How To Identify Handmade From Machine Made Rugs

Unless you are a connoisseur of handmade traditional Persian rugs or have been in the industry for years like we have, distinguishing between handmade and machine made rugs can be difficult. In order to avoid getting duped into purchasing a handmade piece for the price of an original rug, you should remain wary.

Here are some of the main differences you should know about when shopping for a new rug, giving you the ability to distinguish between a handmade and machine made rug:

The Flipside Is Different

If you can distinguish the separate knots at the back, you have an original handmade traditional Oriental rug in your hands. The weaving and the knots are not completely uniform, which only adds to its charm. This is because when they are making them, weavers insert the knots into the foundation of each rug manually and also tie them off by hand.

On the other hand, since machine made rugs are made by heavy duty power looms and the process is automated, their underside is smoother and more even. Individual knots are not visible at the back of these rugs since there aren’t any. The whole pile is made of a smooth overstitch pattern, which is visible on the back as well.

The Dye, Fringe and Material Are Different

Handmade traditional oriental rugs and traditional Persian rugs are made using natural vegetable dyes that are colorfast. To determine if yours is handmade, leave a damp cloth on it overnight. If the cloth is covered with dye in the morning, the area rug is probably machine made.

Another way to tell between a handmade and machine made area rug is by checking the materials used. A hand knotted rug features fringe that is made of excess warp yarns on either end once it is cut from the loom so it is structural. The machine made variety on the other hand emulates the look with a fringe that is sewn or glued together afterwards.

Additionally, authentic traditional oriental rugs are made with 100% natural fibers, which have a cotton base and wool, silk or combination pile. Machine made rugs contain synthetic material such as polypropylene or polyester.

We know and can identify differences between handmade and cheap knockoffs at a glance. At Modern Rug Imports, we have a wide range of authentic contemporary, traditional, transitional, Persian and outdoor rugs that are available at fantastic prices. With decades building relationships with vendors across the world, you can rest assured that you will find the rug of your dreams from within our collection.

Feel free to stop by our showroom or send us a query regarding special requests. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure you get the rug you are looking for!