Quality you can deserve !

There are six qualities of Tibetan rug as determined by the number of knots per square inch (KPSI). 45 knots rug is very heavy (a higher gauge string is used on the loom). These are relatively easy to weave and are finished quickly. 60 knots rugs are better than 45 knots and are normal.  80 knots rug is of mid-range quality and a bit more labor is used in production. 100 knots is the highest quality of Tibetan rug on the market. They are very light as the backing is of fine-gauge cotton string as well as lower gauge string is used on the loom. Weaving a 150 and 200 knots rug is labor intensive and is highest quality. 

Think of the knot count of a handmade rug as being determined by the design. A bold design does not require as fine a knot structure as an intricate curvilinear design. A computer specialist compared the knot structure to pixels. The fine intricate design requires more pixels to resolve the design.

Just because a rug has a less fine knot structure does not necessarily mean that it is inferior as the fact is that many of the most sought after decorative rugs are not necessarily made in the finest weave. Tibetan rugs use a relatively coarse knot structure, but can be the perfect compliment to a relaxed style of decorating. The simplicity of the designs do not require a fine knot. The simplicity and texture is a large part of the warmth and charm of these more coarsely woven rugs.  

While we’re on the subject of quality, we want to warn you about ‘uncrossed’ weaving quality, sometimes called false knots. The warp line does not crossed between the weft line in uncrossed rugs and the knot will be slip out after some time. The uncrossed rug seems very tight and good looking from back side but the life is not as crossed and genuine quality.  

Pictures of different knot quality from back side of the rug.