Discover the history and secrets of 4 styles of carpeting

The carpet has become a beautiful decorative element, it can be in neutral colors or bright colors, and it can be sober or rich in patterns, with endless options, if we take into account the possible differences such as: material of manufacture, color, size, thickness, in addition, The carpet is installed without difficulty in all rooms of the house to bring us softness, warmth and comfort, and its use is not limited to different places in the house only, but also in work spaces such as offices, hotels, etc., and when it comes to choosing carpets, manufacturers put in our hands a group of 4 styles to choose from They differ in synthetic fiber options, as well as the type of pile treatment.

In this article, we will discover the four different carpeting options (Saxon, Barbary, Frieze, Cut and Loop), and the advantages and disadvantages of each style..

Saxon carpets

What is Saxony?

It is one of the federal lands of the Republic of Germany, and this federal state is located in the east of the country, on the borders with Czechia, Poland, Bavaria, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg, and the Free State of Saxony is the sixth in terms of population and the tenth in the German provinces area, its population and area put it in the middle of the arrangement of German states, Its capital is Dresden, and Saxony is the tenth largest in Germany by area, and it is a federal state whose history spans more than a millennium.

The land was created in 1920 as the Free State of Saxony, its territory was reconstituted by the Soviet Union as the Land of Saxony in 1945, and the land was dissolved by the East German regime during the territorial reform of 1952, to restore the state of Saxony which was reconstituted as a free state from 3 October 1990 .

Saxon carpets

People use the term Saxon rugs to refer to a type of rug with a pile of cut loops, this means that the rug is woven into loops and then the loops are cut, creating a rug with a warped and flat surface, this type of rug is usually woven very densely and has a soft texture And very thin, if some Saxon carpets are manufactured using ultra-soft fiber yarns, which makes this carpet suitable for bedrooms, for example. With broad rugs that come in a variety of styles and designs, many rug manufacturers are trying to capitalize on the brand's popularity to introduce their Saxon rugs to the market.

Saxon carpet types

Straight fiber carpets

A Saxon straight rug has all the fibers going in the same direction to present a uniform colour, this pattern is sometimes called Saxon velvet because it looks like velvet, and if you run your hand over the surface you will see the color difference as the fibers are now moving in the opposite direction, this pattern of The rug is beautiful and luxurious, but it will show every trace and void as you walk on it.

Saxon ornate carpets

Also called unpiled Saxony rug, it is the most popular and most modern Saxon carpet style, also known as loomless, this style has the same general characteristics as a straight Saxony rug, but the main difference is that the fibers are bent or twisted in different directions, and they also reflect The light is different, which means that when you run your hand across the surface, you won't notice much difference in color. Therefore, the Saxony patterned rug helps hide footprints and void marks, making it a popular choice for crowded places.

Characteristics and advantages of Saxon carpets

Saxony rugs feature straight fibers that are evenly cut for a uniform look, the pile of Saxony rugs typically measures less than 1/2 inch thick and is made of nylon, wool, polyester or Triexta, this is a traditional and popular style that you will no doubt have seen in many From Homes, here are the other highlights of Saxon rugs:

Luxurious appearance

The Saxon rug's softness, timeless look, and luxurious appeal make it a popular choice for homes. The rug's elegant appearance can give a room a sense of luxury. Some people consider this rug a more formal type. It can also be said that it is a luxurious rug. If you ever walked into a formal room and noticed that the rugs So luxurious, you've probably seen a Saxon rug, and whether you have a modern or traditional interior, the Saxon rug fits perfectly in all types of decor, and gives the soft, luxurious feel you have every time you use it.

sustainability

Saxon rugs are available in all types from lowest to highest, Saxon rug style is also available in all types of carpet fibers including nylon, polyester and wool The durability of a Saxon rug depends on all the variables involved: fiber type, fiber twist, density etc. The right balance of all variables is important to ensure you choose the right quality for your space, and high traffic areas will do better with denser Saxon rugs with a strong warp.

Lots of features

Saxony rugs come with many different features, so they are generally usable in all décor spaces. A high-quality Saxony rug is a good choice for high-traffic areas of the home, such as stairways and family rooms. Straight Saxony is usually best in more formal areas. Like living rooms or parlors, you are likely to find at least one type of Saxony to suit your particular situation. Just be sure to select the right quality for your circumstances.

