Collection: Soumak Weave

Most people probably have no idea how much work goes into a handmade rug or the fact that there are so many different methods and techniques. Understanding the differences enables a buyer to make more informed purchases.

The Soumak Technique is an interesting method of weaving and can result in very beautiful and durable rugs. This method is not as methodical as hand knotted rugs, but it is somewhat more complex than a simple weave.

In a traditional weave, the thread is passed alternately in front of and behind the warp. The Soumak weave adds a loop around alternating weaves resulting in an even stronger “stitch.” An added layer of complexity includes the loop on the alternate warp in the following row. The end result gives the rug a braided appearance that gives the artist opportunity to incorporate complex geometries into the overall design.

This is one of the Flatweave techniques that produces a two-sided rug suitable for wall hanging and as a floor rug.