The second half of the Persian carpet production process | Hand-carving, washing, and finishing craftsmanship (second half)

The process of making a Persian carpet -- Unraveling the magic behind the latter half

When you hear the word "Persian carpet," you must have been enchanted by its beauty and elegant feel. In fact, behind its splendor lies a surprisingly time-consuming second half of the process. The first half is well-known for "weaving," "dyeing," and "pile tying," but this time, let's take a look at what kind of "magic" is done in the finishing stage.

Hand-carved (sheared) - A professional technique that makes the pattern stand out

Fix the shape with an iron and a pin

After the carpet has been woven, it is dried and then ironed from the back to set the shape. The key is not to simply lay it down, but to turn it over and secure it between the boards with nails while pulling it. This straightens out any distortions that are characteristic of carpets, and gives it a neat shape.

"Shirring" with a fan-shaped knife

Next comes the "shirring" step, where a fan-shaped knife is used to shave the pile (the length of the hair on the surface) just like a barber uses clippers.

• When the pile height is uniform, the pattern appears clearer and stands out more.
• Because the impression of the design can change with just a difference of a few millimeters, the delicate sensibilities of a skilled craftsman are required.

It is thanks to this extra step that Persian carpets are so beautiful, with colors and shadows that change depending on the angle from which you view them, making them captivating.

Washing: Cleans up with a full wash without leaving any dust or dye behind

After shearing, the carpet is thoroughly washed. You may be worried, "Is it okay to get it so wet?" but leave that to our experienced craftsmen.

• The fabric is brushed repeatedly to thoroughly remove any dust, shavings, or excess dye that may be trapped between the weave.

Push out the moisture with an iron hoe

• Since it is not possible to spin the clothes like in a washing machine, a tool similar to a hoe is used to push out the water little by little.
• Since there is no kneading or wringing, there is less risk of damaging the pile.

Drying depends on the sun

• In the Qum region, the moderately saline water and dry climate make the carpets softer.
• It dries quickly, especially in the summer when humidity levels drop below 10%, so it kills two birds with one stone.

This washing process makes the carpet fluffier, softer, and more evenly woven, giving it a pleasant, post-spa feel.

Re-machining by hand - persistent "fine-tuning" is key

After washing and drying, the fabric is sheared (hand-scraped) once more.

• After the first shearing to roughly adjust the pile height,
• Re-shirring is used to make final adjustments and create a perfect finish.

The balance here depends largely on the craftsman's "intuition." A deviation of a few millimeters can cause the pattern to blur, so re-hand-carving is literally the epitome of "final attention to detail."

The finishing touches: even the fringes and edges are perfect

The last step is to finish the “hem” of the carpet, i.e. the fringe and edges.

• Fringe: The warp threads of a carpet are tied together to prevent them from unraveling, creating an attractive looking tassel.
• Edge reinforcement: Wrap thread around the warp threads to make them firm and hold their shape.

By carrying out this process carefully, the carpets can be made sturdy enough to withstand decades of use. It is said that the fine details are the key to these crafts, and Persian carpets are no exception.

Summary: The “aura” of the finished carpet is the result of the latter stages of the process

The first half of the process, from weaving to tying the pile, is a lot of work, but it is the latter half of the process, which involves hand-shaving, washing, re-shaving, and finishing, that allows Persian carpets to truly shine. Carpets that have gone through this series of processes are truly "one-of-a-kind works of art," and continue to captivate fans around the world.

• Hand-carved to accentuate the pattern
• Wash to make it clean, soft and refreshing
• Re-sharpening by hand for a perfect finish
• Finally, the tassels and edges bring out durability and beauty.

The unique presence of Persian carpets is born from the interweaving of these multiple layers of work. It is no wonder that people say that "just laying one carpet down can completely change the atmosphere of a room."

If you are faced with the situation of choosing a Persian carpet, please think about the story behind it and the finishing process. You will surely feel the passion and skill that the craftsmen put into it and will develop an even greater attachment to it.

So why not bring this magical carpet into your life? From that moment on, your feet will be guaranteed to feel a little happier.