An unfailing trend

Saxon rugs are timeless, so you'll never have to worry about Saxon rugs going out of style or with the latest trends.

Softness and toughness

The thick pile gives the Saxon carpet a high sense of luxury while walking on it, especially the straight Saxon carpet, which is also called the Saxon velvet carpet, and it is also characterized by durability, which depends on the fiber material you choose, the number of twisted fibers, and the density of the carpet, so it is necessary to choose Higher roll count and carpet density for maximum durability.

The name Saxon carpets are associated with quality and luxury, and Saxon carpets are usually more expensive than the less well-known carpet brands. There is a wide range of styles in the Saxon carpet product range, so it is imperative to research the different types of these carpets before you start buying carpets.

The imperfections of the Saxon rug

aesthetic defects

The main disadvantages of Saxon carpets are aesthetic aspects and quality. From an aesthetic point of view, some people do not like Saxon carpets because they consider them boring and lacking in personality. It is difficult to refute this matter. Saxon carpets are designed to blend into the decor in the backgrounds.

Difficulty determining quality

Saxon rugs can be very deceiving when it comes to quality, it can be difficult to tell the quality of a rug simply by its appearance - what appears to be a full and dense rug can sometimes just be a relatively small number of 'puffed' fibers, therefore, be sure to identify Carpet quality and read the specifications carefully.

When it is difficult for you to determine the quality of the Saxon carpet, with an endless variety of options on the market, research the best options, reliable sources and customer reviews online, or ask a sales representative about the material of the carpet, its density, the number of knots, etc., and the name may be The Saxon carpet may have come from the fabric or yarn used, and this name can refer to a fine woolen fabric or a type of yarn characterized by close coils.

The appearance of traces on the carpet

One of the biggest drawbacks of Saxon carpets is the appearance of traces or signs of emptiness when walking on them or placing furniture on top of them, and the paths of a vacuum cleaner, which sometimes makes it difficult to maintain, especially in a straight Saxony carpet. The beater bar in the vacuum cleaner to return to its normal shape.

A Saxon rug needs more frequent vacuuming than other styles to revive its distinctive pile and remove pesky footprints, which will help the rug last longer by cleaning it properly.

Finally, due to the deep pile nature of Saxon rugs, the rug can flatten over time, especially in heavy usage areas.

Cut and loop carpeting

Cut and loop or cut and loop rug was very trendy in the 70's and 80's, but it lost a lot of its popularity and reputation in the 90's and people stopped buying and using it, and with many new contemporary styles being introduced in recent years, cut and loop rug is back To the forefront of fashion trends in the world of carpets.

What is cut and loop carpeting?

A cut and loop rug is a style of rug made by combining cut or straight carpet fibers, uncut and looped fibers. This allows manufacturers to create a pattern in the rug that can be geometric or abstract. to create it.

Usually, all rugs consist of loops made of different types of yarn, each of which is a rug starting with loops, with some containing single-level loops and some with multi-level loops. In a cut-and-loop rug, as the name suggests, the Some loops are cut while others remain intact. Cut and loop rugs should not be confused with cut rugs. A cut rug is a style in which all the loops are cut, and this is done by means of a machine to ensure a flat surface of the rug.

Characteristics of cut and shaved carpets

The cut of only certain loops in this type of rug creates a different look and feel than other rugs, and with a cut and loop rug, a combination of cut and looped loops is often used to give a patterned appearance, or to create patterns ranging from subtle to intricate, and from intricate patterns to Embroidery, abstract patterns and more, there are patterns available for every taste that will fit perfectly in many different design schemes.

Cut and loop carpeting is softer than loop pile carpeting and is very comfortable for living rooms and bedrooms. Variations in loop lengths allow the rug to reflect light in ways that make the pattern more visible. Light and shadow play a major role in the appearance of deeply patterned rugs.

The different shapes, textures, and patterns available in cut and loop carpets are determined not only by the height of the loops and the number of loops cut, but also by the way the yarns are spun, as tightly twisted yarns create an elastic effect, and untwisted yarn also creates a softer texture on its part .

Patterned or patterned rugs create beautiful options for almost any decor, from traditional to contemporary. Cut-and-loop rugs can be used in formal design schemes, but are often chosen for informal settings. They also work well in themed rooms where the rug's pattern coordinates with decoration theme.

