Before buying Turkish carpets, it is important to be able to tell the difference between the various production methods. Typically, wool on wool carpets have a low knot count and the designs are non-intricate, usually consisting of geometric patterns.
Wool on cotton generally has a higher knot count and the designs are more intricate, while silk on silk has the highest knot count and the most intricate patterns. In addition to material, you can tell whether natural or chemical dyes have been used by rubbing a damp white cloth on the carpet.
If color bleeds off, in addition to the fibers, then chemical dyes have been used, which creates the possibility of bleeding onto lighter colors in the rug when if it is washed. Finally, turn the carpet over and see if all the squares of the weave are the same size. If they are, then it has been machine spun, which weakens wool and shortens the lifespan of the carpet.
Not all Turkish carpets are available for sale. Weavers also make them for their own use to cover floors, as wall hangings, and covers for protection from the severe weather changes in those few areas where the rugs are made. Combine those factors with the decline in hand weaving, and the rugs can be difficult to find.
Although these rugs are still of heirloom quality, it's important to know what you are looking at before buying one.
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