If you want to get the true rug experience, then handmade rugs are the best. They’re exceptional in quality and they have a beautiful appearance. There are many types of rug weaving techniques. One of them is hand-looming.
How Are Hand-Loomed Rugs Made?
Hand-loomed rugs are taking over the world of rugs and the main reason why is because of how easy they are to make. They are the easiest-to-make types of handmade area rugs and they are not nearly as expensive as hand-knotted rugs. So, it’s all a win in people’s books.
It takes very little time to make them. They are made by first selecting a fabric of choice. The fabric is usually in the form of strands and then the strands are weaved together to form a specific pattern.
The rugs are decent in quality and the only difference between this rug and a traditional handmade rug is the introduction of a rod that makes loops on the top of the rug. This allows for a smoother feel of the rug and even though it is quite low-piled, it is cushiony and comfortable.
The Knotting Technique
Hand-loomed rugs are made by traditional weaving techniques that are used in original handmade rugs. However, the only addition is the introduction of loops on the surface of the rug while weaving. Once the weaving process is complete, the rod is then pulled out and the rug is pretty much ready.
You might think that pulling the rod out will rip the rug and while it might have happened in the olden days when hand-loomed rugs were still new, now it’s not an issue because a specific weaving technique allows tension to be canceled within the strands and you are left with a sturdy and strong rug that won’t budge and will last you a decent amount of time.
So, hand-loomed rugs are an amazing proposition if you’re looking for something that looks handmade but is more affordable.
The Color
Next up is the color of hand-loomed rugs and that is something that can go either way. Hand-loomed rugs can even be dyed in naturally sourced colors and dyes and there are also chemical dyes that are used to make these rugs look amazing.
Natural dyes are better because they don’t bleed when you wash them, but rugs dyed in natural dyes are going to be more expensive than chemical dyes so that typically depends on your budget and what you’re willing to pay.
The Patterns
Hand-loomed rugs are available in a variety of patterns. A great thing about these rugs is that they are available in a lot of designs just like other types of rugs. They can be minimally designed, the motifs can be loud and vibrant, and there are also a lot of colors available.
So, if you want to get your hands on any type of designed or embroidered rug, then you can certainly do so. This is a wonderful thing about hand-loomed rugs because there is something for everyone and you can choose any type of design your heart desires.
How Long Does It Take To Make Them?
Hand-loomed rugs, even though they’re not specifically and only handmade, are made in less time than a traditional handmade rug. A hand-loomed rug can take anywhere between 2 to 5 days to complete and the weaving and rod technique is what makes everything a breeze.
Even though they are easy to make, they have their distinct appearance and value. Moreover, they can be made in almost any design or pattern so you will have a huge choice.
Hand-Loomed Rugs Can Be Fragile
Even though hand-loomed rugs amazing, they are not as strong as hand-knotted or hand-tufted rugs. These rugs can tend to fray and get damaged because they’re not as strong as hand-knotted rugs that have a lot of durability within the strands because of the knots. Moreover, as the knot density increase, so does the strength and longevity of the rug.
It all boils down to the weaving technique, the material, and everything else involved in making the rug. So, if you’re looking for a rug that will last long, then hand-loomed rugs will disappoint you because the most they can last is about 2 to 5 years, after which you have to discard the rug and get a new one. For long lasting rugs, choose hand-knotted rug as they last for decades.
They’re Not As Expensive
One of the great things about a hand-loomed rug is that it is not going to cost you a fortune when you buy it. Unlike hand-knotted and hand-tufted rugs that are impossible when it comes to budget, hand-loomed rugs are quite affordable when it comes to the price.
It is one of the biggest plus points of this rug and for a lot of people hand-knotted rugs, as amazing and durable as they can be, are hard to afford, so the next best option is a hand-loomed rug, which is quite a steal.
They’re Lightweight
Another very notable quality of hand-loomed rugs is that they are very easy to handle. If you know anything about high-piled hand-knotted, you would know that you need an army of people to drag them from one place to another and it can be pretty troublesome.
So, it’s refreshing to see a rug that is a spitting image of traditional rugs minus the weight of the material that’s usually associated with them, so they’re much easier to handle and they won’t give you a backache once you move them. This is why hand-loomed rugs are very much in demand.
Grinning Of Hand-Loomed Rugs
Grinning is kind of like an identifying factor in hand-loomed rugs. It is a strip of fiber nestled beneath the pile of the rug. It usually runs along the length of the rug and if you want to see it, then you need to bend the carpet harshly to see the grinning of the hand-loomed rug.
This is a very important, distinctive quality of hand-loomed rugs and it’s also a great way to tell whether the rug is the real thing or not. So, when you’re out buying hand-loomed rugs, make sure to look for this little detail because it will make all the difference.
They Can Be Made To Look Like Other Expensive Rugs
The greatest quality of a hand-loomed rug is that it can be made to look like hand-knotted and even hand-tufted rugs, which is amazing if you think about it.
Hand-loomed rugs are amazing when it comes to replicating other rugs and it’s one of the reasons why people go for it in the first place because they can get the look of expensive rugs without having to spend a lot of money, which is awesome. So, if that interests you, then hand-loomed rugs would great for you.
Conclusion
Hand-loomed rugs are works of art and they are truly a steal if you can get your hands on them because they look like hand-knotted rugs but are much affordable. Well, now you know exactly what to look for in a hand-loomed rug. You can check out many oriental, Persian, and tribal rugs Virginia that are hand-loomed to perfection.