While loop pile tends to hold up better to abrasion, cut and loop carpeting is always a practical option, it offers more style while maintaining good durability, for these reasons, cut and loop carpeting is a favorite in many homes.

Cut and loop rug patterns

Cut and loop carpet patterns, in the 1970s and 1980s were mostly available in a "plaid" design, which featured a cut pile with some wavy lines made of loops running randomly, and looked sexy and colorful in the 1970s, transitioning to softer, subdued hues in the 1980s.

Today there is a lot of variety in the cut and loop style, most of which have changed from patterned to more geometric designs. Current styles include small square or diamond designs, made by contrasting the outline of a shape with an existing one, or delineating patterns: Cut short loops, it is characterized by many narrow curls gathered together at small distances, and some abstract patterns, such as "waves" patterns, can also be found.

Cut and loop rug features

The main advantage of cut and loop style rugs is its appearance. Cut and loop patterns provide beautiful texture and visual interest to a rug. The main reason people choose cut and loop rugs is because they find them attractive and pleasing to look at. However, choices are ultimately a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer Homeowners add this type of carpet to their decor, while some do not like it.

A lot of today's design trends rely heavily on the texture of the rug, so it can be said that the cut-and-loop rug style would fit well in contemporary decor.

Disadvantages of cut and loop rugs

It can be said that the biggest disadvantage of this style of carpet is that it has the ability to become worn out over time, and it ages with continuous use, as it wears out over time, even when you invest in a high-quality carpet with long guarantees, because the long fibers bend over the fibers. Shorter, causing the cut fibers to disappear underneath. No matter how long the fibers are cut, it is normal for any fibers to move, bend or flatten. This becomes less noticeable in a loop pile style rug such as Saxony, where all the fibers are cut evenly. even and move together in one direction and are supported by adjacent fibers, but in cut and loop carpets there is a gap in the cut fibers (where the loops are) so it is more noticeable when the cut fibers are scanty, and this can make the carpet look worn.

Another disadvantage of cut-and-loop style rugs is the cost. In general, the cost of cut-and-loop rugs tends to be more expensive than Berber, Saxon, or Frieze rugs of similar quality and fiber type. The reason, however, is the added complexity of creating this style.

So, as with most rug styles, a cut-and-loop rug comes in a variety of features, and the amount or volume of foot traffic on the rug should be considered, as well as how long you want the rug to last, and that's when you can decide if a cut-and-loop rug is an option suitable for your home.

The general advice for carpet experts is to avoid using the cut-and-loop carpet in high-traffic areas such as stairways and hallways, due to the possibility of turning a worn-out look as we indicated above, because with the crowded movement on the carpet, this effect will be more noticeable, and experts recommend that the most appropriate areas to install the cut-off carpet The loop is low to medium traffic spaces, such as bedrooms or basements (assuming the basement isn't the main living area and dining room).

Although you won't need to do anything beyond regular vacuuming and carpet care to keep your cut-and-loop style rug in good condition, it is still important to choose a vacuum that can clean your rug well and maintain it for years without having to repair it, and it should We point out here that it is necessary that the time gap between the two carpet cleaning operations be longer, because the wear and tear can increase with each carpet cleaning session.

  Frieze-style carpeting

Frieze style rugs are a type of carpet with a cut pile pattern, made of twisted fibers, the individual twisted fibers give the rug a somewhat casual look that can help hide many imperfections, the high level of twisting of the fibers gives it a complex look but also makes it Durable at the same time, and for this reason, this type of rug is sometimes recommended for high traffic areas, as it will not show footprints and dirt as easily as some other carpet styles, and it can be said that the difference between frieze and other types of cut rugs is that the rug strands are twisted So tightly almost to the point of bending, each tuft of this type of carpet has two folds twisted together at 3 to 5 turns per inch, and the dense and fine frieze carpets have as many as 7-9 curls per inch, creating a wrinkled appearance.

Also known as a twisted pattern rug, this is one of the most popular rug styles that people tend to own today, if it sounds familiar, that's because it is - Frieze is basically a spiritual descendant of the herringbone rug, the kind that used to be In homes and quite a lot of mobile recreational homes in the 1960s and 1970s, however, herringbone pattern rugs and frieze pattern rugs are not the same, despite similarities in look and feel.

