All Wool Carpets

 

Undoubtedly, one of the most attractive decorative items for a home to be immersed in its designs, colors, and patterns are carpets. When you step on them, you will feel with all your being that carpets showcase the beauty of the thread strands in such a way that it feels like walking amidst a rainbow of colors. Like other hand-woven crafts, carpets and rugs also come in a wide variety, each preferred by a specific group of people, with different materials and unique characteristics. Wool carpets are a popular and beautiful type of hand-woven carpet.

 

Structure of Wool Carpets

In addition to warp and weft threads, other threads are also used in the structure of these carpets, but warp and weft threads are more common.

In all carpets, the warp and weft threads are made of cotton, polyester, and jute. However, the material of the pile or pile yarn in carpets is different. It is this difference that changes the name of the carpet. The pile or pile yarn is visible on the surface of the carpet, and it is classified into four groups: acrylic, wool, polyester, and polypropylene.

Wool carpets use natural wool fibers, which are incomparable to synthetic fibers such as acrylic, polyester, polypropylene, and nylon. Wool carpets are mostly finely woven, and therefore, they also have great artistic value. Suitable wool for carpet weaving has a thickness of about 30 to 40 microns, and it is used for the pile of carpets, Shirazeh carpets (Shirazeh carpet is woven using a thick thread and a special needle to stitch the longitudinal edges of the carpet, and the color of the Shirazeh yarn can vary depending on the owner’s taste or the color of the background template of the carpet). In tribes such as the Qashqai, Balooch, and Turk, it is also used for the warp and weft threads.

 

Classification of Wool Carpets

Wool is a natural fiber obtained from sheep or other animals that has elasticity and is used in various useful applications such as clothing, carpets, blankets, and other textile products. The difference between wool and other natural fibers is wool’s inherent wave-like structure, which gives it high elasticity, bulkiness, or felting. The internal cohesion of the fibers, which is due to their felting structure, causes the wool to form felt.

Wool carpets are woven by combining three types of yarn: warp, weft, and pile (or pile yarn). Usually, the material of the warp yarn in wool carpets is 100% cotton. The weft yarns in these carpets are also 100% jute or hemp. The pile yarn in wool carpets is pure wool. Additionally, wool carpets have anti-mite properties. We can divide wool carpets into two groups: all-wool carpets and pile carpets.

Warp refers to the thin threads that are installed on the carpet’s foundation and will be in the form of loops and twists. These threads are installed vertically on the foundation, and their main function is to hold the knots on the carpet. Warp density count is used to express the fineness of hand-woven carpets and refers to the number of knots woven per unit length across the width of the carpet. Due to the traditional nature of hand-woven carpets, there are various methods for measuring their fineness, which vary depending on different regions.

All Wool Carpets:

These types of wool carpets have fewer than 40 warp densities. If all the warp, weft, and pile yarns of the carpet are made of wool, it is called an all-wool carpet.

 

Pile Carpets:

This type of carpet is made of silk or cotton. The warp density count of these carpets is between 40 and 50. The pile yarn in these carpets is also made of wool.

Wool has been one of the most important fibers used in carpet weaving from ancient times until today. Iran, as one of the leading and pioneering countries in machine-made and hand-woven carpets, also uses wool fibers in its carpet production, which has many enthusiasts worldwide. Wool is obtained naturally from the hair of animals such as sheep, goats, or camels, and after it is transformed into yarn, carpets are woven with it. In fact, if we want to define this type of carpet simply, we can say, “A carpet woven with wool fibers is called a wool carpet.”

Characteristics of Wool Carpets

Naturally, any type of carpet made with any type of fiber comes with certain characteristics that are part of its intrinsic features. As buyers of this beautiful product, we should be familiar with its characteristics to better preserve and maintain it. Some of the most important features are:

 

• Wool carpets are resistant to moths.
• Wool carpets have high resistance and tolerance to fire.
• Wool carpets are not suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Wool carpets are usually finely woven and have high artistic value.
• Wool carpets have greater thickness and strength compared to other carpets.
• Due to the short length of wool fibers, wool carpets tend to shed more.
• Wool carpets come in various designs and colors and are much livelier and more attractive than other carpets.
• The high resistance and durability of wool carpets make them the best choice for long-term use.
• The internal cohesion of wool fibers, resulting from their felting structure, causes the wool to form felt.
• Wool carpets, due to the natural properties of natural fibers, are resistant to stains and dirt, similar to woolen garments.
• The appropriate weight of a wool carpet is an important consideration when purchasing. It should not be excessively heavy.
• The wool used in wool carpets should be of high quality and uniform, and care should be taken to avoid using tanned wool in carpets.
• New wool carpets are resistant to moisture and are considered one of the best choices for room carpets in humid areas.
• Understanding the fibers used in wool carpets is crucial because if the fibers are not of good quality, their use may cause allergies and skin sensitivities.

 

Traditional Preparation of Wool for Weaving

 

Natural fibers, like other elements of nature, have vitality and exhibit different behaviors under various conditions. It’s interesting to know that they even expand or contract in response to temperature changes, and that’s enough reason for humans to have been interested in them for a long time.

Advantages of Wool Carpets

• Wool carpets have fibers full of therapeutic and natural properties that are highly beneficial for the body.
• Wool carpets have greater thickness and strength compared to other carpets and have a unique beauty.
• The smell, color, and attractiveness of wool carpets are much more famous and visually pleasing compared to other carpets.
• As mentioned, this type of carpet has exceptional therapeutic properties for the body. When you sit or rest on this carpet, the blood circulation in your body improves. It also provides nervous relaxation, absorbs body sweat, helps with better sleep, and relieves muscle pain.
• One of the most attractive features of wool carpets is their ability to retain warmth. This type of carpet retains more warmth within itself and is the best carpet for the cold winter season. However, this characteristic works the opposite way in hot seasons.
• Moisture does not damage this type of carpet, and in fact, it preserves its own capabilities against it. Therefore, it can be said that it is one of the best carpets for use in coastal cities with humid weather.
• There are famous and high-quality breeds of sheep in Iran that produce the best type of wool. These breeds include Kordi, Ghazal, Baluchi, Afshari, and Bakhtiari, from which superior wool is obtained.

