The Art of Crafting Traditional Tibetan Carpets

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Tibetan carpet making is a revered traditional craft that embodies the artistry and dedication of the Himalayan people.

At the forefront of this rich heritage is Rugs & Carpets by MANDALAS LIFE INC, a brand that pays homage to the time-honored techniques of handmade rug and carpet weaving while seamlessly integrating these exquisite pieces into contemporary lifestyles.

The Tradition and Purpose of Tibetan Carpets

The Tibetan carpets are traditionally crafted from the finest Tibetan highland sheep’s wool, known as changpel.

These stunning carpets serve a variety of purposes, from flooring to wall hangings to horse saddles, although their most common use remains as seating carpets.

At Rugs & Carpets we ensure that each piece is not only a testament to tradition but also a functional addition to modern homes.

The knotting method employed in Tibetan carpet making is unique compared to other global carpet-making traditions, emphasizing meticulous craftsmanship.

At Rugs & Carpets, all carpets are made from organic materials, and each piece is hand-made, ensuring quality and sustainability.

The dyes used in these carpets are derived from natural sources, including tea leaves, Barberry plants, rumex leaves, myrobalan nuts, madder roots, and indigo rock.

Steps Involved in the Tibetan Carpet Making Process

The process of Tibetan carpet making is a labor of love, involving multiple steps that have been preserved through generations.

At Rugs & Carpets, we celebrate this heritage by ensuring that each carpet is crafted with devotion and skill.

While the exact origins of this craft are unclear, the passion for handcrafting remains alive among the Himalayan people.

The steps involved in making a Tibetan traditional carpet include wool herding, carding, spinning, dyeing, weaving, trimming, washing, stretching, final finishing, and packing.

Wool Sorting

The wool from Tibetan sheep is collected in its raw form. Pure white wool is separated from impurities, ensuring only the finest quality wool is used. This wool is then hand-washed in water.

The raw wool from the Himalayan breed of sheep is raised by nomads at altitudes of 16,000 ft, sorted according to its shade, both dark and light.

Wool Washing

Before proceeding to the next steps, the wool is washed and dried using a process that avoids detergents or chemicals.

Wool Drying

After washing, the wet wool is dried under sunlight.

Wool Carding

Carding involves combing and cleaning the wool, ensuring it is fine and clean for carpet making. This process is crucial for the quality of the final product.

Effective carding ensures that no fibers are intermingled and all foreign particles are removed, facilitating the subsequent spinning and blending processes.

Spinning

After carding, the wool fibers are twisted and drawn to create yarns of the desired thickness, a process known as spinning.

At Rugs & Carpets we emphasize hand-spinning, which produces high-quality yarn with optimal elasticity and strength.

The ideal yarn features a soft twist of 5-7 twists per inch, and hand-spinning remains a traditional skill of Tibetan artisans.

Yarn Dyeing

The yarn can be dyed using natural vegetable dyes or synthetic dyes, each having its own advantages.

At Rugs & Carpets we prioritize the use of natural dyes to promote the unique textures of the carpets while accommodating client preferences for vibrant colors.

Yarn Drying

The dyed wool is then dried under the sun, ensuring optimal quality for the next phase.

Knotting and Weaving

The knotting process begins with creating a design template on a grid, where each box represents a knot.

Due to the hand-crafted nature of the work, this period can extend over several months.

At Rugs & Carpets we offers carpets in three main quality levels: 60, 80, or 100 knots per square inch, with some finished carpets boasting up to 500,000 knots, each meticulously tied by hand.

The entire weaving process is conducted by hand using the traditional Tibetan knotting system on a vertical loom.

This creative endeavor involves three to four weavers, depending on the size of the carpet, and requires various tools such as yarn balls, scissors, iron rods, levers, and comb beaters.

Trimming

During the trimming process, the intricate designs and patterns are meticulously carved out with scissors, a delicate task that requires precision to avoid damaging the carpet.

Washing

After trimming, the carpet undergoes a thorough washing with fresh water and natural cleaning agents to eliminate dirt and germs, restoring the wool’s original shine. Following this, the carpet is dried in the sun for 4-5 days.

Rug Drying in Sunlight

Once the rugs are knotted, they are taken to the cutting and clipping department where experienced artisans ensure the design is clear and the pile is trimmed to achieve the desired look.

After trimming, the rugs are washed manually with filtered water and eco-friendly detergent before being dried in sunlight.

Stretching

After washing and drying, the carpets are stretched from all four sides using metal frames and hooks to maintain their perfect square shape.

Final Finishing

The final step involves trimming any irregular yarn before vacuum cleaning and packing the carpet in eco-friendly materials, preparing it for shipment.

Packing

Finally, the carpet is securely packed using environmentally friendly materials, ensuring it is ready for export.

Tools and Raw Materials Used in Carpet Making

The production of Tibetan carpets at Rugs & Carpets involves various materials and tools:

Wool

 The foundation of Tibetan rugs and carpets is high-quality wool, which Rugs & Carpets sources ethically. This wool is the soul of each rug.

Cotton

Cotton is used as a foundational material for the carpets, enhancing their durability.

Takli

Drop spindles are essential tools used in the spinning process.

Vertical Loom

The vertical loom is an essential tool for weaving the carpets.

Mallet

The mallet is used to secure the knots after every row is completed, ensuring they stay tight and maintain their shape.

Knife

The knife is employed to cut the woolen thread during the weaving process.

Long Pointed Scissors

The scissors are utilized in the trimming process to ensure precision and accuracy.

How to Take Care of Your Tibetan Carpet?

Proper care is essential to ensure that your rugs from Rugs & Carpets last for years to come. Here are some basic care and cleaning instructions:

• Avoid using harsh brushes to clean the rugs. Instead, vacuum regularly to prevent dust and crumbs from settling into the roots of the pile.
• Occasionally rotate the rug to equalize wear.
• Immediately address spills by blotting with a clean, un-dyed cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.
• Expose the rug to sunlight occasionally if it gets wet.
• For any loose strands, do not pull; instead, use scissors to trim and even the pile.
• For difficult stains on hand-knotted rugs, professional rug cleaning is highly recommended.