HAND-TUFTED
Individual threads are loaded into a "tufting gun" and pushed through a canvas to create a cut and looped piled. A fabric backing is then glued to the completed design to keep the threads in place.
Helpful note: Tufted rugs usually shed. Regular vacuuming will help lessen the shedding over time, but other factors such as pile height, where you put the rug, and how much traffic it receives may affect how much shedding you'll see.
HAND-HOOKED
Small loops are pulled through a canvas and secured with a protective backing.
Helpful note: Both "sprouting" (fibers that pop out from the rug surface) and shedding are common. Avoid pulling on any sprouted fibers. Instead, trim down to the face of the rug. Regular vacuuming will help lessen shedding over time, but other factors such as pile height, where you put the rug, and how much traffic it receives may affect how much shedding you'll see.
HAND-KNOTTED
They are created on a large loom using a "warp thread" (threading stretched from the top to bottom of the loom) and "weft thread" (stretched from the left to right sides of the loom). Rows of knots are then tied along the warp and weft.
Helpful note: "Sprouting" (fibers that pop out from the rug surface) is common. Don't pull these! This could ruin your rug. Instead, trim the thread down to the face of the rug.
SHAG
Weaving methods vary for shag rugs, but they are known to have a much thicker, "shaggy" or "fluffy" pile. Shag rugs come in a variety of textures and lengths.
FLATWEAVE
Thinly woven rugs that have no pile and are often reversible.
Helpful note: Due to how thin flat-woven rugs are compared to other weave types, it is important to place a rug pad underneath to prevent slippage.
MACHINE-MADE
Power-loomed rugs - these are made using an electronically controlled loom. Most have serged (bound) edges.