 

 

Difference between Hand-Woven and Machine-Made Wool Carpets

In the carpet weaving industry, there are two types of carpets: machine-made and hand-woven, each with its own distinctive features. If you look at machine-made wool carpets from the back, you will see evenly sized knots that have less height. However, in hand-woven wool carpets, these knots are unbalanced. Some knots are larger, while others are smaller. This feature indicates that the carpet is hand-woven and not made by a machine. The design and size of patterns also differ between machine-made and hand-woven wool carpets. Machine-made carpet patterns are usually uniform and based on a specific template with rare errors. On the other hand, since hand-woven carpets are handmade and sometimes woven without any specific template, the symmetry of the patterns may be disrupted.

Another difference between machine-made wool carpets and hand-woven wool carpets is their roots. In hand-woven carpets, the roots are actually the warp threads that are considered part of the carpet itself. In simple terms, the roots are connected to the carpet in hand-woven carpets. However, in machine-made carpets, the roots are separate from the carpet and are not part of the pile.

 

 

 

The lifespan of machine-made carpets, depending on the fibers and the type of weaving used, is a maximum of 20 years. However, machine-made wool carpets, if properly maintained, have a longer lifespan. They can last from generation to generation. From this perspective, they are highly valuable for antique dealers, collectors, and those involved in the carpet industry.

The most expensive type of machine-made carpets are wool carpets, which, due to the purity of their warp and weft and their uniformity and high quality, have acquired a special audience.

 

Machine-Made Wool Carpets

Defects of Machine-Made Wool Carpets

When buying and selecting machine-made wool carpets, it should be ensured that there are no visible defects such as visible ruffling, fading, torn warp or weft threads, backside leakage, breakage, flaws in the design, unevenness in the pile height, or color inconsistency in the carpet’s structure. Additionally, it should be checked that the adhesive used on the back of the carpet has not been burned or discolored, and the adhesive should not exceed five percent of its weight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintenance Tips for Wool Carpets

• Preferably, entrust the washing of wool carpets to a professional cleaner.
• It is essential to protect carpets from daily traffic and dust.
• Rotate the wool carpet every six months or year to ensure even wear in all areas of the carpet.
• Hang the wool carpet occasionally and strike its back to remove the dust present in the carpet.
• Avoid prolonged exposure of wool carpets to direct sunlight to prevent weakening and drying of the carpet fibers.
• Regularly vacuum the wool carpet (at least two to three times a week) to keep it clean. However, note that vacuum cleaners with brushes are not suitable for wool carpets, and it is better to use a vacuum cleaner with suction only.

How to Wash Wool Carpets

Wool carpets are considered washable, and the process of washing and cleaning them at home is relatively simple. It is important to clean any stains on the wool carpet immediately to prevent them from becoming resistant. For this purpose, you can pour a little lukewarm water on the soiled area and then vacuum it after 30 minutes.

Additionally, for removing stains using household methods, you can use diluted vinegar (half a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and 120 milliliters of white vinegar) and gently blot the stained area with a sponge or clean cloth. Be careful not to damage the wool fibers while blotting, and it is better to first test a small amount of the solution on a small spot of the carpet to ensure it does not show any adverse reactions.

 

 

 

Once all dirt and stains are removed, you can shampoo the carpet, but be careful not to use alkaline cleaning agents, hydrogen peroxide, or bleaching agents for washing wool carpets. After cleaning the wool carpet, both sides should be quickly and completely dried under sunlight or using heat. Also, note that the washing process for wool carpets should be done in such a way that the entire carpet does not become excessively wet, as it can quickly develop fungus and mildew.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wool Carpets and Their Application in Home Decoration

You surely know that the sole purpose of carpets in the home is not just to cover the floor. They play a fundamental role in aesthetics and define different spaces in the house. They also serve as wall decorations, such as carpet tapestries. Carpets can also determine the combination and style of other items such as furniture, types of paintings, curtains, and more. Therefore, the presence of carpets, especially high-quality wool carpets with various and eye-catching colors, is a must in every home.

 

 

 

Price of Wool Carpets

Wool carpets belong to the category of valuable carpets, and among the various hand-woven and machine-made carpets, the price of wool carpets is higher due to their natural fibers and long lifespan. Although machine-made carpets with wool threads have a lower price compared to hand-woven wool carpets due to their production by machines, it should be noted that wool carpets are usually the most expensive carpets, both machine-made and hand-woven. Therefore, all consumables used in the production of wool carpets must be pure and of excellent quality.

Final Remarks

We introduced wool carpets along with their special features, listed their advantages and disadvantages, and discussed the differences between the two types: machine-made and hand-woven. Since Iran is one of the leading producers of wool carpets using high-quality wool from specific breeds of sheep, you can purchase the most beautiful wool carpets.

In this article, it has been mentioned that wool carpets, woven from natural fibers, have gained their own special fans due to their therapeutic properties. Hand-woven wool carpets, with their high price and unique beauty, are considered valuable carpets. Machine-made carpets with wool threads also offer quality, higher density, and thickness compared to other machine-made carpets, making them a better choice for those looking for a good and durable machine-made carpet.

Compiled by the editorial board of Pars Forte quarterly magazine.