The Loom: A Guide to Traditional Rug Weaving Tools

Rug weaving revolves around looms, which stretch the warp threads to create a foundation for knotting and weaving. Looms are broadly divided into two main types:

Horizontal Looms

Horizontal looms are portable and commonly used by nomadic groups like the Kashgais and Turkomans. Simple and lightweight, they suit the mobile lifestyles of their users.

Vertical Looms

Vertical, or upright, looms are more complex and used by settled artisans in towns and villages. They come in three variations:

Village Loom

The village loom is the simplest vertical loom, consisting of upper and lower beams fixed to two vertical poles. Warp threads are wound around the lower beam, with free ends tied in bundles to the upper beam. Weavers sit on a plank supported by ladders, raising the seat as weaving progresses. Once a section of the rug (1.2–1.5 meters in height) is complete, it is rolled onto the lower beam, and the warp threads are adjusted for the next stage.

Tabriz Loom

Named after the town of Tabriz, this loom is widely used in urban centers across Iran. It eliminates the need to bundle or manually adjust warp threads. Instead, the warp is looped continuously around the loom, forming two sheets—one at the front for knotting and one at the back. The completed rug section is easily shifted to the back, making this loom efficient and ideal for urban workshops.

Roller Beam Loom

The roller beam loom is the most advanced type, enabling the production of rugs of any length. Warp threads are wound around an upper roller, while the finished section is rolled onto a bottom roller. This design ensures uniform tension, resulting in a more even weave. In Kerman, these looms often feature durable metal rollers for added precision and durability.

Each loom type plays a vital role in rug weaving, shaping the size, quality, and complexity of the final product. Understanding these tools unveils the craftsmanship and tradition behind every handmade rug.