Hospitality Jargon Explained

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Hand-Knotted

Hand-Knotted
"Hand-knotted" refers to a traditional, labor-intensive craftsmanship technique where skilled artisans meticulously tie individual knots onto a vertical loom to create a fabric, typically a rug or carpet. This process results in a high-quality, durable, and unique product that can last for generations. 

Key Characteristics
  • Process: Weavers tie thousands or millions of knots by hand around vertical warp threads (foundation threads) stretched on a loom. The horizontal weft threads are then woven through to secure the knots.
  • Durability and Quality: Due to the tight, individual knots and the use of high-quality natural materials like wool or silk, hand-knotted items are exceptionally durable and resistant to wear and tear. The quality is often measured by the number of knots per square inch (KPSI), with a higher density allowing for finer, more intricate designs.
  • Appearance: The design on the front of a hand-knotted item is typically mirrored on the back, and you can see and feel the individual knots. Slight irregularities are a natural part of the handmade process, marking each piece as a one-of-a-kind work of art.
  • Fringe: The fringe is a structural part of the rug's foundation (the warp threads) and is not sewn or glued on after the fact.
  • Time and Cost: This ancient process is extremely time-consuming, with a single large rug often taking months or even years to complete, which makes hand-knotted items significantly more expensive than hand-tufted or machine-made alternatives. 

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