This type of carpet is made by knotting the pile through a solid and flexible basis and then cutting it to ensure that it is of the same length. The fibers used in frieze carpets are slightly twisted so that they are strong and flexible. They are usually made of very soft fibers so that the carpet looks good when used. These can be installed The rug is for the entire floor covering, and decorative frieze pattern rugs can also be found.

The surface weight of a rug indicates the amount of material used to make it, and the wick level indicates how often the fibers wick, so it makes sense to pay more for higher surface weights and wick levels of the fibers.

The most important advantages of frieze carpets

Modern rugs

Frieze rug is a trendy rug with a friendly and fun look at the same time, so, if you want to install a whole new decor for your home, you can stay on top of the latest fashion trends by using Frieze rug.

Durability

This type of carpet is very durable, so frieze carpet can easily withstand high traffic traffic, and this carpet is suitable in rooms with high traffic, such as children's rooms, parents' rooms, and hallways, and its structure hides dirt well and does not leave footprints or void marks.

density

The quality and density of this carpet can determine the price of this type of carpet, and the density is determined by how close the fibers of the carpet are, and a high-density carpet is a carpet that is softer, thicker, and lasts longer, and to check the density of the carpet, fold a sample of the carpet back to see how hard or easy it is Reach the backing of the carpet, and a density meter is used to show how many fibers are in the carpet and the closer the number of fibers, the higher the density.

Gentle appearance

Compared to traditional curly-pile carpets, frieze carpet fibers are usually made of thinner fiber strands, which gives frieze carpets a thinner and thinner look than shaggy carpets, compared to Saxon carpets or short-pile carpets, frieze is usually longer and has a thinner appearance, In addition, frieze carpets are characterized by a great ability to insulate sound naturally and gently, as they help in dampening noise and sounds in the spaces in which they are installed.

The softness

In addition to durability, frieze rugs are usually soft, easy to walk on, and pleasant to spend time on due to the delicate, all-over feel of the long, supple fibers Frieze rugs also hide the underlayment well due to the length of their fibers This particular durability of frieze rugs makes them a suitable piece For use on stairs, and in areas with heavy traffic, as it helps in repelling dirt, and it is suitable for families with children and pets, as the long fibers are very practical to hide footprints and void marks.

Among the most important materials with which frieze carpets are made, we can find wool, nylon and some other materials such as olefin, and usually woolen carpets are higher in price, while polyester and olefin are at the end of the cheapest price scale, and the frieze is relatively durable by the nature of its structure, but choosing a piece High quality will ensure it lasts longer.

Frieze rug can be a perfect fit in a variety of home spaces, especially in family rooms, halls, stairways and bedrooms. This type of rug matches the look of casual decor, and is soft and comfortable enough for children to relax on while playing, studying, It is also durable enough to withstand movement, and can retain its beauty for many years if installed in the right space and properly cared for.

In home décor, frieze rug became very popular in the 1990s, and many people were impressed with the rug's intense softness, in addition to the casual look and easy care instructions, and many rug manufacturers responded to the high demand for frieze rugs, which resulted in a range of Wide range of patterns, from relatively standard, low-pile rugs, to more luxurious rugs.

What are the disadvantages of frieze carpets?

It can be said that the biggest feature of the frieze carpet is what causes its defects to appear. The durability of this carpet makes its biggest defects difficult to clean. Carpets with short and narrow piles, for example, retain spilled liquids at their edges, which facilitates the process of cleaning them, and removing stains from them such as stains. Coffee, juice, etc. On the other hand, frieze carpets are distinguished by their long and soft fibers, which help spread liquids throughout the interior of the carpet, which means that you will need to treat them quickly to avoid spreading these liquids and destroying the appearance of the carpet, so it is necessary to be careful Choose a frieze rug made of stain-resistant materials as well as detailed warranties for stains, dust and dirt prior to purchase if possible.

Since the fibers are bent and twisted in this type of carpet, it can acquire a worn and flat appearance like some other types of carpet when walking on it with feet or placing other things on it. Continuous vacuuming is also not necessary, as the pile can be damaged with constant use of a vacuum cleaner or by placing objects such as heavy furniture on it, which is something that must be taken into account when installing cornice carpeting in any space.

Many vacuum cleaners may simply get stuck or tangle when cleaning eaves carpeting, which can either damage the carpet as the fibers are pulled, or it may damage the vacuum as the fibers wrap around the broom brush head, so we recommend deep cleaning to protect both the carpet fibers and the vacuum electrical.

