Rugberry Journal

Rugs, Sand and Dust in Gulf Homes

Fine sand and dust are part of life in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. The right rug surface and a steady routine keep it from settling into the pile for good.

Fringe on Rugs: Why Some Have It

Fringe is the warp of a knotted or woven rug, left long past the last row. Here is why some rugs have it, and how it fares in a busy family home.

Handwoven Flatweave Rugs Explained

A flatweave is a rug woven from warp and weft alone, with no pile standing up. If you grew up with a cotton dhurrie, you already know the family.

Wool vs Cotton Rugs: A Practical Comparison

Many of us grew up with a cotton dhurrie. Here is how it compares with a wool rug for feel, spills, washing and wear, and when each is the right choice.

Dhurrie vs Rug: What Is the Difference

A dhurrie is flat woven with no pile, so it is light, often reversible and easy to shake out. A pile rug is softer and heavier. Here is how to choose.

Persian vs Tibetan Knot: What Differs

Both knots tie yarn to the warp, but in different ways. Here is how each is made, what it does to a design and what to ask before you buy.

Durability by Construction: Knotted to Woven

Hand knotting is the most durable way to make a rug, but it is not the only sound choice. Here is how each construction ranks, and where each belongs.

Reading the Back of a Rug

Turn a rug over and its construction is plain to see. Here is what knotted, tufted and handloom backs look like, and what to check the day a rug arrives.

Hand Spun vs Machine Spun Yarn

Hand spun yarn varies in thickness and twist along its length, much like handwoven linen. That irregularity changes the texture and colour of a rug. Here is how.

Abrash: The Tonal Shifts in Handmade Rugs

Abrash is the soft banding of tone across a hand dyed, hand knotted rug. Here is what causes it, how it differs from a fault, and what to check on delivery.