QUALITIES OF NATURAL FIBRES
Here at Knots Rugs we use a variety of materials in our hand-knotted rugs, combining wools, silks and other natural fibres to create a sense of luxury, texture and character. We work closely with a number of producers in Nepal and Jaipur, allowing us to carefully consider the types of materials and techniques used within each region and how these work to enhance the final design.
When looking to invest in a rug, it is worth considering the qualities of the material used within the piece. The characteristics of a particular fibre determine if the rug is suitable for a certain space, as well as how the colours will take within the dyeing process. It is important to note that while synthetic fibres allow for a brighter shade of white, they tend to be more susceptible to damage and are not advised for living spaces.
We also use organic fibres such as nettle, cactus and hemp within our collections. The incorporation of these un-dyed fibres results in a naturally mottled effect, otherwise known as ‘abrash’, and means that each and every rug we produce is unique. The Nettle plant called Aloe grows in abundance in Nepal making it an eco-friendly and sustainable material to use.
The wool used in our rugs comes from Tibetan Highland sheep, which is one of the best quality wools on the market. Highland Tibetan wool has a high fact content, otherwise known as Lanolin. The high lanolin content in their coats is used for protection against the elements. Once transformed into a handwoven rug, the lanolin acts to protect against staining.
At Knots Rugs we are committed to using only natural fibres within our core collection as they are more environmentally friendly and result in a greater sense of depth and luxury. Below are a number of natural fibres used within our collection along with their qualities.
SILK:
• The lustrous fibres capture and reflect the natural light
• Soft to the touch, silk creates a sense of luxury within any room
• The highly durable material allows for a longer lasting rug
• The directional silk strands produce a two tone effect
NETTLE:
• In its un-dyed state the fibre produces a natural abrash effect
• When carded, the nettle plant emulates shine of other silk fibres
CACTUS:
• Like nettle, the use of cactus fibres within the rug results in a natural abrash
• It's rough texture and rustic character makes cactus an ideal material when producing dhurries and kilims
WOOL:
• Thicker rugs are able to hold their form due to the curled fibre structure
• Plush in texture, wool heightens the comfort of any room
• As the most hard wearing natural fibre, wool rugs can last for several centuries
HEMP:
• Resistant to water, hemp is an ideal material for indoor/outdoor spaces
• Its naturally coarse texture creates dynamic textural contrast within the rug
LINEN:
• Linen is able to achieve a brighter shade of white through a bleaching process, minimising the need for synthetic alternatives
• Slightly differing in texture, linen fibres have a notably rustic feel compared to that of wool or silk
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