The fibers in this type of rug can curl a little, so complex designs cannot be implemented in a frieze rug, but very simple basic designs can be implemented, and some designers also use various yarns to add more texture and color to the rug; For example, a beige pile with dark brown and black flecks can be used to make it more visually interesting, on the other hand, nylon can be said to be the typical fiber of choice for this style of carpet although other fibers are also available, including treated fibers to be fire resistant.

Berber carpets

Before we talk about the Berber carpets, it is necessary to shed light on the Berbers. Who are those whose hands woven one of the most beautiful and attractive carpets throughout history?

The word "barbarian" means a free man or a noble man, and the Berbers or Berbers are a population of tribes that live in a vast area of ​​​​North Africa, the Sahara and the Atlas region for more than five thousand years, and they were settled in the northwest of the Maghreb, and they remained Bedouins Nomadic or semi-nomadic, with their instability in the desert regions in the south, as did the Tuareg Berbers who settled in the Sahara desert, and since the beginning of the Arab conquest of Africa (670), the Berbers converted to Islam without difficulty, while preserving their identity and their diverse Amazigh culture, and they are a source of much art and folklore .

What are Berber carpets?

From the Paleolithic Age to the present day, the Berber rug has enchanted different civilizations, it is rare and unique, these handwoven rugs have been made for centuries on the same loom and with the same techniques, having a Berber rug at home means bringing a bit of authenticity from this beautiful region into your home To add depth and beauty to your space and decor.

The Berber rug has made a name and a niche for itself in contemporary interior designs, and for many years, more and more individuals have been investing in this exceptional product, for its exquisite beauty, softness and incomparable unique style, which adds personality to any type of interior, be it bohemian, contemporary , ethnic or even Scandinavian! The Berber rug adds a warm atmosphere to any space

The Berber carpet is full of stories and emotions, and the word carpet is known in the Arabic language in that region as “Zarbia”, and “Zerbeet” in the Berber language, specifically in Al-Aqsa Morocco. ethnicity, and the tribe that produced it.

It can be said that the Berber carpet industry is the result of a special way of life, the way of life of the nomadic tribes. Women were responsible for many activities, including weaving. The property of each family includes tents and carpets made by women. They also weave clothes and all bed sheets. This itinerant life, with camps set up over the course of the journeys, knowledge developed, and the use of sheep's wool made it possible to make long-pile, soft and fluffy carpets, and such minimal comfort was necessary for lying down or sitting on the floor, and the use of dyes of vegetable origin made it possible to create beautiful patterns that adorned the carpet .

Originally, carpets were mainly intended for domestic use, and according to Berber tradition, they were also incorporated into the marriage dowry. Likewise, according to the economic fluctuations of families, carpets have always had and still have a certain economic value.

How did the Berber carpet story begin?

To know the origins of the Berber carpet, we must go back 10,000 years ago. In the beginning, shepherds used sheep’s wool to face the cold, because of its extraordinary virtues, as it is particularly insulating, and it made it possible to replace the traditional rough leather clothing with soft wool, with The shepherds own many cattle that produce abundant wool, the use of wool soon became a daily practice, and then became part of the traditional art, hence the Berber rug.

The Berber carpets were designed by the Berber tribes due to the needs of the climatic conditions that they experience throughout the year. These tribes traveled in the Atlas Mountains, the desert and tropical forests in North Africa. To meet the distinctive climatic conditions, they began weaving special carpets called Berber carpets. These carpets began to spread among the different tribes, then it became a way to preserve the heritage of the tribe by leaving a trace through the Berber banners woven on the carpets, and this is the reason why we find different patterns on these Berber carpets, these patterns are not just ordinary design patterns, but Ancient Berber symbols that have great importance in the history of the Berber tribes, and these carpets were passed down from generation to generation in order to preserve the Berber culture.

The Middle Atlas is home to most of the tribes that wove Berber carpets, and carpet making in these regions of North Africa is synonymous with a complex process often accompanied by delicate and special rituals, for preparation, at the beginning and at the end of the weaving, and everything begins with the preparation of the wool, which must be purified before Dyed according to recipes of the past using natural dyes, and according to the legends of the weavers of that region, the wool is exposed to the stars all night to ward off the evil eye.

