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LEARN THE LANGUAGE
The Complete Rug Glossary
Master the language of authentic hand-knotted carpets.
From loom to living room, rug terminology can feel like its own language. Whether you're comparing pieces or just curious what "abrash" means, this glossary covers the terms you'll actually run into while shopping for a hand-knotted rug.
Abrash
A natural variation in the color of the rug's pile. Rather than a flaw, abrash is highly prized as a hallmark of authentic, hand-spun wool and natural vegetable dyes.
Pile
The surface of the rug, formed by the cut ends of the knots. A thick pile provides softness, while a tightly sheared pile showcases intricate design details.
Warp & Weft
The foundation of the rug. The warp consists of vertical threads attached to the loom, while the weft consists of horizontal threads woven over and under the warp.
Medallion
A large, central design element found in many Traditional and Classic rugs, often serving as the focal point of the entire pattern.
Knot Density (KPSI)
Knots Per Square Inch — a measure of how tightly a rug is woven. Higher KPSI generally means finer detail and a more durable, refined rug.
Kilim
A flat-woven rug made without knots or pile, created by tightly interweaving warp and weft threads. Kilims are lighter and reversible compared to knotted pile rugs.
Over-Dyed
A technique where an older, traditional rug is re-dyed in a bold new color, creating a modern look while preserving the original hand-knotted construction underneath.
Vegetable Dye
Natural coloring extracted from roots, bark, and flowers — such as madder root for red or indigo for blue — used instead of synthetic chemical dyes.
Still Have Questions?
What's the difference between a rug and a carpet?
In everyday use they're often interchangeable, but technically a "rug" is a separate, movable textile placed over a floor, while "carpet" usually refers to wall-to-wall flooring that is fixed in place.
Is a higher knot density always better?
Generally, yes for detail and durability — higher KPSI allows finer patterns and tends to hold up longer. But knot density alone doesn't determine quality; material, dye, and weaving skill matter just as much.
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Put the Terms Into Practice
Now that you know the language, browse the collection and see these details for yourself.
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