The Persian carpet manufacturing process | Craftsmanship of hand-carving, washing, and finishing (Part 2)

Once the weaving is complete, it's finished! ...But the real beauty begins here!

Hello! Welcome back to the deep world of Persian carpets.

In the previous article, we introduced the amazing world of hand-crafting, the "first half" of weaving a carpet - from drawing the design, dyeing the yarn, and then tying the pile knot by knot, which takes an incredibly long time.

"It's gone through so much work to weave it, so it must be finished now, right?" You'd think so, right?

However, a freshly woven Persian carpet is like a rough diamond. Its true brilliance, captivating beauty, and texture that grows on you the more you use it are...

It is only after this, in a truly magical process called "finishing", that the piece really comes to life.

Today, we will be looking at the second half of the Persian carpet manufacturing process! Let's take a peek into the amazing and moving world of handicrafts and see what kind of magic the skilled craftsmen put into the finished carpets. I'm sure you will find your love for carpets growing even stronger.

The first magic cut [Shirring: the artisan's technique that brings the pattern to life]

Freshly woven Persian carpets are first dried, and then the overall shape is adjusted. They are carefully ironed from the back and sometimes evenly stretched by nailing them to a board, correcting the slight distortions that occurred during the weaving process to within millimeters. This gives the carpet a dignified and beautiful appearance.

And now it's time for the first "magic cut" - shearing! This is the process of cutting the pile on the surface of the carpet with a special fan-shaped blade or dedicated machine to make it even and beautiful, just like a skilled barber would style a customer's hair. This is the moment when the craftsmanship really shines.

Why is this shirring so important?

• The design becomes clear and vivid! By perfectly aligning the pile height, the outlines of the carpet's design and patterns, which previously looked a little blurry, become surprisingly sharp. The carpet's features become vivid and three-dimensional, just like a sharply focused photograph.
• The luster of silk and wool is brought out to the fullest! The evenly trimmed pile reflects light beautifully. This allows the natural luster of the material to blossom all at once, and the colors and shadows change depending on the viewing angle, creating an indescribably beautiful look.

The slightest difference in the amount of scraping or the angle of the blade can completely change the impression of the carpet, so the craftsman's many years of experience and finely honed senses are all that is needed. It is this extra step that gives Persian carpets an aura like a work of art, going beyond being just a rug.

Almost like a purification ritual? [Carpet washing: Bringing out the texture and shine even more]

The Persian carpet, beautifully cut by shearing, then moves on to the "washing" process. You might be a little worried, thinking, "Wait, are they going to wash such a big carpet with water?" But don't worry. Here too, there is wonderful wisdom and technology that has been handed down since ancient times in Persia.

Skilled craftsmen use plenty of water and soap (often natural, gentle on the fibers) to wash the carpets boldly but carefully with large brushes.

This "washing" has several important meanings.

• Say goodbye to invisible dirt and excess dye! Fine dust particles hidden in the weave, fiber debris from shearing, and even a small amount of excess dye remaining on the threads are thoroughly washed away here. This makes the original colors of the Persian carpet more vivid and also makes it more hygienic.
• The carpet feels gentler and softer to the touch! Washing loosens the fibers to an appropriate degree, making the carpet fluffier and more flexible. The result is a refreshing, pleasant finish, just like after you've refreshed your body and mind in a hot spring.
• The weave tightens, making the carpet more stable! As it absorbs moisture and dries, the weave tightens, making the carpet more stable and durable.

Of course, you can't spin-dry the carpet in the washing machine after washing it. That's where a big iron spatula similar to a hoe comes in. With this, you rub the surface of the carpet repeatedly, carefully pushing out the water little by little. Of course, you have to use just the right amount of pressure so as not to damage the precious pile.

And finally, they are dried in the sun, bathed in plenty of sunlight. In particular, in the Qum region of Iran, where Persian carpets are produced, the air is very dry and the local water contains a moderate amount of salt, making it the perfect environment for making carpets softer and more beautiful. In the dry summer months, when the humidity is below 10%, the carpets dry quickly and produce the best finish. They truly have the blessings of nature on their side.

Beauty born from an obsession for perfection [Re-shearing: the final and ultimate polishing]

After washing, the Persian carpet is thoroughly dried in the sunlight. It's finally finished! You'll want to applaud, but the craftsmen's magic isn't over yet. They have to shear it again (by hand)!

You may be surprised and ask, "What?! Another scrape?!" However, this is a sign of the craftsmen's almost obsessive commitment to perfection, which determines the quality of Persian carpets.

The first shearing sets the rough pile height, and after the fibers settle with a wash, the second shearing is used to make the final adjustments, down to the millimeter. If there is even the slightest unevenness in the height or even a single protruding pile, the beautiful pattern will look blurred and the feel will be ruined.

There is no manual for this final touch. It is truly a matter of relying solely on the "instinct" and "experience" of the craftsman that he has cultivated over many years, and the sharp sense of his fingertips. The pile is carefully and meticulously arranged so that the surface of the carpet is smooth and the pattern looks as beautiful and vivid as possible. This is truly the "finishing touch," the final brushstroke, or rather, "one stroke that puts your soul into it."

Beauty and strength in the details [Final touches: the aesthetics of fringes and edges]

Now, we are finally at the final stage. The pattern, which can be considered the "face" of the carpet, has been finished to perfection. However, the surrounding area, that is, the fringe and edges, must also be beautifully and sturdily finished in order to call the carpet truly complete.

• Fringe processing: The ends of the warp threads of the carpet are carefully tied one by one to prevent fraying, and are arranged into a cute and elegant tassel that looks lovely. The way the fringe is processed actually reflects the characteristics of each production area and workshop, as well as the individuality of the craftsman.
• Edge reinforcement: The left and right edges of a carpet are prone to wear and tear through daily use. Here, threads of the same material as the carpet itself (or similarly strong threads) are tightly wrapped around the edges multiple times along the warp threads to reinforce the edges. This prevents the carpet from losing its shape and makes it sturdy enough to withstand decades of use.

It is said that in any great work of art, "the attention to detail determines the overall quality of the piece," and this is certainly true of Persian carpets. By carefully carrying out this final finishing touch, each carpet is not only beautiful to look at, but also has the "real quality" that allows it to be used for a long time with peace of mind.

Summary: The latter process is the source of the "aura"! The soul of the craftsman is infused into a single carpet

The first half of the process, up until the weaving of a Persian carpet, is incredibly time-consuming. However, the post-processing we have introduced this time - hand-shaving (shirring), washing, re-hand-shaving, and the final finishing - is the only way that a Persian carpet can be magically elevated from a mere "woven fabric" to a "one-of-a-kind work of art" that radiates a breathtaking brilliance and a mysterious "aura" that never ceases to draw people in.

1. By hand carving, the hidden patterns emerge clearly and three-dimensionally.
2. After washing, all excess is washed away, leaving the fabric clean and fresh, and the texture is softer and more supple.
3. Re-sharpening by hand gives it a perfectly smooth finish and the highest shine.
4. The final tassels and edge treatment give the product beauty as well as true durability that will last for a long time.

The result of these multiple layers of loving handiwork is the unique presence that only Persian carpets have. It is easy to understand why people say that "just laying one carpet down can completely change the atmosphere of a room."

If you are blessed with the opportunity to choose a Persian carpet, or if you take another look at a carpet you already own, please take a moment to think not only about the beautiful surface, but also about the generous time, passion, and amazing skills of the artisans behind it. I am sure that your encounter with that carpet will be even more moving and irreplaceable.

So why not bring a magical Persian carpet, filled with the souls of these craftsmen, into your life? From that moment on, we guarantee that the place under your feet will become a little happier.

[Click here for advice on choosing a Persian carpet]

Golestan, a Persian carpet specialist, will help you find the perfect carpet to suit your room and lifestyle. Our expert staff will be happy to help you choose from our extensive selection, so please feel free to consult with us.

• Check the size and texture at a physical store: Store address and access information
• Check out our online store for carpets in various sizes: Visit our online store
• Inquiries regarding size selection and stock: To the inquiry form

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