The yarn is then dyed and is checked for colour fastness to chemical washes, exposure to light and  rubbing. The woollen yarn is tested too for thickness count and non fibre content. The cotton used in the warp of the carpet is tested for its tensile strength, for if this is low,the carpet can tear easily even as it is being woven. At this stage the yarn is made moth resistant. After stringent tests, the yarn ready for weaving is usually carried to the home of the carpet weavers or loom owners.

The loom is prepared for weaving a Hand Knotted Carpet by setting 2 rows of warps, that are stretched vertically and closely from the top of the loom to its bottom. The Carpet progresses as knot after patient knot of the woollen yarn on the warps, is tied. This creates the pile of the carpet.

After a row is woven, a thick cotton thread is put between the two rows of warps and is hammered down. This is the first weft which gives the carpet its body. A second weft interlocks the warp strings across each row to keep the knots in place. These are then firmly beaten down to ensure they stay even and tight. This is repeated until the Carpet is entirely woven.

Hand Tufted Carpets are made with tufting gun which punches woollen yarn through a canvas backing which has the design traced on it. This creates the pile of  the tufted Carpet. A cotton net is then spread across the back of the Carpet, and latexed to fix the tufts on the fabric. Another layer of latex and canvas gives     the back of the Carpet a neat look.

After the weaving or tufting is complete, the process of washing, clipping the excess pile, the colour sorting  to clarify the pattern and  stretching  to ensure symmetry are few of the many stages in the finishing process.The most significant of these is the washing.

Before washing,the carpet goes through the stage of burning with back of the carpet, rubbing with wired brush and berai to make it even.Washing is done with water  mixed with soap, bleaching powder and other natural chemicals. After washing,the carpet is kept in the sunlight for drying and then it is sent for clipping. There are wide ranges of washes each of which imparts a different look to the Carpet. Depending upon the Buyer's needs, a Carpet can receive a normal wash,high lustre wash, Gold wash, Herbal Wash or an Antique wash. These add new dimensions to the carpet, some increasing its sheen, some muting its  colour and others lending a antique look.

CARPET CARING

The oldest existing carpet dates back to the fifth century B.C. The endurance and longevity of the carpet depends not only the way it is created but also on its regular care.

A regular care routine keeps its charm intact and allows it to age gracefully.

• Regular brushing/light vacuuming helps remove dust and dirt and preserve the original lustre and shine.
• Prevent exposure to bright sun light. Use screens in the day.
• Let them breathe. Regular changing of the room setting decreases marks caused by the weight of furniture and stress of constant walking.

STAIN REMOVAL

The easiest way to remove any stain is to get to it quickly. DO NOT WAIT.
Place a clean, absorbent cloth over the stain.
Always dab - Harsh rubbing could ruin the carpet fibre.
Avoid hot/warm water to clean, this can spread the stain to wider area.
Work inwards from the edge of the stain to prevent spreading.

CLEANING MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES