It needs at least four people to set up the loom, Photo: Matti Varga
The setup of the loom, Photo: Matti Varga
Weaver behind the loom, Photo: Matti Varga
Creating the framework – The setup of the loom
Before the weaving begins, the weavers need to set up the loom, which defines the rug's width and the density of the warp threads. This lengthy task involves the work of several artisans and is typically carried out outdoors due to the limited space inside the homes of the weavers.
The women start by tying a cord to two stakes and driving them into the ground. One of them walks back and forth between the stakes, holding the ball of warp thread, while two others twist the cord at each end to keep the threads in perfect order. Once enough rows are gathered, the warp threads are threaded through the loom’s upper and lower beams, then they're tightly wound onto the roller. Finally, the setup is carefully transported to the weaver’s house, where it’s positioned parallel to the long wall, ready for the magic to happen.
The setup comes with its own set of rituals and beliefs! To begin with, the loom isn’t just a work equipment – it’s also a guardian of the weaver’s home. In some places, they even wedge bones into the wooden parts to fend off bad vibes and gossip. There’s also an amusing tradition that unmarried women mustn’t step over the warp threads, or they’ll risk never walking down the aisle! But our favourite part? Placing sweets in a bowl under the setup to sweeten the weaving process and the future use of the finished rug.
Sweets placed under the setup, Photo: Matti Varga
Using bones in the loom to keep the evil away
Creating a flatwoven rug on the loom
Pressing the weave with the 'taska', Photo: Matti Varga
Working on a mixed-technique rug
The dance of threads and knots – When the story comes together
After all the preparation, it’s finally time to start weaving or knotting the carpet – or even a mix of both techniques. Weaving creates a smooth, even surface, while knotting gives the carpet a thick, soft, and cushy texture. In both case, the weavers use a heavy, metal comb-like tool called the ‘taska’ to press the weft threads, but apart from that, everything is done entirely by hand.
In weaving, tiny skeins of yarns are created and, following the pattern, are carefully guided by hand into the gaps between the warp threads, alternating as they go. The fabric of the rug is formed by the weft threads, which are woven perpendicular to the warp threads.
With hand-knotted carpets on the other hand, each knot is individually looped around two threads and the knot rows are secured with woven rows of weft. Sometimes, the yarn is pre-cut with a special tool, but more often, the weavers adjust the length after creating the knots, ensuring everything is perfectly aligned.
Weaving or knotting a carpet can take weeks, or even months, since both techniques are incredibly time-consuming. That’s why larger pieces are often a team effort. Artisans work side by side, either in sync or swapping in and out, to keep the momentum going and speed up the workflow.
The creation of patterns and the stories woven into the rugs is wonderfully diverse: often, the weavers draw inspiration from the deep, symbolic world of Amazigh culture. These symbols are then transformed into personal narratives, intuitively weaving in key moments, emotions and even the weaver's current mood. At other times, traditional motifs are blended with contemporary elements and the designs are crafted according to specific custom orders.
A hand-knotted rug in progress
From knot to knot, Photo: Matti Varga
Brown pile rug in the making
Crafting a hand-knotted rug, photo: Matti Varga
Fringes in the making
Cutting the thread ends
Cutting the rug off the loom
Professional rug washing
Flatweaves drying under the sun
Checkered pile rug on the drying rack
Getting ready for the big journey
Once the rug is complete, it’s time for the finishing touches. The weavers carefully cut it off the loom and lay it flat on the ground to make those final adjustments: trimming the thread ends, giving the surface a smooth, even shave, brushing it out, and adding the tassels to the ends. After that, the finished rug gets its first wash, traditionally done in a stream in rural communities - no chemicals, just nature’s touch. For certain types of carpets, professional washers take over, using special materials to achieve the perfect effect, whether it’s a shiny, soft finish or a more felted, faded look. After a thorough wash and drying, the rug is finally ready to begin its adventurous journey - often crossing continents - until it reaches its new home.
For the Amazigh people, the transformation of wool is a form of spiritual purification. As the wool is woven, the weaver's craftsmanship and faith and belief system intertwine, turning the finished rug into more than just an aesthetic treasure; it becomes a protective charm, safeguarding the future owner from misfortune and evil spirits.
Edited by Lilla Gollob (Co-founder of Edit)
Proud weavers presenting their finished rug