The making of an Afghan rug
Afghan rug making is a long and complex process that begins with the selection of high quality sheep wool from the rich, green pastures of northern Afghanistan. The natural conditions here are ideal for sheep farming, which determines the fineness and quality of the wool. After shearing, the wool is divided into two categories: the outer, more exposed layer is used as the base material for Afghan rugs, while the finer wool, closer to the sheep's body, is used for fine knotted rugs. Once the wool has been prepared, the spinning process takes several days. The dyeing is done with natural dyes that are boiled for a long time in large pots to obtain a deep and lasting colour. The yarns are then thoroughly dried, which takes days in the open air in the summer and with the help of artificial dryers in the winter. In Afghanistan, rug-making is traditionally done in the home (karkhana), but in Pakistan it is more often done in workshops. The looms are first filled with cotton or wool warp threads, which are then hand-knotted. Once finished, Afghan rugs are washed several times to preserve the colours and prevent bleeding. Once the rugs are properly dried, they are ready for export. Our representatives in Afghanistan and Pakistan collect the finished products and deliver them in bulk to the CarpetDepo carpet warehouse in Budapest, where we have been selling them to our resellers and online customers since 1993. All our Afghan carpets are guaranteed and come with a Certificate of Origin to ensure that our customers are fully satisfied with the quality of our products.
Two outstanding types of Afghan carpets
Khal Mohammadi and Kargai carpets are among the most famous types of Afghan rugs, renowned for their high quality and use of traditional handicraft techniques. These luxury rugs are made of wool by the Turkmen communities of northern Afghanistan using traditional hand-knotting techniques. Due to the war, it is common for these particular oriental rugs to be made by Turkmen weavers who have migrated to Pakistan. Afghan carpets have a distinctive palette of dark reds and browns that create a warm and intense atmosphere in any home.
The thickness of Khal Mohammadi and Kargai carpets can vary (+-mm) depending on the specific shearing techniques and the quality of the wool, but their quality is primarily determined not by the thickness of the shearing but by the density of the knots and the quality of the wool used. Because of the way they are made, Afghan carpets will retain their beauty and durability for a long time if the following care instructions are followed.
Afghan carpets can be used in the living room or even in the bedroom to create an elegant atmosphere. Their richness of colour and pattern can add a unique atmosphere to any home. Afghan carpets are the perfect choice for any area where luxury and timeless elegance are important.
Caring for Afghan rugs: useful tips for everyday use
Caring for Afghan rugs does not require any special expertise when it comes to removing minor dirt and stains that may occur during daily use. These stains can be effectively and easily removed with a damp cloth. Vacuuming in the direction of the carpet fibres is recommended and is part of the cleaning protocol for all oriental rugs. For more stubborn stains, use a carpet cleaning foam specifically designed for wool carpets. Always test the product on a small, less visible area first to ensure that it will not damage the material or colour of the carpet. Moth prevention is of paramount importance for Afghan rugs as these insects can cause considerable damage. Regular airing and sometimes thorough vacuuming of the area under the carpet can prevent moth eggs from being deposited. If more serious stains appear on your carpet, or if you want a more thorough cleaning after a few years, it is worth contacting a professional carpet cleaning service. It is not advisable to place heavy furniture on Afghan rugs, especially if the legs of the furniture are thin, as sharp legs can damage the knots in the rug over time. In such cases it is advisable to place a placemat under the legs of the furniture to distribute the weight of the furniture. The longevity of Afghan rugs can be further enhanced by the availability of rug restoration specialists in Europe should any problems arise.
Are you thinking of buying an Afghan carpet for your living room?
If you're looking to buy a handmade carpet for your living room, you're sure to find the perfect Afghan carpet for your needs in the CarpetDepo carpet shop. If you are looking to add some real oriental elegance to your home, either in the living room or in the bedroom, an Afghan rug is an excellent choice. Afghan rugs are based on artisan traditions and have deep historical roots. CarpetDepo offers a wide range of 100% handmade Afghan rugs, each one unique and unrepeatable. These oriental carpets stand out from the crowd with their unique patterns, vibrant colours and outstanding durability. CarpetDepo guarantees the quality of each and every one of its oriental rugs and issues a Certificate of Origin so you can be sure that your choice will stand the test of time. If you feel that an oriental carpet is the ideal choice for your living room or bedroom, then don't hesitate and order the right Afghan carpet for your taste from our range. CarpetDepo offers 3-5 working day delivery and a 30 day free return guarantee if the rug you choose is not the perfect match for your home. So you can be sure that you will be completely satisfied with your purchase.
Thank you for choosing us. If you have any questions or would like to see more photos of the rug, please contact us!
We hope that you will be satisfied with your handmade Afghan rug and that you will enjoy using it!
