Where can I purchase a hand-made Indian rug?

You can find a good selection of hand-knotted and tufted Indian carpets in the floor covering departments of better department stores, area rug specialty stores and select home furnishings retailers. Flat woven floor coverings such as Soumacs, Chain Stitched, and Dhurries are also available at many floor covering retailers, furniture stores, and large “everything for the home” centers. If you are working with an interior design professional, he or she will select appropriate sources for the type of rug and price level that will meet your requirements. 

What makes hand-made Indian rugs special?

The history of carpet weaving in India dates back to the rule of the Mogul Emperor “ Akbar the Great” in the 16th century. Following the conquering Emperor into India, Persian weavers established the country’s first carpet-making centers. The incomparable skill and artistry of those legendary weavers began a tradition of rug-making excellence that has been handed down through the centuries. The hand-woven Indian rugs available from home furnishings and floor covering specialty retailers are made of the same high quality natural yarns and with the same painstaking care as their centuries-old counterparts. And the same high standards of craftsmanship and quality apply to the other types of pile carpets and flat weave floor coverings rugs produced by India ’s renowned rug-makers.

What kinds of hand-made rugs are produced in India?

The most well known are the hand-knotted rugs. These “woven treasures” are the proud work of India’s master weavers. They are comprised of thousands of hand-tied knots of yarn that follow an intricate design and color pattern. Multiple steps are required in producing a finished hand-knotted rug, each involving days of painstaking attention and care.  Other, popular, less expensive types of handmade rugs such as Tufted and Flat Woven Chain Stitch, Dhurries, and Sumacs are also produced in India.

India’s rug-making centers produce a range of products to suit every taste and budget. The most well known are the hand-knotted rugs. These “woven treasures” are the proud work of India’s master weavers. They are comprised of thousands of hand-tied knots of yarn that follow an intricate design and color pattern. Multiple steps are required in producing a finished hand-knotted rug, each involving days of painstaking attention and care.

Hand-tufted Indian rugs have the look and feel of a hand-knotted rug, but are generally less expensive.  The rugs are created by craftsmen who inject strands of wool into a stretched canvas with a special tool. Though produced in considerably less time than hand-knotted rugs, tufted rugs are extremely durable, and are also available in traditional, transitional and contemporary styles.

Flat woven Indian rugs require less labor and are, therefore, among the least expensive options. Several types are available, including “Soumacs,” a durable floor covering whose special weaving technique makes the rugs reversible. Chain Stitched and “Dhurries” are among the other popular flat woven Indian rugs. The Chain Stitched rugs are characterized by intricate needlework and floral designs in a wide range of color schemes and hues. The striking designs and colors of Dhurries often resemble the rugs crafted by American Navajo Indians. Both of these types of rugs are often used as decorative accents in informal settings such as playrooms, dens, and home/offices.

Are all hand-knotted Indian rugs one-of-a-kind?  

The answer is no. In the past, all hand-made oriental rugs produced in India and the other rug-making countries were “one-of-a-kind.” These costly creations are still woven in India today; however, thanks to a revolutionary development that began in the 1970s, the craftsmanship, artistry, and enduring quality of Indian rugs became available to a much broader market. The development, known as “programming,” resulted in the production of multiple rugs of the same design in a range of the most desired sizes and in a choice of designer-influenced color combinations. It also offered the option of producing a rug to meet specific size, design and/or color requirements of the purchaser.

The new approach did not change the way Indian rugs are produced. Programmed rugs are still made from the finest natural yarns, and they require just as many hours of painstaking attention and the same careful finishing steps as their “one-of-a-kind” counterparts. However, the process has not only made Indian rugs more affordable, it has made it possible for area rug retailers and interior design professionals to satisfy the taste and space requirements of everyone who desires to own a genuine hand-loomed Indian rug

How long will a hand-woven Indian rug last?

Rugs of India are known for their durability. With a reasonable amount of care, a hand-knotted Indian carpet can last and look beautiful for decades. Depending on their yarn, backing material, and their care, the various types of flat woven rugs from India can be expected to have the life spans of similar, hand-made floor coverings.

Does as hand-woven rug require any special care?

You should treat a hand-woven rug as you would any fine piece of furniture. A weekly vacuuming and occasional rotation of the rug will ensure years of continued enjoyment of its beauty and comfort. Stains can be removed with soap-free detergent and cold water applied by a clean white cloth if attended to immediately. A professional cleaning will remove stains and any ground in dirt, but it is not recommended for at least five years. Your efforts will be rewarded with years of lasting satisfaction and pleasure.

Do different areas of India produce different types of rugs?

While there are a number of areas that produce carpets, certain types of carpet are produced predominantly in certain regions.

What is the CEPC?

The CEPC (Carpet Export Promotion Council) is an Indian trade organization founded by the Ministry of Textiles of the government of India to assist the country’s carpet-making industry with the export and promotion of hand-made Indian carpets. The CEPC guarantees the authenticity of rugs exported from India, and works with both exporters and overseas buyers/importers to encourage business partnerships, resolve trade disputes, and bring industry concerns to the attention of the government. The council is also spearheading a multi-phase marketing campaign in the U.S. to promote the “Rugs of India” brand.

How is the issue of Child Labor being addressed in India’s rug manufacturing industry?

In recent years, the Indian government, the CEPC (Carpet Export Promotion Council) and individual rug manufacturers/exporters have taken significant steps to eliminate the practice of utilizing underage children in the production of hand-made rugs. For its part, the CEPC has established very strict standards relating to the employment of young people in the industry, and the organization works diligently to maintain those standards. As an example of the seriousness with which child labor abuses are viewed, violators of the Child Labor Code of Conduct are subject to cancellation of export privileges.