View “The Art and Craft of a Hand-Knotted Rug”

Written by Cathryn Jakobson Ramin

The wool for Jaipur Rugs Company, processed in Bikaner, comes from New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. The “clip”—the dark, white, and gray fleece—is separated by a sorter, who can work through a mountain of wool in a single day. White wool, which can be dyed any color, is the most valuable. *photo courtesy of Jaipur Rugs*

The yarn is dyed with natural pigments in hot water, where it is “cooked” for longer or shorter periods, depending on the desired color. Natural dyes—like madder, cochineal, indigo, and onion skin yellow—are extremely stable, remaining vibrant for centuries. *photo courtesy of Jaipur Rugs*

After spinning, the wool is formed into hanks and sent to be dyed. *photo courtesy of Jaipur Rugs*

The hanks required to complete an entire rug are delivered to each weaver, assuring her of a constant stream of work. *photo by Cathryn J. Ramin*

Computerized maps guide the weavers, who have minimal education, on where to put each strand of different colored yarn. The bright colors are not meant to match the colors for the rug; they are code for varying shades of muted colors, such as gray, blue, and beige. *photo by Cathryn J. Ramin*

Finishing the carpet is nearly as labor-intensive as weaving. After collecting the completed rug—a weighty, hairy, dust-filled monster—it’s taken it to the finishing center. After the washing and trimming, a wire brush is used to remove dust and minute fibers of wool. *photo courtesy of Jaipur Rugs*

Many of JRC’s rugs include an embossed design. A specialist uses a very sharp needle, elevating individual strands of pile to sharpen the design. *photo courtesy of Jaipur Rugs*

One of the final steps in rug-making involves “carving”—creating valleys by shearing around design elements. This creates a pleasing texture, in this case elevating gray threads over the cream background. *photo by Cathryn J. Ramin*

Cathryn Jakobson Ramin is an investigative journalist who spent most of the last 15 years writing two best-selling books about healthcare——"Crooked" and "Carved in Sand". These days, she prefers to write about travel, culture, art, craft, and fascinating people.

previous post: View “Dr. Stefani is Called to Surgery: The Patient? An Ailing Carburetor”
next post: View “Studies in Marquetry and Parquetry”