Hand-Tufted Rugs

Hand-knotted ties individual knots one at a time onto the warp — slow, dense, the longest-lasting construction. Hand-tufted uses a tufting tool to push wool into a canvas backing — faster to make, softer underfoot, and more accessibly priced. Both are real artisan work.

Yes — typically 10 to 15 years of regular use, longer in low-traffic rooms. The wool itself is durable; the canvas backing is what limits lifespan compared to hand-knotted construction.

Mostly time. Hand-tufting is significantly faster to produce — weeks vs. months — which lowers labor cost. The wool quality is the same; the construction method is what differs.

Light shedding for the first few weeks of use, especially with high-pile or shag construction. After break-in, shedding stops. Vacuum gently in the early weeks to speed the process.

Flip the rug over. Hand-tufted rugs have a fabric (usually scrim or cotton) backing glued or stitched on. Machine-made rugs have an even, mechanical pattern visible from the back.

Vacuum weekly without a beater bar. Spot-clean spills with cold water and mild wool detergent. Avoid soaking — moisture reaching the canvas backing can degrade the adhesive. Professional wool-rug cleaning every two to three years.