The number of knots in Persian carpets

I've heard "the more detailed the better" but what exactly is the difference?

Hello! Welcome to the deep world of Persian carpets. Now, when talking about Persian carpets, the word "knot count" almost always comes up. If you hear "This carpet is high quality because it has a high knot count," you'll probably think, "Oh, really?"

But there are probably a lot of things that you don't know, such as, "What are knots, anyway?", "Why is it good to have lots of knots?", and "What specifically changes when the numbers are different?"

Today, I would like to take a closer look at the knot count, which is essential when talking about the quality of Persian carpets, from the most basic to some more nerdy information. We will reveal the secrets behind the numbers that determine the comfort and durability of carpets!

What is a knot anyway? Why do we bother to tie it?

First, the most basic of basics. "Knot" means "tied" in English. Persian carpets are made by tying colorful pile threads to the warp threads one by one by hand . The number of knots is the number of knots per area of the carpet.

"Eh? Why did you bother to tie the knot? "Why can't we just weave them normally ?" you may think. However, this time-consuming process of "separately knotting each individual thread" is the secret behind the wonderful characteristics that are unique to Persian carpets!

Reason 1: The secret to that "fluffiness"! A comfortable feeling underfootBy tying the threads and cutting the ends, many pile fibers stand upward on the surface of the carpet. Each fiber is independent, so the base is well supported, creating a bouncy, fluffy feeling underfoot. The unique comfort you feel under your feet every time you walk is thanks to this knotted structure.

Reason 2: Amazing "durability"! The reason they can be used for a long time is that each thread is firmly tied to the warp threads, making them extremely durable. Even if the surface pile becomes worn, the threads will not fall out unless the knots are untied. Since it is difficult for the knots to affect adjacent knots, even if one part is damaged, it is unlikely that the entire carpet will suddenly become unusable. This is why Persian carpets can be used for decades, and sometimes even for over a hundred years.

This time-consuming process of knotting is the very foundation of the comfort and durability of Persian carpets.

Common knowledge about Qom silk? The ruler for the number of knots [What the numbers mean]

There are many places where Persian carpets are produced, but the most famous one is "Qom", which is known for its beautiful silk carpets. In fact, there is a certain "guideline" or "standard" for the number of knots in these silk carpets from Qom.

That is, "there are approximately 10 to 14 knots per centimeter."

This is a kind of "standard for Qom silk carpets" that comes from the thickness of the high-quality silk threads used in Qom and the level of weaving techniques that have been handed down for generations. It is precisely because of the number of knots in this range that Qom's unique intricate and beautiful designs, the luster of silk, and sufficient durability can be achieved in a well-balanced way. The threads and materials used are often prepared according to this standard.

So what if it falls outside this range?

• If the knots are less than 10 per cm: It may not be from Qom, but from another place. Or, it may be a carpet of different quality, such as one made in China, which unfortunately has become more common in recent years. (Of course, there are plenty of great carpets out there, regardless of their origin or quality!)
• If it "exceeds" 14 knots per cm: You need to be a little careful here. Very rarely, there are hand-woven carpets with a density of over 14 knots per cm, which is so high that it seems impossible for a human to do it. These are special masterpieces that require a great deal of skill and time. On the other hand, there are also "machine-woven" carpets on the market. Machine-woven carpets do not make "knots" in the first place, but plant the pile in a different way, so you cannot see the knots on the back like hand-woven carpets. So even if you are told "There are 15 knots per cm!", you need to look at the back or check with reliable information to see if it is really knotted by hand or if it is made using a completely different method. It is not the case that anything is finer.

You can tell the quality by looking at the "underside"! Is it made of bricks?

If you were to ask, "What is the best way to tell if a carpet is good or not?", an experienced professional would surely answer, "Just look at the back!"

This is because the quality of the carpet, the skill level of the maker, and the care taken in the work are clearly and indisputably revealed on the back of the carpet.

Imagine laying bricks when building a house. If each brick is laid neatly and straight, without any gaps, it will create a strong and beautiful wall, right? But if they are crooked or full of gaps... you might be a little worried.

The back of a Persian carpet is also very similar to this. Each knot is like a tiny brick measuring just a millimeter.

• How uniformly sized are they?
• Is it packed tightly with no gaps?
• Are the rows straight and neatly woven?

By looking at this, you can see how carefully and with what skill the carpet was woven.

A truly good carpet has a beautiful pattern on the back as well, is smooth to the touch, and has tightly woven weaves. A carpet that has been woven so carefully and beautifully even on the back is proof of the time and effort that went into making it, and is considered extremely valuable .

Summary: The number of knots is the "entrance". Each knot tells a story.

So, we've taken a more in-depth look at the number of knots in Persian carpets. What do you think?

• A knot is a "tied knot."
• Tying each strand individually creates a comfortable feel underfoot and amazing durability .
• Qum silk has a quality guideline of 10 to 14 knots per centimetre .
• And that careful work is honestly reflected on the back .

The knot count is certainly an easy-to-understand and important "entrance" to knowing the quality and value of a carpet. It is also true that the higher the number, the denser and stronger the carpet tends to be.

But what's even more important is to feel the "value of the handiwork" behind those numbers. The time, skill, and feelings of the craftsman that go into each and every knot.

If you have a chance to see a Persian carpet, please don't just look at the number of knots, but take a moment to think about the story behind each knot. You will surely find the carpet even more precious and special.

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