We showcase a wide variety of authentic
hand knotted oriental carpets of various styles and sizes.
In addition to a briefing of the hand-knotted carpets we
have in stock, we have provided a little additional information
that may help you select the right carpet for you. For more
details feel free to contact us. Since we are unable to
display all our stock, if the carpet of your choice is not
displayed, fill in our enquiry form and we will contact
you as soon as possible.
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How Carpets are made
Most carpets are woven on vertical looms. The loom consists
of two vertical posts connected by strong cross beams. Parallel
vertical threads called the warp are wound into
place between the cross beams on the loom. A long strand
of cotton it then woven in and out of alternate warp threads,
from one edge to the other. This is done till eight or nine
threads are in place. This forms a flat woven base that
protects the rows of knots from unraveling and also forms
the body of the carpet. After about six inches of the base
is completed, the first row of knots is tied. After about
three rows of knots are completed, the knots are pushed
down tightly making the carpet very strong. Usually a pattern
is drawn on graph paper showing where each knot should be
and what colour it should be.
Vertical Loom at our Showroom |
Pattern for Carpet written in Kashmiri
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Colour Code as specified in the Pattern
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Identifying a hand-knotted Carpet
A quick and fairly accurate test to determine whether a
carpet is hand-knotted is to turn it upside-down and look
at the back. The design should show as clearly on the back
of the carpet as on the face of it. The more distinctly
the design shows on the back, the greater the number of
knots and the better the quality of the carpet.
Front of a 2' x 3' Carpet |
Back of the 2' x 3' Carpet |
Materials
Carpets are made from various materials that include wool,
cotton and silk. These are used in various combinations,
but the most frequent combination is of cotton warp. Wool
woven onto cotton is mostly available. Some of the styles
we provide include Silk woven on Silk, Silk woven on Cotton,
Wool woven on Cotton, Wool woven on Wool, and Zari Carpets.
Silk carpets are beautiful and precious and a lot more delicate
that wool carpets.
Various sizes are available in each style.
Silk / Cotton
Available sizes : 5'x 7', 1 1/4' x 4', 4' x 6', 3' x 5',
2 1/2' x 4', 2' x 3', 6' x 9', 9' x 12', 2 1/2' x 10', 7'
x 7'
Silk / Silk
Available sizes : 6' x 9', 4' x 6', 3' x 5', 2 1/2' x 4',
2' x 5', 9' x 12', 8' x 11'
Wool / Cotton
Available sizes : 5'x 4', 4' x 6', 3' x 5', 2 1/2' x 4',
2' x 3', 3' x 4', 5' x 7', 6' x 9', 9' x 12', 2' x 6', 2
1/2' x 10', 3' x 12', 8' x 11', 1' x 1', 4' x 5'
Wool / Wool
Available sizes : 4' x 6', 3' x 5', 6' x 9'
Zari Carpets
Available sizes : 6' x 9'
A Zari carpet |
Looking after your Carpet
Usually a hand-knotted carpet either in wool or silk does
not need any special care. If it is maintained, it will
last for generations.
Padding: Usually a handknotted
carpet does not need padding or underlays, but if you think
it necessary you may use a rubber or cloth lining. Synthetic
rubber underlays must be placed under the carpet if it is
to be placed on a polished floor. Do not use sheets of plain
foam rubber on a polished floor.
Use protectors before putting furniture on top of a carpet.
Fading: Any light makes carpets
gradually mellow colour. If your carpet is close to a window,
rotate it regularly so that all parts receive an equal amount
of light.
Storing Carpets: Oriental carpets
should be stored either flat or rolled in a cool dry place.
Make sure a carpet is free of moths before storing it. Use
a round wooden pole or cardboard tube approximately the
same length as the width of the carpet to prevent the rolled
carpet from getting bent or creased. If the carpet is stored
flat, spread a large sheet of clean dry plastic and sprinkle
it with moth-repellant crystals.
Regular Cleaning: Vacuum your
carpet once a week.Use a vacuum that only uses suction and
does not beat the carpet. Always stroke the carpet from
side to side or against the pile. Avoid vacuuming the fringe
area.Once a year the beating type of vacuum should be used
on both sides of the carpet to remove any buildup of grit.
Washing the Carpet
May be required once every five to seven years. Never
ever give the carpet to a dry-cleaner. They may spoil the
pile or the chemicals used may harm the carpet.
The first step is to do the handkerchief
test. Spit on the corner of a white handkerchief (saliva
is alkaline) and rub the background colour of the carpet.
Examine the handkerchief and check if any of the dye has
stained it. If it remains white, repeat the test on every
other colour on the carpet. If the handkerchief becomes
deeply stained, the test has failed. If the carpet fails
the test, do not work on it yourself and have the carpet
cleaned with a professional.
Wash your carpet outdoorsand use a garden
hose to rinse it off as it usually gets heavy when wet.
Use baby shampoo to wash a woolen carpet. Never use detergents
or commercial carpet shampoos. These products often contains
bleach which could damage the carpet.
Never attempt to wash a silk carpet with
shampoo. Take a soft clean real chamois leather cloth and
dip it in vinegar-water and squeeze it out hard. Keeping
it flat, gently rub the surface of the carpet in the direction
of the pile. Air dry the carpet away from direct heat until
it it perfectly dry. Finish be polishing the carpet with
a clean dry chamois in the direction of the pile.
Before leaving the carpet to dry make sure
that the pile is in its original direction. This can also
be done with a wooden piece. When the carpet is dry you
will notice that it looks more beautiful with its original
rich colour and textures.
Do's and Dont's for your carpet
- A carpet should always be placed on a flat floor made
of either marble, tile, parquet or slate or on an even
wall. A carpet should never be used on an uneven floor
as it results in uneven wearing.
- Always brush or hoover carpet down the pile.
- If you spill some liquid on the carpet, never leave
it unattended, as dampness in the pile for a long time
may damage it.
- A hand knotted carpet doen not need padding, but if
you think it necessary you may use a rubber or cloth lining.
- Twice a year your carpet should be exposed to direct
sunlight for at least two hours.
Removal of Stains
- If a glass of red or white wine spills on the carpet,
pour soda water immediately. This dilutes the wine and
the bubbles help lift the stain out as you blot it lightly
with an absorbent dry cloth or paper towel.
- A spray of scotch guard is good for five years.
- For red wine stains, treat the spot with white wine
or salt
- For beverages, treat the spot with fresh lemon juice
and soda bicarb, or mild oxalic acid.
- Grease stains can be treated with any solvents
- For animal stains, treat the spot with a thin paste
yoghurt & fresh lemon juice.
Points to remember
- Quickly blot up or scrape as much of the mess taking care
not to rub it into the pile (except chewing gum which should
be cooled first)
- Keep the carpet flat at all times.
- Never use soap or shampoo on a silk carpet.
- Never use shampoo that contains any bleach
ALL STAINS AFTER TREATMENT SHOULD BE FOLLOWED
BY PROPER RINSING AND MOPING.
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