And we can identify a real Berber carpet of Moroccan wool according to:

• Its material: when knotted, woven, or embroidered, it is of very fine and excellent virgin wool extracted from a breed of sheep that lives in the Middle Atlas.
• Its color is natural ivory for the Beni Oren carpet in particular. As for other types of carpets, shades of red, orange, black, white and yellow often prevail.
• knitted Knowing that the craftsmanship must necessarily show small imperfections that are noticeable on the back of the rug (with the exception of the reversible kilim).
• Its fringe, or its fringe end only at one end, for the history of the rug, it is clear that the domestication of sheep played an important role in Berber textile art.

Types of Berber carpets

Berber carpets are mainly divided into many models, the most important of which are:

* Banu Ureen stretched out

Which bears the name of the "Amazigh" tribe who hail from the mountainous regions of the Middle Atlas.

The Beni Oren rug comes from the region of the same name and is located in the mountainous regions of the Middle Atlas. In the Berber language, the name of the tribe means “free people.” The Beni Oren includes 17 tribes from this region, which have become settled there. They practice agriculture and cattle breeding. The carpets are very thick sheep's wool taken from a particular breed of sheep, and this wool also enjoys a worldwide reputation, which makes this Beni Oren carpet very popular.

The women of this tribe, the weavers, painted dark brown geometric patterns on a natural ivory background, the shades of brown coming from the brown wool of the sheep's head while the naturally colored wool came from the body of this animal.

* Azilal carpet

It comes from the High Atlas and is made by the weavers of the Azilal tribe who inhabit the High Atlas region. This rug is made of sheep's wool but the finish is cropped with a much shorter pile than the Beni Ourine rug. It also has a white background striped with brightly colored geometric lines. .

Boucherouet carpets

The Boucherouet rug, a Berber rug from the 20th century, is the product of industriousness from humble families who grew up in rural Morocco. These families, who could not always afford wool, produced a new form of knot made from strips of recycled fabrics. The result is amazing; A spontaneous and poetic rug, a true masterpiece of beautiful Berber folk tapestry!

* Berber kilim

As for the Berber kilim carpet, it comes from the regions of Zemmour and Abi Jaad in the Middle Atlas, and this carpet does not offer a velvety texture like that offered by the Beni Ourin woolen carpet because it is not just a knotted rug, but it is also woven and embroidered, this carpet often contains straight or geometric patterns, Quite small but always very elegant.

Weaved using soft yet strong wool, the kilims (except in the Indian style) and sole have the advantage of having neither front nor back surface, and are therefore reversible.

* Brown carpets

A brown mottled rug always offers a familiar design or color, this rug is unpredictable, bold patterns, minimalist geometric designs, and irregular placement is essential on this rug in shades of red, orange, pink, indigo, or purple, each type of The carpet is unique and tells its own story.

Beni Merirt rug

Beni Merirt rugs come from the mountainous regions of Morocco that are more prone to cold and snow, which is why they are a very dense, warm and comfortable rug.

Abu Jaad's carpet

Relative to a Moroccan city in the province of Khouribga, and its very old appearance may not be liked by everyone, because it has a special style, but, on the contrary, in its antique version, the Abu Jaad carpet has become more common in the world!

* Carpet and diamonds

Dominated with the power of red diamond patterns, this carpet comes from the region of the same name located in the Middle Atlas range, where Berber women of the tribe work on weaving this type of carpet.

* Zamour carpet

The Zumour carpet from the Middle Atlas is dominated by red and shades of orange and yellow. It is a light or dark weave of white or black with a touch of blue sometimes.

* Sajjad Ait Yossi

The Ait Youssi rug presents a work based on the number 7, and this is noticeable in the weaving work that presents a different interlocking diamond shape linked together, it is these contrasts that make this rug special.

* A woven carpet

Originating in the High Atlas, it is a Berber rug that often requires up to nine months of labour. It is considered a good rug of its kind that can reach 480,000 knots per square metre. The natural colors of this wonderful rug come from saffron, henna, mint and other natural ingredients. It is red, green and orange, and it is a very elegant carpet. It is one of the recognized models among the old carpets made in Morocco. Among the types of this carpet: Tanakht and Zayan, which is the pride of Berber craftsmanship.

