1

Gathering of materials

Our women weavers collect high-quality raw virgin wool that is sourced from sheep local to the region.

2

Washing of wool

Everything needed to create the rug - from spinning the wool, to getting the natural dyes just right - is brought together.

3

Drying of wool

The wool is placed on drying racks on the rooftop of the house to dry in the sun, usually for 2 days. This length of time can vary depending on the weather.

4

Threading of wool

After the wool is dry, the women use traditional handmade tools to untangle and separate the wool for 4 days. Once the wool is combed, they hand-spin the wool 5 times until the wool is threaded.

5

Dyeing of wool

The dyes used are made from extracted plants and herbs like cinnamon, paprika, saffron, turmeric and also the skins of vegetables and fruits like pomegranate and walnut. The threads are boiled in hot water in an iron metal pot to alchemize unique shades and hues of colors that add to the uniqueness of each rug. After the threads are dyed they are hung on a rack to dry in the sun for a period of days.

6

Setting up the loom

The weaver sets up a traditional wooden loom, which consists of a sturdy frame and vertical warp threads that form the foundation of the rug. Depending on the size of the rug, a custom loom can be built.

7

Warping the wool

The warp threads are attached to the loom and stretched tightly. This creates the structure on which the rug will be woven. Our women weavers ensure the warp threads are evenly spaced and aligned.

8

Knotting

The weavers begin knotting the weft threads onto the warp threads. Our women use the "Berber" knot, which is tied around two adjacent warp threads.

9

Pile weaving

Using their specialized fingers, the weavers pull the weft threads through the warp threads, creating the piled surface of the rug. This process is repeated row by row over a period of days depending on the size of the rug.

10

Pattern execution

Our skilled weavers follow the design or pattern selected, incorporating different colors and knot techniques to achieve the desired visual effect.

11

Finishing touches

Once the weaving is complete, the excess warp threads are cut away, and the edges of the rug are secured with additional weaving or a border.

12

Washing and drying

The finished rug is carefully washed to remove any dirt or impurities. It is then laid flat to dry naturally under the sun for a period of up to 3 days.

13

Final inspection

The weaver inspects the rug for any imperfections or inconsistencies, making any necessary adjustments to ensure its quality before arriving at its new home.