Hawaiian rugs® are hand-crafted by master weavers using traditional techniques passed down through generations. If you want to add one of these unique tropical rugs to your home, there are a few different options to choose from. This guide explains the differences between hand-tufted, hand-woven, and hand-knotted rugs.

Tufted

A hand-tufted rug is made with a special mechanized tool that must be operated by hand. In this process, strands of wool are punched into a cotton canvas using the tufting gun to form a design. A supporting canvas is glued to the back of the rug to hold them in place. The result is a thick material that can withstand the pressure of foot traffic.

Since this process is fairly quick and easy, hand-tufted rugs tend to be more affordable. Despite their lower price tag, they feature highly fashionable designs that add style to your living spaces.

Woven

Hand-woven, or dhurrie rugs, are hand-crafted on a loom. They’re made by weaving or interlacing vertical and horizontal threads. Dhurries are lightweight, reversible flatweave rugs, meaning they’re the same on both sides. Many homeowners appreciate being able to flip the rug over for a fresh surface after a few years of use. You can find them in a variety of materials, although cotton and wool are the most common.

A dhurrie’s tight weave makes it highly durable, so it’s well-suited to high traffic areas, like hallways and living rooms. They’re also easier to shake out and clean due to their lack of backing. Dhurries are the most affordable out of these Hawaiian rugs.

Knotted

The techniques used to create hand-knotted rugs are an intricate, ancient art. One rug is woven entirely by hand on a special loom, often with natural materials such as wool, cotton, and bamboo silk. There’s no backing, so the back will look exactly the same as the top pile. You can see and count each individual knot—the denser the knots, the better the quality. Complex patterns tend to have very high-density knotting.

Since these pieces take ample skill and time to produce, they’re higher quality and typically more expensive; however, they can last a lifetime. They’ll maintain their structure, color, and quality with regular cleaning and proper care. Hand-knotted rugs are multi-generational and can be passed down as heirlooms.

If you’re looking for hand-crafted rugs, turn to Indich Collection in Honolulu, HI. This retailer offers beautiful, one-of-a-kind Hawaiian rugs, and each piece is designed in-house with natural, high-quality materials. Their showroom features a vast selection of stunning designs that will enhance any home or business—you can also submit an original idea for a custom creation. Browse their available Hawaiian rugs online, or call (808) 524-7769 to place an order.