* Shishawah carpet

It is a carpet bearing the name of the city, which is located 70 km from Marrakesh. The Chichaoua carpet belongs to the Haouz region in Marrakesh, located between the High and Middle Atlas. This type of carpet is usually very large and is tied on the warp threads of the looms made of goat hair with sheep’s wool. Dyed orange and red, this area is famous for the art of weaving beautiful woolen carpets and is a very well known area for its abundance of production.

* Ait and Zakit tribe

The carpets of the Ait Ouzekit tribe, a tribe inhabiting the area between Ouarzazate and Tzanakht, are called carpets of the High Atlas, and this carpet presents the same weaving technique used in Medina carpets, it can also be called: Ghalawa carpets.

Talcent rug

Talsent wool rugs are completely knotted or woven by women of a Bedouin tribe, this rug is very refined, its patterns always tell stories related to the immediate environment according to the inspiration, imagination and creativity of the weavers.

In Tunisia, the Margoum carpet is considered to be specific to this country, as it comes from the cities of El Jem or Kairouan. We also find rugs and sheds, which are of the types of Margoum carpets in southern Tunisia. The Margoum carpet is characterized by being a woven carpet embroidered with diamond shapes. Kilim rugs are woven with two threads, and they originated from the northwestern regions of Tunisia. We find these high-wool Berber carpets, which are very thick and very comfortable. The “kilim” carpet is also woven from wool, and the nomadic Bedouins in southern Tunisia are unique in producing this type.

For Kabylie in Algeria, the most famous Berber carpet is the one that is woven in Ait Hisham, which is a very old model, Ait Hisham is a village in Kabylie located in the wilaya of Tizi Ouzou, this rug is mostly gray but we also see red Hints of green, yellow and various geometric patterns, and in the Algerian craft heritage we also find the fourth Khenchela carpet that comes from the Khenchela region in the northern east in the Aures region of Algeria, and is entirely woven by hand, and is characterized by different symbols, patterns and colors that symbolize the Algerian Berber carpet, and is famous The country also has the following carpets: Banu Mazab carpet, Regma carpet from Bani Yazqin, carpets from Al-Atouf, carpets Babar, carpets from Al-Nammasha called Al-Qatif, Al-Shawi carpets from the Aures, carpets from Harakta, Cherchal carpets, Chenoua rugs in the Tipaza region, Al-Maataqa carpets, Tizi-Ouzou carpets ...etc.

The cities of Wadi Souf, Biskra and Ain Markoum in Setif and Bejaia are also famous for weaving carpets.

Distinctive features of the Berber carpet

Berber carpets represent the most distinctive aspect of the cultural heritage of the region, and the spirit of the carpet seems to reflect the landscape of the Atlas Mountains. These rugs are like books full of signs and symbols, inviting us to discover an intellectual world based on an abundant color palette. , have designated their textile creations as a space of freedom where they develop personal creativity and surprising artistic expression.

The Berber rug can be identified by its patterns that symbolize Berber religion, beliefs, imagination and culture. Ancestral techniques are passed down from mother to daughter and have survived through the centuries to remain one of the purest Berber traditions. The rug has many household uses and can be hung on the wall for protection. From the cold in the simple homes of the tribes, which were most often made of bricks and thatch.

The stylized shapes drawn by the weaver are part of his culture (path, river, stars, beetle, scorpions, flowers, mirror, cake, etc.) For example the teapot design which is often placed in the middle of the rug, is full of meaning and indicates hospitality and friendliness There are also other shapes, such as diamonds, broken lines, squares, military insignia, crosses, oblique or straight commas, combs, etc.

The diamond shape alone is sometimes seen as the eye, protecting the owner of the carpet from misfortune according to Berber beliefs. Butterflies are represented by two triangles as well as flowers and stars representing feminine beauty. A zigzag often runs around the carpet and represents rivers, snakes or family. The branches express difficulty and danger. but also vegetables and the tree of life, and the comb refers to weaving, and the free woman is represented, the feet open and the arms raised with a sign from the Tifinagh alphabet (the alphabet used by the Tuareg and Berbers to write their languages), and the leg of a partridge, the hand of a woman, the girdle of the bride, etc., is often depicted, and he does not realize Meanings and stories of geometric patterns and their combinations except for the person who produces them, one can find links between women's tattoos and designs drawn or carved on pottery and carpets, sometimes used to be identical with images of domestic animals.

