About Persian carpet looms

Persian Carpets - Horizontal and Vertical Looms

Persian carpets are loved all over the world. The secret to their quality lies in the traditional techniques used to weave them all by hand. And the tool that is essential for weaving carpets is the "loom." The type, structure, and usage of the loom greatly affect the size, design, and production time of the carpet. In this article, we will take a closer look at the types and characteristics of looms used for Persian carpets, as well as the craftsmanship behind them.

Types of looms

There are two main types of looms used to weave Persian carpets: horizontal looms and vertical looms. Both looms play an important role in weaving the carpet, and the loom chosen depends on the intended use and working environment.

horizontal loom

Characteristics: Installed horizontally on the floor, mainly used by nomads.
advantage:

It is simple, lightweight and easy to carry, making it suitable for a mobile lifestyle.
The carpets are relatively small in size and tend to have simple designs.

How to use:

The warp threads are stretched parallel to the ground and the weaver sits down while weaving.
The loom can be set up quickly wherever one travels, making it ideal for weaving rugs and floor coverings that nomads use in their daily lives.

vertical loom

Characteristics: A large loom with the warp threads stretched vertically, used by settled craftsmen in urban workshops.
advantage:

It is suitable for weaving large carpets and intricate designs.
The tension of the warp threads can be precisely adjusted, making it possible to produce carpets that are high-density and highly durable.

How to use:

The weaver sits on a chair and weaves the weft thread while making knots.
Its large size makes it more stable and allows for more delicate and artistic designs.

Loom structure

Both horizontal and vertical looms have the same basic structure: "stretching the warp threads and weaving in the weft threads." Below are their main parts and their functions.

Warp threads

An important thread that is tightly stretched on the loom and supports the "skeleton" of the carpet.
If the warp threads are loose, the density and durability of the carpet will decrease.

Weft thread

Threads that are tied to the warp threads and woven widthwise.
It increases the strength of the entire carpet and shapes the design.

beam

A rod for winding up the woven part.
As the weaving progresses, the carpet is rolled up to provide more space for work.

Tension adjustment device

A device that keeps the tension of the warp threads constant and ensures uniform knots.
This tension has a major impact on the quality of the carpet and how easy it is to weave.

Loom use and technology

The weaving of Persian carpets has been passed down for centuries and requires great skill in operating the loom, especially on vertical looms where artisans sit for long periods of time weaving each knot, requiring concentration and patience.

Reproducing the design: The artisan uses the design (karigar) as a reference and proceeds with the weaving, accurately matching the colour of the thread and the number of knots.
Knot management: The denser the carpet, the more limited the number of knots that can be woven per day, making it a long-term battle.

Difference between horizontal and vertical looms

Characteristics of horizontal looms

Portability: Ideal for nomadic people who travel a lot.
Size and design: Most carpets are small and are useful as rugs for everyday use.
Simple structure: No major adjustments are required and it is lightweight, so it can be used outdoors.

Characteristics of vertical looms

Large-scale production: Suitable for large carpets and intricate patterns.
Finely adjusted warp tension: Achieves high density and intricate designs.
High stability: The frame is firmly fixed and is less likely to deform, even when weaving over a long period of time.

Craftsmanship and loom adjustments

The value of a Persian carpet depends not only on the weaving skill of the artisan, but also on the adjustment of the loom.

Warp tension: If the warp threads are stretched with the correct tension, the carpet will retain its shape and beautiful pattern for a long time.
Utilizing the design (karigar): The technique of accurately reading the karigar and matching the number of knots and colors.
Color balance: When using natural dyes, artisans must distinguish between numerous colors and control the weaving sequence.

Evolution of the loom and modern technology

As modernization progresses, the number of machine-woven carpets has increased, but the reason Persian carpets continue to be highly acclaimed around the world is because of the charm and texture that can only be achieved by hand-weaving them.

The true value of hand-woven carpets: They have a precision and texture that cannot be replicated by machine, and the more you use them, the more they develop their own character.
Durability that transcends generations: With proper care, they are durable enough to last for decades, and in some cases, even centuries.
Value as art: Each piece is a work of art, handcrafted by an artisan, and its unique appeal is what makes it so popular with collectors.

summary

The Persian carpet loom is an important tool that upholds tradition and craftsmanship.

Horizontal looms are suitable for weaving small carpets and rugs to suit nomadic lifestyles, and are useful in communities that are often on the move.
Vertical looms are used in urban workshops to weave large carpets and intricate patterns, allowing for increased density and durability.

Regardless of which loom is used, the artisan's skill and the proper adjustment of the loom combine to produce Persian carpets that are works of art that can be used for generations. This traditional method, handed down through the generations, maintains a special beauty and value that cannot be achieved with modern machine technology.

[For advice on choosing a Persian carpet, click here]

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

Check the size and texture in a physical store: Store address and access information
View carpets in various sizes in our online store: Go to online store
For inquiries regarding size selection and stock availability: Contact form

We look forward to your visit and inquiries.

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