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Decorate Your Interior with Handwoven Morrocan Rugs

The earliest Moroccan rugs date back to the 7th century. There was no other way to make them except entirely by hand, like the authentic rugs available in the market today.

These early Moroccan area rugs were used as saddle blankets, sleeping mats, and covers. Sometimes, they were used for self-decoration and burial shrouds. The construction of these rugs depended on the distinct climate of the region. Thick rugs made from natural wool provided Moroccan tribes with warmth, especially in areas such as the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Meanwhile, thin rugs were lightweight and easy for people to transport and wear. These rugs slowly became colorful decorative pieces after dyeing each piece.

During that time, the old masters believed that burning the edges of a Moroccan rug could fend off evil spirits and protect its owners. To take that idea further, it was a commonly held belief that burning the edges of a rug would prevent evil spirits from harbouring jealousy over the natural beauty of a rug.

Moroccan rugs are best known for their asymmetrical beauty. Specific subclasses of Moroccan rugs include Amazigh or Berber rugs, which feature simple geometric patterns and a plush texture. These remarkable pieces are one-of-a-kind type of decor that you can place in any area of your home.

Materials and Weaving Techniques

Moroccan rugs are made with natural materials such as wool and silk. Its rug weaving process is inspired by weaving techniques from areas in the Middle East and North Africa. The most common weaving styles include hand-knotting, flat weaving, and weft substitution. Each type provides its own unique finish.

Hand-knotted Moroccan area rugs are fluffy and warm. These rugs are made by laying its weft threads across the warp then tightening them. In turn, this creates a secure base for the raised-pile knots. On the other hand, flat-woven rugs are made without any knots, making them thinner than pile carpets.

Weft substitution is a variation of flat weaving. When using this technique, the patterns are created from the back of the loom with different colored threads. This way, weavers can produce more elaborate designs.