Handmade rugs are very popular and they have their own beauty and appeal, whereas machine-made rugs are modern and stylish and they’re pretty easy to manufacture. If you want to know the core differences between machine-made and handmade rugs, then keep on reading.

Handmade Rugs

Here are the general things to know about a handmade rug and how you can differentiate between a handmade and machine-made rug.

Manufacturing Takes Time

Handmade rugs are just like how they sound. They are made completely by hand. It is made on a wooden contraption, which holds one side of the strands securely while the other end of the strands is woven together to form the intricate patterns and designs on the rug. The knots and weaves of the rug are all made and secured by hand and this is what makes handmade rugs so special and they are considered to be a luxury item.

There’s no doubt that these rugs are extremely beautiful in appearance and a lot of it has to do with the fact that it’s made by hand.

They Are Expensive

Handmade rugs are beautiful and they have exceptional quality, but all of these merits come with a huge price tag. These rugs are insanely expensive and there are a couple of reasons why that might be the case.

Firstly, the materials by which these rugs are made are luxurious and expensive. Secondly, the craftsmanship also comes at a price. There is a lot of hard work that goes into making these rugs. Lastly, the time in which it takes to make a handmade rug will be accounted for by its price.

A woolen handmade rug will cost you anywhere from $500 to $1500, depending on the size and type of rug you’re going for.

Materials Of Handmade Rugs

A very common indicator of handmade rugs is the material of choice used in the making. Handmade rugs are usually made out of wool, cotton, or silk. Handmade rugs can’t be made from synthetic material, because the look and finish just won’t be the same.

So, if you’re out looking for rugs and you want a handmade rug, then try to look for one which is made out of the above-mentioned materials. Any rug which is not made from these materials is probably machine-made.

The Finishing Is Spectacular

There is just something about handmade rugs which is so beautiful and refined. The quality of this rug is out of this world and there is refinement in every weave and knot of the rug. These rugs might take a bit of time to make, but the results are amazing and you will want to spend the money on it because the rugs are just that mesmerizing.

The fringes of the rug are also made by hand and the same dedication with which the entire rug is made. The fringes are a part of the rug and it ties the whole thing together beautifully.

They Last A Long Time

As mentioned above, handmade rugs will take a lot of time to be made. These rugs can take anywhere between 4 to 6 months to be manufactured completely. This is because these rugs are made by hand and there’s a lot of attention to detail.

This quality is what makes these rugs, not only strong but popular among people as well. Unlike machine-made rugs, handmade rugs can last you a long time, given that you take care of them properly.

Machine-Made Rugs

Here are the things you need to know about machine-made rugs.

It’s Less Expensive

Rugs made on a machine are generally less expensive. The main reason why handmade rugs are expensive is because of the time that’s involved in hand knitting the rug.

In machine-made rugs, the workmanship is replaced by machines that take care of the knitting, and it makes the process so much faster and easier. The price of the rug is a good indicator of whether or not the rug is handmade or not.

The Look And Feel Of The Rug

Machine-made rugs are very different, as far as the texture is concerned. These rugs definitely lack the refinement of handmade rugs, and you can clearly feel it when you touch the rug. It is rough to the touch and sometimes the finishing is not as good either. You will have to get used to the feel of machine-made rugs because it’s not as pleasant as handmade rugs.

The look and patterns of the rug also lack the beauty and vibrancy that a handmade rug has. Considering the price you’re paying for it, this detail can be overlooked by a lot of people, because the price of handmade rugs is not justified in their minds.

The Quality Is Mediocre

Another major difference between handmade and machine-made rugs is the overall quality and consistency of the rug. A machine-made rug lacks quality, because it is made with a variety of materials, like cotton, jute, nylon, and other synthetic materials, which can really make the rug look mediocre. The fringes of machine-made rugs are attached afterward, which also looks quite inconsistent and the fringes aren’t even as good quality, as compared to those of handmade rugs.

The machine weave is not as fine and strong either, so a skillful eye can definitely make out a handmade rug and a machine-made rug, just by looking at the weave of the rug.

These Rugs Don’t Last As Long

Machine-made rugs are great because they are reasonable in price and they are available in a lot of colors, patterns, and materials. However, one thing that is a huge downer for these rugs is their durability.

These rugs aren’t strong at all and they can only last for some time, more like a couple of months or a year, before you need to change them. This can be extremely off-putting for a lot of people because you don’t want to spend money on a rug that won’t even last a decent amount of time.

They Take Less Time To Manufacture

Machines can weave these rugs faster than any worker can. This is why there is a lot of appeal for this rug because there’s no commitment on time and you don’t need to wait for months to get your rug ready. Machine-made rugs can be manufactured within hours and this is one of the biggest advantages of machine-made rugs.

This is also what gives machine-made rugs an upper hand over handmade rugs because no matter how good the quality of the handmade rug is, there’s nothing that can beat the manufacturing speed of machine-made rugs.

Of course, the speedy manufacturing of these rugs comes with compromises in quality, appearance, and the general look of the rug. It’s not as great as handmade rugs, but a lot of people can easily let these details go unnoticed if they need cheaper rugs and those who want multiple rugs that have exactly the same patterns.

Conclusion

These differences are important to know if you want to scout out the perfect rug for your home. Each rug has its own set of qualities and ups and downs. Bear in mind that all high-quality traditional and Persian rugs VA are handmade by skilled weavers.