Be it apparently simple or complex, every floor covering from Knots Rugs is a work of art. Its artistry is found not only in the design, but also in the expert hand weaving or knotting and the meticulous finishing. A lot goes into making these refined creations, with biophilic design inspiration working hand in hand with natural materials and age-old production techniques.
In the Textures collection from Knots Rugs, an extra dimension is emphasised. As the name suggests, this is a range of renewable natural fibre rugs that celebrates the feel of the weave on the hand and beneath the feet. Repeating patterns are created by the complex relationship between the warp and weft threads, while organic motifs are picked out in pile of varying depths. A painstaking high/low flat-weaving technique creates distinctive detail that’s irresistibly touchable. Extra texture comes courtesy of contrasting borders, along with subtle or statement fringing. At the finishing stage, long-bladed scissors are expertly used to ensure every curve, contour and corner of the pile is crisply defined.
To complement the textural effect of the pattern, Knots designers make discerning fibre choices. Wool from Tibetan Highland sheep is a sustainable and renewable resource that forms the mainstay of the Textures collection. These animals live in demanding conditions, so produce strong, insulating fleeces that are rich in lanolin – a natural oil that creates a waterproof barrier. The long fibres are ideal for weaving and the lanolin confers the added benefit of stain resistance on the finished rugs.
From the Knots Rugs' Textures Collection (left to right): Natural Silk Nettle Allo Rug, Natural Black Chunky Sumac Rug, Gold Wild Silk Tasar Kilim Rug
You’ll also find luxurious materials such as yak wool and wild silk in the Textures range. These are prized for their softness and bring natural, earthy colours to the table. Weaving wild silk results in an ‘abrash’ effect. Meaning ‘mottled’ or ‘speckled’ in Arabic, this word describes the striation of dark colours against pale in finished textiles. This combination of tones brings to mind tree bark, rippling sand or light and shade playing on leaves. More unusual yarns, such as nettle and cactus, bring durability and yet more texture to Knots pieces. Once processed and spun, they’re remarkably soft and pliable. Along with hemp, these are plants that grow abundantly without exhaustive cultivation, making them sustainable options. While rugs made from these fibres are exceptionally hard-wearing and therefore long-lasting, they’re also ultimately biodegradable.
With natural fabrics taking centre stage, it’s only right that their unprocessed colours should be celebrated too. In the Textures collection, you’ll find biophilic rugs in subtle tones of neutral white, biscuit and stone alongside the rich warmth of tawny browns and ochres. These understated shades bring harmony to any interior and effortlessly pull a room together.
From the Knots Rugs' Textures Collection (left to right): Natural Cactus Dhurrie Rug, Natural White Yak Wool Sumac Kilim Rug
To back up the sustainability of its materials, Knots Rugs also champions ethical working practices and processing techniques that are kind to the environment. It supports traditional, low-tech methods, with carding, spinning, weaving and knotting all being done by hand according to local custom in Nepal or India. This not only provides an income for communities and keeps time-honoured skills alive, but it also minimises energy consumption and cuts out the use of chemicals.
When it comes to rugs for biophilic design, things don’t get much more natural than those found in the Textures collection from Knots Rugs. Choose a supersoft deep-pile option to feel a touch of luxury when you step out of bed, or unfurl a large area rug with visual and tactile appeal to complete your nature-themed scheme. Whichever you go for, you can be sure your Knots rug will be with you for the long term and will only improve with age.
Explore the Knots Rugs collection here.
