Knots

The two most common knots are called symmetrical knot and asymmetrical knot. These knots also have different names which will be explained in the following pages.

A skilled weaver can accomplish

8 000-12 000 knots on an eight-hour working day. Between the rows with knots one or more wefts are placed to secure the knots.

To aid their work the weavers have some simple tools: a knife with a hook, a pair of scissors and a heavy comb, made of wood and metal. With the help of all these tools the rows with the knots and weft are beaten together.

The knot density is of great importance to the carpets durability, but the conditions vary. A nomad carpet woven by thick, handspun yarn is not so close, while an Isfahan or a Nain has to be close to meet its expectations. When the weaving is finished the carpet is cut down from the loom. Later on the pile is trimmed with a pair of scissors, the fringes are secured and the sides are made stable. Afterwards, the post treatment take place with polishing, washing, drying and eventual repairs.

Work on the largest carpet in the world began in Iran in 2006. It was ordered for a mosque in the Arab Emirates and was completed 1.5 years later. It measures 6000 square meters and consists of fifteen separate pieces that were woven together in the mosque. The material for the carpet weighs 45 tons, whereof 15 tons is cotton and 30 tons is wool. It took 1200 weavers to complete the carpet.