Hand-Knotted or Machine-Made? What You Really Pay for in a Rug

Shopping for a rug online is confusing. You see a rug for $2,800, then one that looks almost the same for $200. Is the expensive one worth it, or is it just the name?

Most of the difference comes down to how the rug is made. There are three main ways, and each one changes the price, the feel and how many years the rug will last.

The three ways rugs are made

1. Hand-knotted. A weaver ties every knot by hand onto a loom, one at a time. A single rug can take months. These rugs can last for decades, and many become family pieces.
2. Hand-tufted. A maker uses a hand tool to push yarn through a canvas backing, then adds a second backing to cover the back. It is much faster than knotting, so it costs less. These rugs last many years, but they often shed at first.
3. Machine-made. Power looms weave the rug in a fraction of the time. This is the most affordable kind. How long it lasts depends on the quality, and some are stain-resistant or even washable.

How to tell them apart

Flip the rug over. On a hand-knotted rug, you can see every knot on the back, and the pattern shows through clearly. On a hand-tufted rug, the back is covered with a plain fabric backing. On a machine-made rug, the back looks very even and regular.

Then look at the fringe. On a hand-knotted rug, the fringe is part of the rug itself. On a hand-tufted rug, it is usually sewn on afterwards.

Whichever rug you choose, put a pad under it. A good rug pad stops the rug from slipping, keeps the corners flat, and makes the rug feel softer. It also protects your floor and helps the rug last longer, so it is worth it even under a less expensive rug.

How to choose one:

1. Size. Choose a pad about 1 to 2 inches smaller than the rug on each side, so it does not show at the edges.
2. Material. For wood floors, felt with a rubber backing gives both grip and cushion.
3. Thickness. Use a thin pad, about 1/8 inch, under flat rugs or near doors. Use a thicker pad, about 1/4 inch, for extra softness.
4. Your floor. Check that the pad is safe for your type of floor before you buy.

Prices change often, so always check the shop before you buy. Amazon prices are shown on Amazon only.

So which should you buy?

1. Buy hand-knotted if the rug will stay with you for many years, and if it goes in a room where it will be seen and loved, like the living room.
2. Buy hand-tufted if you want the feel of wool at a lower price, and you do not mind some shedding at first.
3. Buy machine-made for busy rooms, rentals, homes with kids or pets, or when you like to change your style often.
4. Watch out for "was" prices. Some rug shops show huge discounts all year long. Compare the real selling price, not the discount.