Knotting: The Art of Carpet Weaving

Laying the Warp
The journey of creating a handmade carpet starts with meticulously placing the warp threads onto the loom. This foundational step is vital, as evenly tensioned warp threads are necessary to preserve the rug’s shape and symmetry.

Crafting the Selvedge
Before knotting begins, the weaver forms a selvedge by weaving several weft threads through the warp. This creates a narrow, sturdy band resembling coarse linen, providing a secure edge for the subsequent knots.

Knotting Methods
Among the various knotting techniques, the Ghiordes (Turkish Knot) and Senneh (Persian Knot) are the most prominent, both highly regarded and widely practiced in Iran.

The Ghiordes (Turkish) Knot
This technique involves leaving three or four warp threads at the edges untied to establish the side selvedge. Each knot is tied around two adjacent warp threads using a wool strand, with the ends emerging between the threads. After tying, the wool ends are cut.
Once a row of knots is completed, two weft threads are passed through the warp with a shuttle and compacted using a heavy comb-beater. This process is repeated row by row, and the wool loops are eventually cut and trimmed to form the carpet’s pile.

The Senneh (Persian) Knot
The Senneh knot, while similar to the Turkish knot, differs in technique. Here, the wool strand wraps around one warp thread, while the adjacent thread is looped behind. The ends reappear between and alongside the warp threads.
This knot can be tied in either direction, giving it the moniker "two-handed knot."

These intricate methods, refined over centuries, lend Persian carpets their renowned texture, durability, and timeless elegance.