Everything you need to know about buying a machine-woven carpet
The people of Iran have long been known for their art, craft, and customs among different nations, and carpets are also a symbol of the ancient art and craft of carpet weaving in this land. Hand-woven carpets and rugs have been woven and used in every Iranian home for centuries.
Review, selection, and tips for buying a machine-woven carpet
A carpet can add warmth and beauty to the interior of a home and, depending on its design and layout, add a sense of authenticity or modernity to any home. However, factors such as increased demand, technological advances in various industrial sectors, as well as the increasing price of hand-woven carpets in recent years, have led to an increase in the production of machine-woven carpets and this product becoming more accessible to people. These products are produced and marketed cost-effectively by industrial machines.
However, the process of carpet production in the past was different and carpets were woven by hand. Due to the use of plants for the dyeing process of fibers, fewer colors were used for weaving handmade carpets, but today, thanks to industrial machines for the dyeing process of fibers, various colors such as pink, green, black, etc. can be used, and this all depends on the chosen path and the interest of buyers in choosing a carpet.
Machine-made carpet fibers
Different fibers are used for weaving machine-made carpets, and this varies according to the type of carpet and the machine. For example, for weaving synthetic carpets, the following fibers are used:
- Acrylic
- BCF
- Other synthetic fibers such as polyester/nylon
. Also, in recent years, artificial silk fibers have been used for weaving carpets. These fibers are lint-free and are much more difficult to maintain than acrylic fibers, but they are relatively more beautiful and soft. For this reason, carpets produced with these fibers have been used in global markets.
Carpet production time
A significant point that was noticed after the addition of weaving machines to the carpet production process was the high accuracy and speed of production of these machines without the effort of human labor. Advanced and up-to-date machines can produce their products in a very short time. However, hand-woven carpets, on the other hand, take a longer time to weave.
But another important point that can be said about the difference between these two styles is the production of carpets with standard and custom dimensions. That is, buyers can order their desired carpet with custom dimensions and be sure that the quality and accuracy of the weave of these products are the same as standard samples. The speed of product production is known as a deep gap between tradition and innovation in the weaving industry.
Advantages of machine-made carpets
- Machine-made carpets are woven with advanced machines and can deliver the desired carpet to the buyer in the shortest possible time without the slightest mistake in design and color.
- The price of machine-made carpets is much lower compared to hand-woven carpets.
- Many examples of a machine-made carpet may be produced, but a handmade carpet is a work of art that is produced in very limited numbers.
- Machine-made carpets are more durable for high-traffic areas of the house.
- Machine-made carpets do not require special care and are completely resistant and stable against vacuuming and washing.
Size and design of machine-made carpet
First, check the design and dimensions of the carpet and pay attention to the symmetry of the colors in the design and pattern, and make sure that the shapes and patterns are produced completely and without any loss of elements. Before choosing and buying a carpet, pay attention to the amount of natural light in the space because sunlight helps a lot in the stability of the colors of the carpet and the overall beauty of the product.
Quality of machine-made carpet
The quality of a machine-made carpet is determined and estimated based on the fibers used to weave it. For example, carpets that are produced with nylon fibers are of very low quality and have less resistance to washing or high temperatures.
However, carpets made from high-quality heat-set acrylic fibers are of very high quality and are more resistant to heat. Carpets made from light-colored fibers are also more delicate and require more care.
A part of the carpet may be damaged due to movement or folding, and a close examination of the back of the carpet can have a significant impact.
Machine-made carpet density
One of the important criteria for measuring the quality of machine-made carpets is their density, also called "stubs". These carpets are categorized based on the number of straws and range from 350 to 1200. For example, higher density and number of straws are preferred for bedrooms and living rooms.
Don't forget to check the back of the carpet for density, weft insertion, and uniformity of design. To check the texture of a machine-made carpet, you should look at the back because the quality of the weave is more evident on the back of the carpet. By looking at the back, you will notice features such as density, number of knots, and uniformity of design.
Machine-made carpet roots
Be sure to check the carpet roots for rot. Rotten carpet roots are easily separated. However, unlike hand-woven carpets, in machine-made carpets, the roots are separate pieces from the original carpet and are later joined together. The poor quality of the carpet roots can also indicate the quality of the carpet itself.