The Native Blog

At first glance, a handmade rug and a machine-made rug can look surprisingly similar. Patterns overlap. Colours echo one another. Prices, however, rarely do. This gap often raises a reasonable question: what exactly are you paying for when you choose handmade—and when does a machine-made rug make sense instead? This article breaks down the differences clearly and without exaggeration, focusing on structure, materials, longevity, and real-world use , rather than trend or senti

Choosing a rug is often treated as a decorative decision—colour, pattern, texture. In practice, size determines whether a room feels considered or unsettled . A rug that’s too small can fragment a space; one that’s correctly scaled anchors furniture, clarifies circulation, and makes even simple rooms feel intentional. This guide focuses on room-by-room rug sizing for North American homes , using imperial measurements  commonly available in handmade rugs. The goal is clarity:

When shopping for a handmade rug, terms like hand-knotted , hand-tufted , and flatweave  are often used interchangeably. They shouldn’t be. While all three involve some degree of manual labour, their construction methods differ fundamentally , and those differences directly affect durability, aging, repairability, and long-term value. This guide breaks down each rug type clearly and without marketing language, so you can understand what you’re buying—and why one construction

Why Rug Size Matters More Than Pattern When choosing a rug, pattern and colour often receive the most attention. Yet in well-resolved interiors, size and proportion matter far more than decoration . A beautifully made rug that is too small can make even a thoughtfully designed room feel fragmented, while a correctly sized rug—regardless of pattern—creates cohesion and visual calm. This is especially true for handmade rugs. Their borders, field designs, and construction are in

Why Rug Identification Matters As machine-made rugs become increasingly sophisticated in appearance, distinguishing a genuine hand-knotted rug from an imitation is no longer intuitive. Patterns may look convincing, colours carefully calibrated, and finishes deliberately aged. Yet beneath these surface cues, the structure tells a different story. Correct identification matters for several reasons. For homeowners, it ensures that price aligns with construction and longevity. Fo

Hand-Knotted Rugs Hand-knotted rugs are built knot by knot on a loom. Each knot is tied individually around vertical warp threads, then secured in place with horizontal weft threads. This process creates a flexible yet durable textile where the pile is an integral part of the structure, not an applied surface. Common knot types include the asymmetrical (Persian or Senneh ) knot and the symmetrical (Turkish or Ghiordes ) knot. While the knot type influences handle and appearan

Hand-knotted rugs are known for holding their structure and appearance long after many other rug types start to break down. The difference comes from how they are made and the materials involved. This article explains those differences and why they matter when choosing a rug meant to last. What “Hand-Knotted” Actually Means In a hand-knotted rug, each knot is tied around vertical foundation threads and locked in place by horizontal threads. This technique creates a single, co

T he enduring appeal of the handmade rug In an age of mass production, handmade rugs stand apart for their material integrity, cultural depth, and individuality. Each one reflects hours — often months — of work by artisans who interlace natural fibres by hand, translating inherited knowledge into modern design. The result is not only a floor covering, but a textile with soul and permanence. What defines a handmade rug A handmade rug is produced without mechanized looms. Each

What is a Hand-Knotted Rug? A hand-knotted rug  is the pinnacle of traditional craftsmanship, representing centuries of refined weaving techniques. Each rug is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans who tie every single knot by hand, resulting in intricate designs that are visually stunning and incredibly durable. In this article, we will explore the history, construction, and benefits of hand-knotted rugs , uncovering why they remain a cherished choice for homeowners and i

Indian rug making is a craft deeply embedded in the country's cultural and historical fabric, blending ancient techniques with contemporary design sensibilities. The art form is celebrated for its intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and meticulous craftsmanship, reflecting the rich heritage and diverse traditions of India. Historical Background Indian rug making dates back to the Mughal era, with significant influences from Persian carpet weaving. The Mughal emperors, particu