish or symmetrical knot, is used in rugs from modern-day Turkey, by Kurdish tribes, and in tribal rugs from the Caucasus Mountains.
This knot wraps around both warp threads, making the rug very strong and durable. However, it takes longer to weave compared to the Persian knot due to its more intricate wrapping method.
While the Persian and Turkish knots are the most common, there are regional variations as well. One example is the Jufti knot, used in Khorassan. Unlike other knots that wrap around two warp threads, the Jufti knot wraps around four.
This method allows rugs to be made faster and with fewer knots per square inch, but it doesn’t create the same level of fine detail as other knots. It may also affect the rug’s strength. The Jufti knot is often used for making larger rugs.
Another less common knot is the Spanish rug knot, or single warp knot. This knot is made by wrapping the weft around just one warp thread.
It’s not frequently seen in modern rugs but was used in historical pieces and archaeological finds.
Occasionally, you might also come across rugs with diagonal or offset knotting, where the knots are not aligned on the same warp threads.
Exploring Various Types of Rug Knots
The so-called “knots” in pile rugs aren’t true knots but are actually loops wrapped around pairs of adjacent warp threads.
These loops can be wrapped in different ways. Each loop has two parts: the knot collar, which wraps around the warps, and the ends, which form the pile of the rug.
1. Asymmetrical Knots
Asymmetrical knots are rug knots where the ends emerge individually between each pair of warp threads, with the knot collar wrapping around every other warp. These are also referred to as Senneh or Persian knots.
2. Symmetrical Knots
Symmetrical knots are rug knots where both ends of the yarn come up together between two warp threads, with the knot collar wrapping around both of these warps. These are also known as Ghiordes or Turkish knots.
3. Jufti Knots
Jufti knots can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical, but they are wrapped around pairs of warps instead of single warps. This results in a less dense pile and makes the rug quicker to produce.
Spanish knots are wrapped symmetrically around every alternate single warp, making them the only type of rug knot that accurately fits the definition of a true knot.
What Do Knots Per Square Inch (KPI) Mean for Carpets and Rugs?
Understanding KPSI, or Knots Per Square Inch, involves measuring the density of knots in a rug by multiplying the number of knots vertically and horizontally within a specific area, such as square inches or square decimeters.
Rugs with up to around seventy to eighty knots per square inch are considered coarse. When the count approaches or exceeds 100 knots per square inch, the rug falls into the medium range.
When a rug reaches around 200 knots per inch, it is considered to be fine. Rugs with three or four hundred knots per inch are considered exceptionally fine and rare, showcasing a very intricate and detailed weave.
The knot count can be influenced by the size of the knots and the warps, including the thickness and horizontal spacing of the yarns. It also reflects how tightly the rows of knots and wefts are packed together vertically.