Hand-knotted rugs
A hand-knotted rug is one in which every knot of pile is tied by hand around the warp threads on a loom, so the pile is part of the rug's foundation rather than glued to a backing. RS LIVING has 75 hand-knotted designs, made to order in Bhadohi; a 2 x 3 ft rug costs ₹5,022 to ₹11,100. Every design is made to order in your size.
Knot density is the number of knots per square inch; a higher number means finer knotting.
13 pieces
About hand-knotted rugs
In a hand-knotted rug every knot of pile is tied by hand around the warp threads, which is why it takes longer to make than any other construction and why it holds fine detail so well. Our 13 hand-knotted designs are made in imported high-end wool, with a wool and silk blend on a design with a sheen, and range from vintage-style patterns to quiet modern fields. Knot density is stated on each design: 100 knots per square inch, 80 knots per square inch, or a lower knot density. Many are high-end designs, made in collaboration with high-end designers. Each comes in nine standard sizes from 2 x 3 ft to 12 x 15 ft, or a custom size priced to your dimensions. Made to order, with free shipping.
What hand-knotted means
The weaver ties each knot of yarn around warp threads strung on the loom, row by row, and passes weft threads after each row to lock it. The V&A's catalogue records for knotted carpets describe each knot as tied round two warp threads, and the fringe, where there is one, as the warp itself.
How it differs from hand-tufted, handloom and flatweave
The difference is how the surface is held. The table compares the four by the same criteria, with RS LIVING's own production times. The two most often confused are set side by side in hand-knotted vs hand-tufted rugs. Published by RS Living, a Raheem & Son business, which sells all four.
| Criterion | Hand-knotted | Hand-tufted | Handloom | Flatweave |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it is made | Each knot tied by hand around the warp | Yarn punched through a canvas with a hand-held tufting tool, then backed | Woven on a hand-operated loom | Woven flat on the loom, without a pile |
| What holds the surface | The knots, tied into the foundation | A latex coating on the canvas, covered by a second backing cloth | The weave | The weave (no pile) |
| The back | Rows of knots; the pattern reads through | A backing cloth hides the pattern | The woven structure | The same weave on both faces |
| Estimated production time at RS LIVING | about 90 days (Oushak about 60 days) | about 50 days | about 60 days | usually a few weeks |
How to check a rug is hand-knotted
Turn a corner over. On a hand-knotted rug the pattern shows on the back as rows of individual knots with the warp visible between them; a smooth backing cloth that hides the pattern usually means tufted. Follow the fringe: on a knotted rug it is the warp running out of the body, not a strip sewn on. Look for small irregularities in knot size along straight lines.
None of this is proof on its own. The V&A notes that machine knots also wrap two warp threads, so ask the seller to state the construction in writing. Every RS LIVING product page names its construction. The full method is in how to tell if a rug is hand-knotted.
Caring for a hand-knotted rug
Vacuum regularly with the beater bar off. The Carpet and Rug Institute advises vacuuming towards the fringe, with gentle suction, taking care not to catch the strands. Blot spills at once rather than rubbing, rotate the rug now and then so it wears and fades evenly, and expect a little shedding of loose fibre in the first weeks. See the care guide.
The RS LIVING hand-knotted range in numbers
75 designs. Material as stated on the product pages: imported high-end wool (74 designs); wool and silk blend (1). Knot density: 100 knots per square inch on 23 designs, 80 on 13, a lower knot density on 27, and 12 Oushak designs carry no density claim.
Prices for a 2 x 3 ft rug run ₹5,022 to ₹11,100, a 6 x 9 ft ₹45,198 to ₹99,900 and a 12 x 15 ft ₹1,50,660 to ₹3,33,000. 75 of 75 designs can be made to a custom size, priced in full before you add it to your bag. 5 are Free Form shapes. Prices as of 23 October 2026, in Indian rupees, before GST; content last reviewed 23 October 2026.
Sources
- V&A, Carpet, Iran, 1600 to 1650 (O115783): knots tied round two warps, fringe of warp loops. Read 22 October 2026
- V&A, Carpet sample, machine-knotted (O57122): machine knots also wrap two warps. Read 22 October 2026
- The Carpet and Rug Institute, Cleaning and Maintenance. Read 23 October 2026
- Raheem & Son journal: hand-knotted vs tufted vs woven
- RS LIVING catalogue and production-time estimates (owner, 18 October 2026)
Questions
Why does a hand-knotted rug cost more than a hand-tufted one?
Because it takes far longer to make. Every knot is tied by hand, while a hand-tufted rug is made with a hand-held tool. Our hand-knotted rugs start from ₹8,340 for 2 x 3 ft.
What are your hand-knotted rugs made of?
Imported high-end wool, with a wool and silk blend on a design that has a sheen. Each product page states the material.
What does knot density mean?
Knot density describes how closely the knots are tied. A higher knot density means finer knotting, which can hold finer detail and takes longer to make. Our hand-knotted rugs are knotted at 100 knots per square inch, 80 knots per square inch or a lower knot density, as stated on each product page.
Will a hand-knotted rug shed?
A little, at first. New pile rugs release loose fibres left from clipping, and this settles over the first weeks with regular vacuuming, beater bar off. It is normal and not a fault.
Can I order a hand-knotted rug in a custom size?
Yes. Enter your width and length on the product page, from 2 to 15 ft per side, and the total price for that size is shown before you add it to your bag.
How much does a hand-knotted rug cost?
From ₹8,340 for a 2 x 3 ft rug, rising with size and design. Every price is in Indian rupees and shipping is free.
What is the difference between hand-knotted and hand-tufted?
In a hand-knotted rug each knot is tied by hand around the warp, so the pile is part of the foundation. In a hand-tufted rug yarn is punched through a canvas with a hand-held tool and held by a latex coating under a second backing cloth. Turn the rug over: knots show on the back of a hand-knotted rug, a backing cloth on a tufted one.
How long does a hand-knotted rug take to make?
Made to order. Estimated production time is about 90 days, or about 60 days for Oushak designs. For international orders timelines are subject to change; we will email the confirmed delivery time and tracking details.
Are your hand-knotted rugs certified?
Raheem & Son is registered with the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC), the only body it is registered with. No other certificate is held or claimed.