Hand-Knotted vs. Hand-Tufted Rugs - Quality and Value Differences
Although both hand-knotted and hand-tufted area rugs are both made by hand, unfortunately, that's where the resemblance ends. The procedure of creating both types of area rugs is quite different not just in complexity, but also the amount of time it takes to create one and the skill level required in developing it.
As a result of a completely different process, these two types of styles of rugs end up having a different look and feel. It is for these reasons, hand knotted and hand tufted rugs can also differ in longevity, value and cost.
Hand-Knotted Area Rugs
Usually weaving together a hand-knotted area rug requires both an exceptional amount of skill, patience and often a lot of time to develop. The quality and very often the value of a hand-knotted area rug is determined by number of knots per square inch. In this case, a higher density usually means a much better quality rug.
A complex pattern can require very dense knotting and as a result it can take a while to put together. An average rug artisan can typically tie about 10,000 knots per day. So you can just imagine how long it can take to complete one area rug, especially if it happens to be a big one. The time involved in making it also accounts for hand-knotted rugs generally being valued a bit more on average than hand-tufted area rugs.
Hand-Tufted Area Rugs
The process for creating a hand tufted area rug varies tremendously. It is made by striking strands of wool into a canvas that is stretched on a frame with the help of a hand-operated tool. This process is not very time-intensive and fortunately doesn't require the same level of skill that hand-knotting does.
After piling with wool, the rug is removed from the frame and a scrim fabric is glued to the back. To finalize the hand tufted rug, a fringe is added by either sewing or gluing it on.
Difference In Cost
A hand-tufted rug generally costs less than a hand-knotted rug because it usually takes less time and skill to make and is thus less costly to produce. This lets the manufacturer pass those savings on to you.
Life Span Differences Area Drastic
A hand-knotted rug usually outlasts a hand-tufted one. Furthermore, it can become a family heirloom and last for generations if it is used with the proper care. A hand-tufted area rug will not last as long in the same level of condition.
The Question of Value Remains
Rug value is determined not by how little or how much a rug costs, or how good of quality a hand-knotted rug can become a collector's item, but on a lot more. There is a whole range of hand-knotted ones, from poorly made examples to breathtaking ones. Hand-knotted area rugs also have superior value because they are original, not mass-produced.
Additionally, hand-tufted rugs never quite achieve heirloom status because they are not one of a kind. But they can still be absolutely gorgeous to look at and make an appealing and interesting addition to your interior home decor. If you want to purchase an area rug that has value beyond its use in your home decor today, look to well-made rug hand-knotted by expert artisans.