The Origins Of Traditional & Kilim Rugs

Kilim is a Turkish word that translates to ‘textile without piles’. This textile is produced using a flat weave technique that is also used by artisans in Turkey, the Caucasus, China, North Africa, the Balkan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran and Central Asia. While you can say Kilim rugs are Oriental rugs, most rug connoisseurs acknowledge that Kilims are a class of their own.

Traditional rugs use different weaving techniques and they almost always have a pile, although their length may vary from one type of rug to another. They are made in countries around the world.

How Kilim Rugs Are Made

It is the weaving technique that made a Kilim different from a traditional rug. These rugs are made using a flat weaving technique, which explains the lack of pile. This makes the rug lightweight.

A weaver uses two sets of yarn to weave Kilim. One set is positioned vertically while the other set sits horizontally. The two sets are interwoven, with the horizontal yarn passing through the vertical yarn and this process is repeated. As the weaver weaves, they insert decorative patterns or motifs into the Kilim. This is usually done by using different colored yarns.

Its unique flat, lightweight qualities make a Kilim very versatile in the way it can be used. You can use a Kilim as a floor decoration, wall hanging or even as a cover for a divan.

The lack of pile makes Kilim rugs different from traditional rugs. Also, high-quality Kilim rugs are primarily made from pure wool, but you can also find rugs made out of cotton or animal hair, usually camel or goat.

How Traditional Rugs Are Made

Traditional rugs, the ones with pile, are usually made using wool. However, thanks to advances in technology, nowadays, weavers also use nylon, polyester and other synthetic fibers as they are cheaper than wool.

In a traditional rug, you will find twisted tufts, which are treated by heat so that they maintain their shape. Traditional rugs are found in a range of colors and serve to insulate the floor from the cold, add a decorative element to the room or keep street noises at bay.

The Differences Between Traditional & Kilim Rugs

 The differences between traditional and kilim rugs go way beyond just their appearances. Here are a few more differences between the two:

• Traditional rugs are made using power loom and hence, they can be woven quickly. On the other hand, Kilim rugs are handwoven and this makes it a tedious and time-consuming process.
• Kilim rugs are more expensive compared to traditional rugs as they are handmade and no rugs have the same design. In fact, when you buy a Kilim, you are purchasing a piece of unique art.
• Kilim rugs are more durable than traditional rugs as they are made using natural fibers and dyes. Of course, traditional or machine-made rugs can also last a long time, as long as they are made with quality raw materials and you put in an effort to maintain them.
• The unique, flat-weaving technique makes Kilims completely different from traditional rugs. Kilim are pileless while traditional rugs will have piles of varying lengths.

Ultimately, the rug you choose will depend on where you want to place your rug, your decorating style and your budget.