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Translating Art into Rugs

At Knots Rugs, the story of each rug goes far beyond the finished product. It starts with an idea, a spark of inspiration and grows into something tangible, something you can feel beneath your feet but also connect on a deeper level. The journey of rug making begins with a design and what makes our story different is our collaborations with different artists, in which we translate their arts into rugs. Creating a living piece of story and art for your homes.

17 Apr 2025

Translating Art into Rugs
Translating Art into Rugs

A Journey Starts with Collaboration

This journey all starts with collaboration. We work closely with different artists, each bringing their unique style, imagination and creative edge. These are not generic designs pulled from a catalogue instead, they are exclusive, original artworks each giving us a distinctive narrative.

Our design process is deeply collaborative, with artists sketching, painting and experimenting with different patterns, textures and color palettes. Once the design is finalized we work with Nepali artisans to translate these designs into rugs.

See the Alicia Gemino Collaboration here
Translating Art into Rugs

Translating Artwork into Rugs

In Nepal these designs are translated into woven artworks by skilled artisans. Each rug begins with a detailed weaving plan, which serves as a blueprint for weavers to follow as they hand-knot the designs, knot by knot. Depending on its complexity, a single rug might take weeks or even months to finish. Every knot knotted by hand and every detail is created with care, intention and pride. The end product is a rug that seamlessly blends contemporary designs with century old craftsmanship.

This collaboration between the artist, our in-house design team and the artisans in Nepal, gives each rug a distinctive blend of cultures, talent and stories. We are not importing ready-made rugs but co-creating from beginning to the end.

More about investing in a hand knotted rug
Translating Art into Rugs

A craft to celebrate

People often underestimate the time and skills required to create a handmade rug. There is a misconception that rugs are machine-made or produced rapidly. But the fact is that each of our creations is the result of hundreds of hours of expert effort, with a huge amount of attention behind every thread.

In Nepal, weaving is still considered to be a low-status job by many, despite the fact that it is the country’s most important economic sector. At Knots Rugs, we put in an effort to change this narrative. Weaving is more than just a source of an income; it is a form of artwork.

As more people question the origins of the products/things in their homes, we are proud to be part of a growing movement for ethical and sustainable design. Knots Rug prioritises natural materials, ecological friendly dyeing techniques and low-impact manufacturing procedures.

Most importantly we work closely with Label STEP and our Nepal partners to guarantee fair wages, safe working conditions and respect for artisans that make it all possible. By choosing a handwoven rug, you are investing in more than just a product, you are getting something luxurious, while supporting families, preserving traditions and helping pass down crucial artwork/craftsmanship to the next generations

Knots Rugs’ rugs are a tapestry of collaboration, care and creativity. It tells a narrative, not just of a creative vision but also of the people who make that vision into a reality- with skilled hands, patience and pride. We are dedicated to making carpets that are not just beautiful but also meaningful, woven with purpose, built to last and intended to connect people across borders. Because when you're walking into Knots Rugs, you are entering a story that was imagined in London but was brought to life in the Himalayas of Nepal.

The Craft of Nepalese Carpets

More Journal Posts

Production

How a Rug gets its Colours

When you’re thinking of a design for a rug, the first thing that might come to your mind is the intricate pattern or overall artwork. But behind the allure of each beautiful rug lies an important and complicated process which often goes unnoticed - the art of selecting colours.

Production

The Craft of Nepalese Carpets

Amid the rise of mass production and machine-made goods, some crafts remain deeply connected to their roots, carrying traditions that span-generations. Nepali hand-knotted carpet is an example of one such treasure - a handwoven masterpiece that tells the story of culture, community and craftsmanship.

Awards

2024 Carpet Design Awards, Domotex

A total of 206 different carpet designs were submitted from across the world and 24 entries reached the final round of the competition, including our newest Artist Collaboration design with Germany Artist Stefan Heyer 'The Raw Earth'