How To Identify Whether Your Rug Is Handmade Or Machine-Made?

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Rugs can be divided into various categories based on longevity and authenticity. The division is mainly done based on weaving techniques, use of materials, and density to determine the durability of the rugs.

But the most basic difference that helps determine the quality of a rug is identifying whether a rug is handmade or machine-made.

Machine-made rugs are not as good as handmade rugs. Because they have a reduced manufacturing time. And require fewer artisans because most of the processes are performed using machines.

After reading this blog, you can easily differentiate between a machine-made and a handmade rug.

Identify The Difference Between Machine-Made Rug And Hand-made Rugs

To determine whether a rug is handmade or machine-made, one must know the major differences between a handmade rug and a machine-made rug.

A machine-made rug is relatively cheaper than a handmade rug. Read ahead to get understand the clear difference between these two.

Visibly fine Weave

The basic difference between a machine-made and a handmade rug is that a machine-made rug will look well finished as automated machinery has been used in the manufacturing process.

While a handmade rug will not be very fine when reversed (on the backside). The weaving in hand-woven rugs will be slightly irregular and not entirely uniform.

Price of the rug

A machine-made rug takes a shorter time in manufacturing than a handmade rug; hence is cheaper. The price of a handmade rug is sky-high because skilled artisans weave them spending days and months.

They can last for generations once placed in a space. Machine-made rugs are not very durable and get worn out after a few years.

Use of Colors

We can play with colors in both machine-made and handmade rugs. But it becomes complicated to use too many shades in a handmade rug.

Because the artisan has to add every color by themselves. And the weaving becomes complicated as they move further. Hence, you can identify a machine-made rug with the usage of a wide variety of colors.

Techniques

If you have some idea of the various rug-making techniques. You can also identify whether a rug is handmade or machine-made.

Hand-knotted, hand-loomed, and flat-woven are some of the handmade rug manufacturing techniques. On the other hand, machine-made rugs are made on power looms that work on electricity or other power sources.

Uniqueness

Handmade rugs are sure to have some variations but machine-made rugs are manufactured in bulk with similar inputs. So if you find similar rugs that have no visible difference then again they are machine-made rugs.

Handmade rugs are manufactured individually, that’s why they are different from each other. But it is impossible to produce a single machine-made rug, instead.

They are produced in bulk with similar designs and patterns. A minimum number has to be produced in one go when it comes to machine-made rugs.

After knowing the differences between a machine-made rug and a handmade rug. You must have understood that a handmade rug is better in quality and hence expensive.

Artisans take a longer period to manufacture a handmade rug; hence can be trusted with authenticity. Handmade rugs are more durable and long-lasting. Handmade rugs are a sign of luxury and extravagance.

Read more:

How To Pick The Best Area Rugs For Your Beloved House (Buying Guide)

How to Keep Area Rug from Bunching Up on Carpet?

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