Rugs and carpets are one of the most aesthetic elements of home décor. They add elegance and taste to the space. They can effortlessly brighten up a room and give comfort and warmth to those who walk in it.
Among them, hand-made rugs are the most delicate ones. There are two common types of hand-made rugs; hand-knotted and hand-tufted rugs.
While both types of rugs are made by hand, there are two major differences between them: quality and the construction process. This article will tell you everything you need to know about hand-tufted rugs.
What is a Hand-Tufted Rug?
A hand-tufted rug is prepared with a combination of manual labor and mechanized tool. It is not completely made by hand. It is partially prepared by hand and partially by a tufting tool.
The procedure for making hand-tufted rugs begins by stretching a large piece of canvas on a frame. A tufting tool, called a “tufting gun,” is used to punch the strands of wool onto the canvas. The process of hand-tufting a rug is not as time-consuming and laborious as a hand-knotted rug.
Unlike hand-knotted rugs, making a hand-tufted rug doesn’t require any skill. Hand-tufted rugs are great for highlighting the room’s décor. It reinforces the style, contributes to color tones, and sets the room’s overall feel.
Once the wool is punched on the canvas, the rug is detached from the frame. To identify a hand-tufted and machine-made rug, see the back surface of the rug. A scrim fabric will be attached to the back to keep the tufts in place.
Here are some characteristics to know about a hand-tufted rug:
Hand-Tufted Rug Prices
The price of hand-tufted rugs can differ based on material, quality, size, and design. Even though the designs are mechanical, meaning they don’t hold any value or recollection, their price ranges anything from $100 to $3,000.
However, the price can also vary if you custom-made the following parts:
- Design
- Pattern
- Weaving style
- Wool types include wool blend, Alpaca, Angora, Tibetan wool, etc.
Lastly, your budget will determine which sort of hand-tufted rug you can buy. Hence, your budget, rug size, the material used, quality, and weaving style will influence the differences in cost.
Durability and Value
An ideal way to assess the hand-tufted quality and value is to see if it is made from natural wool. A hand-tufted rug prepared from natural wool is more valuable than those made from synthetic materials.
However, it is difficult to find the right one when it comes to durable hand-tufted rugs. Hand-tufted rugs are among the least durable rugs. They can last for at least 8 to 10 years if taken care of properly.
Hand-tufted rugs are delicate regardless of the used fabric, especially in areas that see a lot of traffic. Luckily, to choose a durable hand-tufted option, you must consider its knot density which refers to the number of knots within each square. A hand-tufted rug that has 100 knots within each can last around 20 years.
Hand-tufted Look and Feel
The material used for the hand-tufted rug greatly determines its feel and look. Natural fibers such as wool are commonly used to make hand-tufted rugs.
Knots
The number of knots per square inch determines a rug’s quality, price, and durability. Unlike hand-knotted rugs, hand-tufted rugs do not have high knot density. Hence, a standard hand-tufted rug constitutes o f80-100 knots per square inch, meaning they are not that durable.
Moreover, the knots of hand-tufted rugs are typically punched with a tufting gun, meaning the knots tend to loosen up and come out with time.
Fringe of the Rug
On hand-tufted rugs, the fringe is the tassels and warps. These are the strands of wool that are tied and twisted around the corner of a rug. It gives the rug a rich, decorative, and handmade appearance.
The fringe of the hand-tufted rugs is made from cotton. Each tassel of the fringe runs from one end to the other end throughout the middle of the rug. Instead of stitching thoroughly, the fringes are glued to the back of the hand-tufted rugs.
Weaving Process of Hand-tufted Rugs
Before the weaving process of the hand-tufted rug, a weaver draws the pattern and design on a white canvas. A handloom is adjusted on that white canvas depending on the size of the rug. A cotton cloth is attached to the canvas, and the weaver begins tufting using a tufting tool. A tufting gun is used to punch the wool or any other synthetic material into the canvas.
Used Material
Hand-tufted rugs come in different materials and fibers, each with its own texture and quality. Whether you are considering durability or overall look, here is what these types of rugs are normally made of:
- Nylon
- Acrylic
- Polyester
- Cotton
- Silk
- Jute
- Synthetics
- Animal hide
- Faux fur
- Viscose
Decorating Tips
Rugs are a great element of interior design. It can add elegance and taste to any space. Here are some decorating tips you can try with a hand-tufted rug:
Define Areas
You can define an area with the help of a hand-tufted rug. For example, you can use a round-shaped hand-tufted rug over the surface of the kitchen.
Coordinate Two Areas
Some large living rooms, kitchens, or studio apartments are attached to the dining room. You can create a beautiful differentiating line between two spaces. A hand-tufted rug can give two rooms in the same space their own unique identity.
Use Color Schemes
You can buy a rug based on the color palette of your room. It can add a theme and accent to your existing room colors.
Taking Care of a Hand-tufted Rug
Most hand-tufted rugs are prepared without close knots. They are made with loose knots, or loops of wool pulled the backend of the rug through a tufting gun. Hence, a hand-tufted rug can easily be damaged. Here are some steps to take proper care of your rug:
- Use a stiff brush to clean the rug
- Vacuum (twice a week)
- Remove spills, spots, etc. immediately
- Use a blotting paper to remove spills
- Do not use chemicals to remove stains
- Avoid dry cleaning
FAQs
How can you tell if a rug is hand-tufted?
Looking at the back surface, you can tell if a rug is hand-tufted. A hand-tufted rug typically consists of a canvas frame glued to its back. You cannot clearly see the individual knot
Can you vacuum a hand-tufted wool rug?
Most hand-tufted rugs are prepared with a low-quality type of wool, resulting in easy damage and shedding if vacuumed vigorously. Use a handheld vacuum to gently clean the surface.
Are hand-tufted rugs toxic?
Hand-tufted rugs are the best option for non-toxic rugs and carpets. However, rugs having a back surface of synthetic material can be toxic.
Do hand-tufted rugs have loops?
Hand-tufted rugs are prepared with the help of a tufting gun instead of the wool being knotted to the back surface. The loops and knots of wool are loose and punched through the back surface.
Is a Hand-Tufted rug right for me?
If you are looking for an affordable way to dazzle up your space with a rug, a hand-tufted rug can be great for you. With delicate handling and proper care, it can be a great element to add elegance to your interior space.