The Complexities of Hand-Knotting a Round Oriental Rug

How Hand-Knotted, Round Oriental Rugs Are Made

Hand-knotted rugs are some of the most exquisite textiles in the world, admired for their durability, beauty, and craftsmanship. While rectangular rugs dominate the market, round hand-knotted rugs hold a special place in interior design. Their unique shape makes them ideal for creating balance in a room, anchoring circular tables, or softening angular layouts. But producing a round rug is far more complex than making a rectangular one. Each step requires skill, patience, and years of training. Below is an in-depth look at how round, hand-knotted rugs are made—from the earliest design stages to the final trim.

1. The Art of Designing a Round Rug

The creation of a hand-knotted rug begins long before the loom. For round rugs, the design process is especially challenging. A designer must translate traditional motifs, borders, and medallions into a circular format. This is not simply a matter of cropping a rectangular pattern into a circle. Borders must curve smoothly, central medallions must be perfectly centered, and motifs must flow harmoniously around the circumference.

Designers often begin by sketching the layout on graph paper or through creating a computer assisted design (CAD). Each square represents a knot. Because round rugs gradually narrow toward the edges, the pattern must be carefully calculated so the density of knots remains consistent, and the imagery does not become distorted. In essence, the designer is “engineering” art, balancing mathematical precision with creative vision.

2. Preparing the Loom and Foundation

Hand-knotted rugs are woven on vertical or horizontal looms, which hold the foundation threads taut. For a round rug, the loom setup is critical. The warp threads—the vertical strands of cotton, wool, or silk—must be tensioned evenly, as even the slightest imbalance can warp the shape.

The foundation is created by stretching warps vertically across the loom. Wefts, which are horizontal strands, are inserted later to lock the knots in place. The size of the loom must be larger than the intended diameter of the rug, allowing enough space to create the circular outline. Unlike rectangular rugs, where the loom defines the edges, the weaver must carefully form the round shape by adjusting the knotting and trimming process.

3. Selecting the Materials

Material selection is another essential step. Wool is the most common fiber for hand-knotted rugs due to its resilience, warmth, and ability to absorb dyes beautifully. High-end round rugs may incorporate silk for luster or cotton for added strength in the foundation. The quality of the wool—whether it is sourced from highland sheep, soft lambswool, or blends—affects both the durability and feel of the finished piece.

4. Knotting the Rug

Knotting is the heart of the rug-making process. Each knot is tied by hand around two warp threads, across the width of the rug, then it is secured with a weft. The density of the knots, measured in knots per square inch (KPSI), determines the clarity of the design and the rug’s durability. High-quality round rugs may contain hundreds of knots per square inch, requiring extraordinary patience.

Row by row, the weaver continues knotting warps while following the design chart. Because the rug is circular, adjustments are made to gradually curve the edges. This requires meticulous planning, as the number of knots per row must decrease or increase to create the smooth arc of the circle.

Weaving a large round rug can take months or even years, depending on the size and knot density. A rug 8 feet in diameter, with a fine weave, may involve millions of knots, each tied by hand.

5. Building the Circular Shape

Unlike rectangular rugs, which have a fixed outline from the loom’s dimensions, round Oriental rugs must be shaped during the weaving process. As the weaver progresses, they continuously adjust the knotting to maintain symmetry. They often use templates or measuring cords to ensure the arc remains consistent across all sides.

At the edges, the weaver carefully reduces the number of knots row by row, tapering the design until the circular outline is achieved. This requires incredible precision, as any irregularities in shaping will be immediately noticeable in a round format.

6. Washing and Shearing

Once knotting is complete, the rug is cut from the loom. At this stage, it still looks unfinished. The rug then undergoes washing, which serves several purposes: it softens the fibers, enhances the colors, and removes any excess dye or dirt. Traditional rug washing may involve soaking the rug in water and then drying it under the sun.

After washing, the pile is sheared to an even height. This not only improves the rug’s appearance but also sharpens the clarity of the patterns. In a round rug, careful attention must be paid to the edges to maintain the smooth curve of the circle.

7. Binding the Edges

The final step in shaping a round rug is binding the edges. The loose warp threads are secured, often with a hand-sewn overcast stitch. This prevents unraveling and strengthens the border. Because the edge is curved, the binding process is more intricate than on a straight-edged rug. Skilled artisans ensure the binding follows the arc perfectly, providing both durability and aesthetic finish.

Some round rugs may also feature fringes, though this is less common than with rectangular rugs. When fringes are included, they are attached symmetrically to maintain balance.

8. The Human Element

Every round, hand-knotted rug is a testament to human craftsmanship. Unlike machine-made rugs, which can easily be programmed to create circles, hand-knotted round rugs demand constant judgment and adjustment. A single family of weavers may spend months perfecting one rug.

The circular format itself adds symbolic value. In many cultures, circles represent eternity, wholeness, and unity. A round rug is not only a decorative item but also an embodiment of these ideas, making it both functional and deeply meaningful.

9. The Challenges of Making Round Rugs

Round hand-knotted rugs are rarer than rectangular ones for several reasons:

• Complex design adaptation – Patterns must be reinterpreted for circular symmetry.

• Shaping difficulty – Weaving a perfect circle requires constant adjustments.

• Time and labor – A round rug often takes longer to complete than a rectangular one of comparable size.

• Market demand – Since most spaces are designed for rectangular rugs, fewer round rugs are commissioned, making them special-order items.

10. Appreciating a Round, Hand-Knotted Rug

Owning a round hand-knotted rug means owning a piece of art that blends geometry, tradition, and craftsmanship. Each knot is a reflection of the artisan’s skill; each curve a result of countless decisions made during the weaving process. The rarity and difficulty of producing these rugs make them especially prized among collectors and designers.

When placed in a room, a round rug creates a sense of harmony and balance that no other shape can replicate. It draws the eye inward, grounds furniture arrangements, and transforms a space with timeless elegance.