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What are Flat Weave Rugs?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Flat weave rugs are rugs that are woven on a loom, rather than knotted. Some well known examples of rugs made in this style include Aubussons, kilims, sumaks, needlepoint, and tapestry rugs. Many stores which stock rugs and throws carry the style, and it is also possible to order them directly from rug producers; several nations have encouraged the growth of rug cooperatives, groups of artisans who preserve traditional crafts such as flat weaving.

Because these rugs are woven rather than knotted, they do not have a tufted pile. They tend to be much thinner than knotted rugs, making them generally less insulating. However, the thinness of the rug can be an advantage, as it makes it highly versatile; flat weave rugs have been used for thousands of years as flooring, wall hangings, saddle pads, and prayer rugs, and many cultures continue to utilize them for this purpose.

Silk cocoons. Some flat weave rugs are made with raw silk fibers.
Silk cocoons. Some flat weave rugs are made with raw silk fibers.

Many Middle Eastern nations are famed for their flat weave rugs, and in some regions these traditional rugs are still made by hand, with crafters using patterns which have been seen for hundreds of years in the rug trade. Other rug manufacturers have chosen to switch to more industrial methods of rug production, using machine looms and other tools to streamline the process so that the rugs are more affordable.

Rugs can be produced on an industrial scale with machine looms.
Rugs can be produced on an industrial scale with machine looms.

The materials used to make a rug can vary. Typically, the warp threads are made from a sturdy fiber like linen, raw silk, heavy cotton, or wool, while the fibers which make up the weft or pattern can be made from an assortment of things. Wool is a common material for rugs since it is durable, easy to dye, soft, and warm, but it is also possible to find silk, hemp, cotton, or even cashmere in some regions.

Flat-weave rug making has a long tradition in some Middle Eastern countries.
Flat-weave rug making has a long tradition in some Middle Eastern countries.

Many cultures around the world have been creating woven textiles for hundreds of years, often with very distinctive patterns. The American Southwest, for example, is well known for its striped and very brightly colored flat weave rugs, while Afghanistan is a famous source of elaborately woven kilims and prayer rugs with subtle floral patterns. In all cases, these carpets are reversible, which can be a useful trait.

In the Chakhansur region of Afghanistan, a group of tribes known as the Baluch make Afghan rugs entirely of wool and using traditional dyes.
In the Chakhansur region of Afghanistan, a group of tribes known as the Baluch make Afghan rugs entirely of wool and using traditional dyes.

The value of flat weave rugs and carpets varies. Some firms specialize in antiques, in some cases selling rugs which are over 100 years old and therefore quite valuable. Others sell modern hand-made rugs from collectives and individual artisans, which can fetch a high price, while machine-made rugs are generally quite affordable, although they may not be as durable as traditionally made rugs.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

orangey03

I've always loved oval rugs. I have a flat weave oval rug in my kitchen, and I also have one in the guest bedroom.

The one in the bedroom has a Celtic symbol on it. It also has a braided pattern around the edges. The background is dark green.

The one in the kitchen is made to look like a giant orange slice. I crave an orange every time that I see it!

I love unique rugs like this. The fact that they are flat makes them easier to clean, and it is less likely that I will trip over them.

seag47

@JackWhack – Depending on the design and who is selling it, you could expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for a good flat weave rug. I got an 8' x 10' flat weave rug for my den, and it cost $1,500. However, the pattern was intricate, and it was gorgeous.

I would guess that the plainer the rug, the less it would cost. Just look around and compare prices before you decide. There is a wide variety of options out there.

JackWhack

I'm looking for a nice cotton flat weave rug to go in my bedroom. It needs to be fairly large.

How much should I expect to pay for a rug like this? I don't want to get ripped off by someone who charges a large amount if I can get them elsewhere for less.

cloudel

There is a rug dealer who comes around a few times a year to an antique store in my town to sell flat weave area rugs. He has a huge variety of oriental rugs, many of which feature flowers and geometric patterns simultaneously.

The rugs are rather expensive, but they are also huge. I bought one to cover the hardwood floor in my living room, and it took up nearly the entire room!

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    • Silk cocoons. Some flat weave rugs are made with raw silk fibers.
      By: phiseksit
      Silk cocoons. Some flat weave rugs are made with raw silk fibers.
    • Rugs can be produced on an industrial scale with machine looms.
      By: onizu3d
      Rugs can be produced on an industrial scale with machine looms.
    • Flat-weave rug making has a long tradition in some Middle Eastern countries.
      By: JMFontecha
      Flat-weave rug making has a long tradition in some Middle Eastern countries.
    • In the Chakhansur region of Afghanistan, a group of tribes known as the Baluch make Afghan rugs entirely of wool and using traditional dyes.
      By: juan35mm
      In the Chakhansur region of Afghanistan, a group of tribes known as the Baluch make Afghan rugs entirely of wool and using traditional dyes.