The History of Handmade Rugs: A Journey Through Time
- Mar 15, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Jul 8, 2025
Knot by Knot: A Human Symphony
Unlike tufted or power-loomed rugs, every single knot in a hand-knotted rug is tied by hand. That could be anywhere from 100 to 1,000 knots per square inch. The complexity of this process demands both artistic precision and technical expertise.
A medium-sized 8x10 ft rug, depending on the intricacy of its design, can involve over 1 million knots — each placed by a master weaver who may spend up to 8 hours a day for 8–12 months at the loom.
Luxury begins at the source. At The Kover Co, we exclusively use materials that honour our heritage and our commitment to the planet:
New Zealand wool, prized for its luster and resilience
Alpaca and mohair wool, for added softness and warmth
Cashmere blends, offering unmatched elegance and sheen
All sourced from ethical farms and spun by hand
This process — from sourcing, carding, and spinning, to dyeing — adds several weeks to the timeline, but ensures longevity, sustainability, and exclusivity.



