Carpet Knots

What you seeTwo magnified diagrams of pile knots tied around pale warp threads under cream wefts: the symmetric knot, with both ends rising between its two warps, and the asymmetric knot, with one end free on the outside. Beside them a small gul pattern is shown from the back of a carpet, one knot to each point of colour.

What it meansHand-knotted carpets are built from rows of short lengths of wool tied around pairs of warps and cut to form the pile. The symmetric knot is often called Turkish and the asymmetric knot Persian, though both are used in many weaving regions.

Where it worksA precise, explanatory plate for a study, a studio or a rug lover's wall.