Design
Most of the designs are hand-drawn. Some are then painted in gouache, while others are enhanced or colored on the computer. Once a line of designs has been created, several color ways are developed for each rug using the harmonious color palette created for the overall line giving multiple dimensions to each of the design concepts.
Production
Tibetan weavers make the hand-knotted rugs in Nepal employing an artistry and craftsmanship that goes back many centuries. The result is a quality and durability that is recognized worldwide. Meticulously hand-knotted, these rugs are made of only the purest materials; fine Tibetan wool and/or Chinese silk.
Depending on the demands of the design and the customer's desired texture and feel, the rugs can be made in several different knot counts (per square inch) and pile heights.
The Making of Tibetan Rugs
Start to finish time
A single weaver takes about 15 days to complete a 5'x7' in the 60 knots quality. A single weaver takes about 30 days to complete a 5'x7' in the 80 knots quality. A single weaver takes about 42 days to complete a 5'x7' in the 100 knots quality.
Sorting and Washing Wool for Tibetan Rugs
Tibetan wool is sorted to pick out foreign materials & other forms of wood to have stable product. It also needs normal washing to remove fat & wax from the wool. Firstly, the raw wool is washed. After washing, the wool is sorted out accordingly. Then the sorted wool is blended with the imported wool.
Carding Wool for Tibetan Rugs
Carding is performed by hand previously. But the hand carding could not fulfill the expanding carpet industries. Hence machine carding is also performing for larger supply of carded alivers for spinning.
Spinning Wool for Tibetan Rugs
After carding, the wool is sent for spinning into yarn, the thickness depending upon the quality of the Tibetan rug desired. The yarn is then dyed in a variety of colors using either vegetable dyes or modern chemical dyes. Wool spinning is done by hand charkha. The experienced Nepalese spinners are capable of producing course as well as finer yarns for higher knots Tibetan rugs.
Dyeing Wool for Tibetan Rugs
Tibetan rug's weaving centers use standard chemical dyes so the colors are always even and color fast. Dyeing was carried out in huge copper vessels. Also the use of synthetic dyestuffs has provided a large scale of spectrum color. The yarn is dried in the sunlight.
Weaving Wool for Tibetan Rug
Weaving of Tibetan rugs is performed by hand using graphs and sketches. The weaving is a creative task which is performed by three or four weavers, depending on the size of the Tibetan rug. Weaving Tibetan rugs is done with the help of yarn balls, scissors, iron-rod, levers, comb beater, etc. Tibetan double knotting system is applied for knotting.
Trimming Pile of Tibetan Rug
The sharp design & pattern is carved out by scissors from the woven Tibetan rug. The level of the pile is also made smooth according to the design.
Washing and Dying Tibetan Rug
The Tibetan rug is washed with fresh water using household chemicals to sanitize and to freshen the appearance. The Tibetan rug is then placed in direct sunlight for 4- 5 days.
Stretching and Final Trimming of Tibetan Rug
The Tibetan rug has to be stretched to return it to the original loom-stage size. Stretching helps flatten the Tibetan rug and improve its shape if it is under sized or twisted. The Tibetan rug is given a final trimming. Any minor imperfections are corrected during this final stage.
