person holding knife
a woman is working on a weaving machine
a woman is working on a weaving machine
man in red robe standing in front of blue and yellow wall
man in red robe standing in front of blue and yellow wall

Creating a hand-knotted area rug is a fascinating and intricate process, especially in today’s modern world. The journey begins with the client’s mood board, with direct communication between the client and ONE PALACE designers to ensure the vision is fully understood. Once the final artwork is approved, the production process begins with hand-spinning and carding the yarn, which gives the rug a unique, lively texture. The yarn is then dyed in boiling water, and the weaving process begins, with a typical hand-knotted rug containing around 155,000 knots per square meter.

After weaving, the rug is washed in clear water to help the wool fibers bind together more firmly. This step may cause slight changes in the rug's dimensions, so it's carefully stretched to achieve the desired size. Next, the edges are finished with a neat wool binding, and the shearing process begins—entirely done by hand—to create varying pile heights. The final finishing touches, including clipping and carving, are done by highly skilled artisans to sharpen the design details. Once the rug is complete, it undergoes a thorough inspection by both the production manager and the designer.

ONE PALACE offers five different knot densities, ranging from 40 knots per square inch to 150 knots per square inch. Like the pixels in a camera, a higher knot density enhances the clarity and sharpness of the design. Our hand-knotted area rugs can be crafted in round, rectangular, and oval shapes. The production lead time depends on the size, knot density, and complexity of the design.

ONE PALACE has created and produced hand-knotted rugs for a variety of luxury spaces, including guestrooms, suites, lift lobbies, bars, meeting rooms, and spas.

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Weaving Timeless Beauty

"Mastering Tradition, Weaving Timeless Beauty: Hand-Knotted Rugs Crafted to Perfection."

It is the traditional techniques passed down through generations, underscoring the mastery and skill required to create each rug. The phrase "weaving timeless beauty" conveys that each piece is not just a functional item, but a work of art with enduring elegance, designed to stand the test of time. By focusing on craftsmanship and tradition, this tagline promises superior quality and timeless appeal in every rug.

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The Art of Hand-Knotted Weaving

Hand-knotting is a time-honored craft that found its way into Indian heritage from Persia, giving rise to what we now call Persian Hand-knotting. This meticulous technique is not just about weaving threads but about telling a story—knot by knot, line by line—ensuring that every detail is brought to life with precision and patience.

Each rug begins on a loom, where artisans carefully tie thousands of knots by hand, a process that can take anywhere from two months to nearly a year, depending on the size and quality of the rug. Originally, this intricate process relied on memory, with weavers singing out the colors in a rhythmic tradition known as Boli weaving. Over time, this evolved into using detailed design maps, where each tiny square represents a single knot, guiding the weaver in crafting breathtaking patterns.

A true hand-knotted rug carries the mark of skilled craftsmanship, and you can identify it by looking at a few key details:

Visible Knots on the Back: Unlike machine-made rugs, each knot in a hand-knotted rug is tied by hand, making the knots on the back slightly uneven and unique. These knots mirror the pattern on the front.

Knot Density (KPSI - Knots Per Square Inch): The quality of a hand-knotted rug is measured by its knot density—the higher the number of knots per square inch, the finer and more intricate the design.

No Backing or Glue: Hand-knotted rugs do not have a latex or rubber backing. The knots are woven directly into the foundation, ensuring durability and longevity.

Fringes are Part of the Rug: Unlike machine-made rugs where fringes are sewn on, the fringes in a hand-knotted rug are an extension of the foundation, making them an integral part of the rug’s structure.

When examining a rug, turn it over and check these details—if you see slight irregularities, visible knots, and an organic, non-uniform texture, you’re likely looking at a genuine hand-knotted masterpiece.

How to Identify a Hand-Knotted Rug?

Key Features of Hand-Knotted Rugs

Pile Height: Low to medium, offering a balance of comfort and durability while ensuring a refined texture underfoot.

Durability & Intricacy: Crafted to last 30+ years, these rugs age beautifully, withstanding generations of use. The fine detailing achieved through hand-knotting allows for highly intricate designs that are nearly impossible to replicate by machines.

Weaving Technique: Each rug is meticulously made by tying individual yarn knots onto warp threads, resulting in a highly durable, valuable, and one-of-a-kind piece of art. This labor-intensive process ensures that no two hand-knotted rugs are ever identical.

A hand-knotted rug is more than just a floor covering—it’s a timeless investment in craftsmanship and heritage.

Ideal Space for Hand-Knotted Rugs

Best for High-Traffic Areas: Hand-knotted rugs are perfect for spaces that see frequent use, such as living rooms, hallways, and grand entrances, thanks to their exceptional durability.

Pros of Hand-Knotted Rugs

Unmatched Durability: With a lifespan of 30+ years, these rugs are an investment that lasts for generations.
Minimal Shedding: Unlike tufted or machine-made rugs, hand-knotted rugs shed very little due to their tightly woven structure.
Prestige & Timeless Appeal: Recognized worldwide as a symbol of craftsmanship and luxury, these rugs add sophistication to any space.

Cons of Hand-Knotted Rugs

Higher Cost: The intricate craftsmanship and labor-intensive process make hand-knotted rugs more expensive than other types. However, their longevity and artistic value make them well worth the investment.

A hand-knotted rug is not just a décor piece—it’s a heritage that enhances your space with elegance and history.

person holding knife