What is a hand-tufted rug and how is it made?
An affordable, versatile rug construction using a tufting gun for endless design possibilities.
Characteristics — More affordable alternative to hand-knotted rugs. Quality and price depends mainly on what fiber is used. A nearly unlimited variety of patterns, colors, and textures can be constructed.
Process — Hand-tufted rugs are made using a tufting gun: a hand-operated tool that punches strands of fiber into a canvas stretched on a frame. The design of the rug is drawn on the canvas, and the worker fills in the pattern with the appropriately colored fiber. When the rug design is fully piled the rug is removed from the frame and a scrim fabric is glued to the back of the rug. Once the glue is settled the scrim backing helps to hold the fiber pile in place.
Insider Tip — The backside of a rug is the easiest way to distinguish its construction. A gray or beige canvas backing is applied to hand-tufted rugs with an adhesive to hold the yarns together.
Price Point: $$
Durability: 3-10 YR.*
Manufacturing: 1-2 MO.
*depending on care and maintenance.