Hand-Tufted Vs Hand-Knotted Rugs

The search for a handmade rug is more than picking up the first thing you see in a store or online. Rugs designed by hand, resemble pure craftsmanship. They even mesmerize you with intricate designs that reflect culture. Each has a unique production technique. Some handmade rugs are tufted, while others have a knotted design. And while they seem similar at first glance, there is a colossal difference between them.

This is why our experts at The Rug Decor have curated this comprehensive guide to help distinguish between a hand-tufted and hand-knotted rug. It will also help you understand how it's made, its design, the best rug materials for each space at home, and more.

What is a Hand-Tufted Rug? 

Understanding what a hand-tufted rug is will help you better compare it with its knotted counterpart.

• Hand-tufting follows the ancient craft of weaving and combines it with modern techniques.
• The blend gives you the desired rug, quicker than traditional weaving.
• The weaver starts with a sheet of canvas or similar material.
• Then, the professional pulls wool strands through it using a tufting gun or similar tool.
• After this, the expert weaves the rug and follows the rug’s pattern, which is drawn on the back of the canvas.
• As the expert works from the back, the outlined trace helps fill the design with yarn.
• Next, the strands of yarn are brought in and out of the canvas base so the rug pile builds up over time.

Hand-tufted rugs have endless variations and are ideal if you value precision, scale, and time.

Related: A Guide to Hand-tufted Rugs

What is a Hand-Knotted Rug? 

The art of knotting is a sophisticated craft dating back centuries. It’s more of an art and perfect for those who appreciate contemporary weaving.

• It is made on a vertical loom.
• The weaver knots the yarn into the rug.
• Then each knot is tightened by hand around its warp and weft.
• The ancient method lets the artist tie thousands of knots into its design.
• A hand-knotted rug demands a high skill level and time to render.
• The quality and cost are often influenced by the number of knots per square inch.

Related: How to tell if a Rug is Hand-knotted?

Hand-Tufted or Hand-Knotted? Know Your Rugs at First Glance!

Now that you know what is a hand-tufted and hand-knotted rug, let’s move on to the next bit. A hand-tufted rug may look like a hand-knotted rug. So, it’s easy to mistake one for the other. Below are a few apparent identifiers to help you spot the differences.

The Back: A hand-knotted rug has no backing. So, you could alternate sides and not see any difference. However, one side may have a clearer definition than the other. On the contrary, a hand-tufted rug is made on a canvas that supports and covers the latex coating. It also holds the tufts in place. You can only use one side of a tufted rug. The other has no image.

The Fringe: In a hand-knotted rug, the fringe represents the end of the warp thread and belongs to the rug’s foundation. It forms naturally during the weaving process and keeps the rug intact. The primary purpose of the fringe isn’t ornamental, it’s structural. The fringe is usually left visible or sewn into a binding strip. As for hand-tufted rugs, a fringe isn't needed to hold the rug together. So, manufacturers usually glue or sew them on. Adding a fringe to a hand-tufted rug is usually for decorative purposes.

The Knots: You can see and count each knot on a hand-knotted rug, and they may be slightly uneven. The weaves are rigid and can last for years. Tufted rugs have no knots, and the tufts eventually come off from their foundation.

Related: Types of Rugs

Identifying a Hand-knotted Vs. Hand-tufted Rug

In addition to the identifiers listed above, the two handmade rugs have more sophisticated differences. Our rug experts have segregated them into the table below to make them easier to understand.

Hand-Tufted Vs Hand-Knotted Rugs: How to Choose the Right Rug Type for Your Space?

If you love intricate handmade designs, go with our hand-knotted rugs. They come with a premium price tag but are so durable that they can be passed down as family heirlooms. On the contrary, hand-tufted rugs are affordable and less durable in comparison. This makes them ideal for you to welcome fresh designs to your home, as you please.

If you find picking a hand-tufted or hand-knotted rug challenging, that’s okay! Our experts at The Rug Decor are more than happy to help you. Just click on the “Chat with us” icon on our homepage or contact us by filling out our form. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Rest assured, our team will do their best to help you find the perfect rug for your home.

Related: Types of Rug Weaves

FAQs

Are Hand-Knotted Rugs Worth It?

The art of hand-knotting requires a craftsman’s touch. It adds immense value to the product design. Moreover, a knotted rug can last years. Some families may even pass it down as heirlooms to younger generations. So, yes, a hand-knotted rug is worth it!

What are the Benefits of a Hand-Tufted Carpet?

Hand-tufted carpets follow a technique that ensures the rug is durable and attractive but at a more affordable price. While they may not last as long as hand-knotted rugs, with proper care, the tufted rug can last 5-10 years or longer.

Are Hand-Tufted Rugs Good Quality?

Yes! Tufted rugs at The Rug Decor are premium quality rugs made from quality materials only. Furthermore, you can retain its quality by keeping it well-maintained regularly. Our experts recommend spot-cleaning hand-tufted rugs unless indicated otherwise. Wet-washing the rug may damage its backing.

Are Hand-Tufted Rugs Durable?

Yes! Hand-tufted rugs are durable owing to the manufacturing materials and techniques used. In addition, you have to maintain the tufted rugs regularly meaning, spot-cleaning and vacuuming the fibers. This ensures the longevity of the rugs.

Are Hand-Woven Rugs Durable?

Yes! Hand-woven rugs are durable. They are made on a loom and woven by weavers tying millions of knots. So, while it might be durable, its true strength depends on how tight the knots are tied. The materials’ quality also plays an important role.

Hand-Tufted Vs Flat Woven Rugs - What’s the difference?

Tufted vs Woven Rugs - both have unique benefits. A hand-tufted rug might use the same material as a flatwoven (hand-woven) rug but has differences. Hand-tufted rugs take less time to make, while hand-woven rugs may take months to create.

Hand-Hooked Vs Hand-Tufted Vs Hand-Knotted Rugs?

Hand-tufted vs hand-knotted rugs - while both are popular choices, there is one more, hand-hooked rugs. This handmade rug has tiny knot bumps from the hooked wool, made using a hook device. After the rug is complete, the weaver puts an adhesive on the back to protect the knots.