Differences Between Hand-Knotted, Hand-Tufted, and Machine-Made Rugs

The three main types of rugs on the market are hand-knotted, hand-tufted, and machine-made.

Each of these offer unique benefits, features, and have a collection of pros and cons. Here, we take a closer look at the material, appearance, texture, durability, and cost in an effort to find the best rug for your needs.

What Rug Material is Best?

• Hand-knotted rug material is usually natural, sustainably sourced cotton, silk, wool, jute, bamboo, or similar options. Of these, wool is the most popular. In some cases, a combination of natural materials are used to create hand-knotted rugs. Hand-knotted rugs are considered the highest quality home décor rugs on the market.

• Hand-tufted materials are also often natural. They require less labor to make, however, which often means leaning on non-natural fabrics to construct such a rug.

• Machine-made rugs typically use synthetic materials that are cheap and easy to manipulate. These include polyester, nylon, and polypropylene. Some machine-made rugs are made from wool, silk, or cotton, though this is rare.

Does Hand-Knotted, Hand-Tufted, and Machine-Made Rugs Look Different?

Differences between these types of rugs are small and subtle.

A hand-knotted rug often appears more handmade and organic, sometimes with minor imperfections that you only get in a natural, premium carpet.

A hand-tufted rug is indistinguishable from hand-knotted rugs in many ways. Comparatively, machine-made rugs are more calibrated and programmed, and appear as such. There aren’t imperfections, no unbalanced stitching, and it misses a lot of the beauty that comes with a handmade touch.

Home Décor Rugs Texture and Durability

More than appearance, where differences truly exist are in the texture of a rug and overall durability.

Texture comes from the material. Hand-knotted and hand-tufted rugs are thicker, more coarse, and resistant to compression. Conversely, commercially-made machine-done rugs are a lot smoother.

So how well do these rugs hold up – some surprisingly not well. Look to no other feature than knot density. Ideally, between 90 to 100 knots per square inch is recommended.

The most durable rugs are hand-knotted. They can last centuries as they’ve been built by craftspeople and by hand. Machine-made rugs vary in quality with the average lifespan being twenty years. Hand-tufted rugs unfortunately are the least durable, lasting between 10 and 20 years.

How Much Do Hand-Knotted, Hand-Tufted, and Machine-Made Rugs Cost?

When you buy rugs online, cost equates to quality in most cases.

Even a rug that isn’t going to see a lot of foot traffic should have comfort, elegance, and durability. Depending on size, materials, and weaving technique, the cost of rugs can vary wildly.

Hand-knotted rugs are the most costly, due to their long-term durability. No two hand-knotted products are alike. They are totally unique and highly sought-after. Hand-tufted rugs vary in cost based on material, design, and size. Machine-made rugs are the most affordable but comparatively, they offer no value to collectors like hand-knotted do.

Though every rug has something to offer, hand-knotted rugs are considered to have the best value. Flawless, one-of-a-kind, and handmade by skilled artisans. Find premium, hand-knotted rugs for home décor and more at ArtiPlanto.