Quality in a handmade rug is not the same as uniformity. A well-made rug is sound in structure, good in materials and careful in finish; it is not identical to the one beside it. This page explains how we think about quality and what we check.
“What we check, what we expect, and how we think about handmade character.”
Construction
We look for an even, consistent weave: rows that are straight, knots or wefts packed firmly, and edges under steady tension so the rug lies flat. For hand-knotted rugs, the design should be clearly drawn at the intended scale. For hand-tufted rugs, the tufting should be dense and the backing well secured. For flatweaves, the colour joins should be neat and sound.
Materials
We assess the handle and resilience of wool, the lustre and strength of silk, and the stability of the cotton foundation. We state the principal fibres of every rug, and we describe plant-based fibres such as bamboo silk accurately.
Colour
Colours should sit together as intended in daylight, and dyes should be sound. We check samples against finished pieces where we can, recognising that handmade dyeing always produces some variation.
Finishing
The pile should be clipped evenly. Edges, known as selvedges, should be secure. Ends and fringes should be finished neatly and firmly. The rug should be clean and properly dried.
Inspection
Every rug is inspected before dispatch. We check structure, edges, ends, colour, pile and dimensions, and record the actual measured size.
Natural character, not defects
Some qualities of handmade rugs are sometimes mistaken for faults. They are not.
- Abrash. Gentle variations of tone within a colour, caused by dye batches and yarn. It gives a field depth and movement.
- Dimensional variance. A handmade rug may measure a few centimetres more or less than its stated size, and may not be perfectly square.
- Uneven fringe. Fringes on hand-knotted rugs are formed from the warps and may vary slightly in length.
- Pile direction. Pile rugs look lighter from one end and deeper from the other.
- Initial shedding. New wool rugs shed loose fibres for a while; this settles with vacuuming.
We describe these clearly on product pages so that you know what to expect.
If something is wrong
If a rug arrives with a genuine fault in its making, such as a loose edge, a structural problem or damage in transit, please contact us promptly with photographs. We will look into it carefully and put it right in line with our returns policy and your rights under applicable law.
Built to last
Our aim is for every rug to give many years of service with sensible care. Our care guide explains how to help it do so.
Last updated September 2026.