The Rug Library

One Indian rug maker lists 18 finishing steps after a rug leaves the loom, which can take up to a month when done by hand.

Stretching a finished carpet on a frame brings it to its specified size and straightens edges that would otherwise curve.

Binding secures a carpet's edges against fraying; some workshops cut off the loom-made edge and re-bind it by hand for a stronger, more decorative finish.

A rug's fringe is formed by gathering and knotting bundles of warp ends at each end after the rug is cut from the loom.

The selvedges are the outermost warps along a rug's long sides, usually overcast with yarn to form a firm edge.

Binding along a carpet's length usually follows a standard structural style, while binding along the width can take a range of decorative patterns.

Finishing a hand-knotted rug typically includes quality checks, shaving the pile, repairs, washing, stretching, carving and binding the edges.

On a roller-beam loom, Indian weavers typically begin and end a carpet with a woven band of plain cloth, onto which the end knots are secured.

Stretching a washed rug on a frame helps it keep its shape and size and reduces the risk of shrinkage as it dries.

Namdas are decorated either with embroidery, often in Kashmiri aari stitch, or with felt-on-felt patterns laid in before felting.