Weaving Techniques

Two different kinds of knots are used in carpet weaving to create patterns and motifs:

• The symmetrical double knot, or Turkish knot
• The asymmetrical single knot, or Persian knot

Turkish knot = Symmetrical knot

The Turkish knot is knotted around two warp threads. Both ends of the weft thread are wrapped completely around the warp threads and then pulled out between them and cut off. This double knot technique is what makes Turkish carpets so strong and durable.

Persian knot = Asymmetrical knot

The Persian knot is knotted asymmetrically around two adjacent warp threads; the weft thread is wrapped completely around one warp thread and looped under the next, thus covering half of it.