How to Weave a Persian Rug

Tack the cartoon to the loom, which is strung with vertical threads called the warp. The cartoon is the precise reproduction of the colors and design of the rug to be woven on graph paper to scale. Weavers refer to it constantly as they select yarns and make knots. Hang batches of yarn representing all the colors on the cartoon within easy reach.

Begin the weaving at the bottommost portion of the warp threads with a few rows of weft threads, which will form the horizontal threads on the loom, to form the outer border. Weave the weft over one warp and under the next, until the row is complete. Begin the next row with the weft thread positioned under the first warp thread and over the second, alternating the starting placement of the weft threads throughout the weaving.

Select the colored yarn indicated on the cartoon to create the first Persian Knot for the rug that will be woven with rows of Persian Knots. Several inches above the first row to be knotted, thread the yarn around two warp threads. Weave it under and around the first warp and behind and around the second. Push the knot down to the base of the warp. Cut the knot to form the pile.

Complete the entire row of knots. Weave a simple weft row and bring it down over the knots to fix them in place. Depending on the tightness and intricacy of the design, two or more weft threads might be used. Increase the tightness of the knots' position by placing a comb over the weft and knots. Beat them down with the comb.

Cut the pile with a shears to make the row level, if necessary.

Repeat steps 2 through 5 until the entire rug is knotted.

Weave a section of weft threads at the top of the completed rows of knots to create a top border. Cut the rug from the loom, leaving warp threads as fringes at either end of the rug.