To produce a hand-tufted rug, fabric with a stenciled design is stretched on a frame. A tufting gun is used to shoot yarn through the fabric while passing by horizontally. This leaves a yarn loop at the back and the front for each shot. Upon completion the back loops are fixed in place with latex and the front loops are opened forming the pile. The finishing process is essentially the same as for hand-knotted carpets. Completion of a tufted carpet usually requires less than one fourth (1/4) the time as the same size hand-knotted carpet, making for a more affordable item without skipping the wool!

A Tufted Rug in the Making

Traditionally tufted rugs were made by hand and were usually used as garments, with the woolen side facing inwards and the warp and weft foundation as the outside. This was particularly the case with mittens.

A close-up look at how tufted yarn stands up straight to be clipped.

The method involved in making a tufted rug involves running a thread in a long on-going loop, which is the simplest type of weaving. Afterwards the tufted loops are clipped, leading to a nice uniform finish.

Tufted Weaving

The End Result A good even clip with backing-fabric.

At Southwest Looms we have licensed Pendleton Woolen Mills trademark and have used their designs in our Pendleton Classic (hand-tufted) collection.

With the Pendleton Classic line we offer an affordable option to the many fans of Pendleton designs and Indian Trade designs in beautifully soft and plush tufted rugs. Just look, for example, at the San Miguel: