WholesaleRug
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Making a handmade oriental rug is an art. A single rug can take up to two years for a skilled artisan to create. The process is long, involved and individual to each rug crafted.

The process starts with the shearing of sheep for their wool, which is then spun, dyed and dried. A ‘cartoon’ of the rug that will be made is drawn, and the artisan will reference this picture, enlarging it in his minds as he knots the rug.

Once the rug and cartoon are ready, the weaver sets up his loom. The loom is adjusted to the correct size, and then each warp thread must be strung and pulled taught - this is what the weaver will knot the yarn onto, and eventually will be the fringe of the rug.

Now the main knotting of the rug will begin. This is the longest step of the process. Working off the cartoon image, the weaver determines where each color stops and starts and ties the threads accordingly. To the right is a video of a weaver during this process, knotting a rug in Iran.

Once the rug is completely knotted, the rug is finished with a special knot and then trimmed to make the pile even. This process is usually repeated several times to ensure no long threads are left. The rug is then washed thoroughly, and stretched to dry before export.

The craftsmanship and skill that go into making these rugs is one of the many reasons that they last so long and are so valuable. Sadly, in this globalized world, this art form will soon be gone. Unlike their machine made counterparts, Oriental rugs will last generations and appreciate in value over time when well cared for.

"To see these rugs please visit our showroom at 2448 Lincoln Hwy East, Lancaster PA 17602. It is worth the trip. Call for details at (717) 295-9078. Financing available through CitiBank. Click here for directions and store hours.