Berber rugs are usually handmade with wool fibres, because they are built to last for a long time, Berber rugs are very soft and comfortable, and they owe this quality to the materials they are made from, as they are the only natural fibers available in the nomadic tribes who are also shepherds.

The woman and her fellow weavers use only a small image of the design as a reference when making the rug, and their understanding of where lines and shapes start and end depends only on instinct, a knowledge passed on to them by their Berber mothers and grandmothers.

The Berber knot is a delicate technique for sewing carpets that originated in the Middle Atlas region of Morocco. Thus, the indigenous Berbers, especially the women of this region, developed a special and specific knot that they use as they wish. Thus, Berber women or textile artisans follow their inspiration and generate an innovation that is always surprising and exclusive. And unique!

If the Berber carpets differ from the province of origin, region or tribe, if the techniques, patterns and colors also differ, we note however that among all the differences or similarities Berber carpets can unite in the form of a common alphabet.

The peculiarity of Berber carpets lies in the originality of their color and the multiplicity of patterns that they present. These rugs are usually a source of fun and joy, because they are a completely sober work of art and do not present an aspect that contradicts the ideas that the Bedouins can have.

In addition to the colors and the length of the woolen threads, the technique of making them also varied. The carpets bear the name of the region or the original tribe in which they were woven, and each has its own manufacturing method.

There are many models of Berber rugs, but the most modern among them are the Beni Oren carpets with their black and white geometric patterns and the Azilal carpets with their bright colors and short wool.

It is also customary to insert a slight defect in the rug such as the warp thread that protrudes slightly from the rug, and we must not forget that the berber rug is handwoven, so it is quite possible to find small defects that make it original.

The length of the rug can vary from 2 to 6 metres, while the width ranges from approximately 1.9 to 2.5 metres. Berber rugs have an inherent flexibility, are quiet and comfortable to walk on, and are easy to maintain and keep clean.

Berber carpet making techniques

Berber weavers use weaving techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.

• Basic knitting includes preparing the wool (washing and cutting), laying the threads on the loom, and the actual knitting, which consists of knitting each strand one by one. Next, the rug is finished washed for finishing. Kilim-making involves a flat-weaving technique, rather than knotting the wool threads.
• In some tribes, when they wash the wool in the river, the weavers say, "Wool like wheat creates abundance." After dyeing, which will change the appearance of the wool without modifying its insulating ability, resistance, and comfort, the wool is processed again according to delicate rituals. The day before the dyeing, Weavers expose wool to starlight to get rid of its evil abilities (according to their legends).
• For weaving, the weaver requires the help of two neighbors to install her loom, and after fixing the poles in the ground, the owner of the loom pronounces the “Basmalah” and then crushes the sugar cubes between the pegs, then the three weavers begin to sing.

After the great success of the Berber carpets, and after becoming a real decoration trend for several years now, the Berber carpets have become such a victim of their own success that we find cheap imitations falsely stamped as “Berbery carpets”, when they bear only the name of the Berber carpets. Therefore, to be sure of the authenticity of the piece in your hands, it is necessary to check its knot: Berber rugs are entirely designed by hand, usually with intentional defects in the corners, and also make sure that they are made only from the wool of 100% virgin sheep living in the Middle Atlas mountains.

Finally..

Due to its beauty and practical characteristics, carpet rugs have enjoyed real success in recent years, which has allowed them to be used in home décor and even corporate offices. When buying a new rug, it may be difficult to evaluate all the options on the market, as each type of rug includes its pros and cons. Between the type of fibers, the texture, the colour, the pile treatment methods and the practical functions of the rugs, there is a lot to consider when choosing the right piece to add to your decor.

We hope that this article was useful for you to know the differences between the different styles of carpeting, between Saxon, Berber, frieze, cut and loop, in order to choose among them what suits your home or office decor!

Sources

 https://www.tapi.co.uk/carpet/what-is-a-saxony-carpet

https://www.tapi.co.uk/carpet/what-is-a-saxony-carpet

https://www.thespruce.com/frieze-the-modern-shag-2908888

https://www.avalonflooring.com/ideas/blog/frieze-carpet-pros-cons

https://www.thespruce.com/cut-and-loop-carpet-styles-2908884

https://tomscarpetcleaning.com.au/advantage-and-disadvantage-of-cut-and-loop-pile-carpet/

https://www.allotapis.com/magazine/le-tapis-berbere-entre-tradition-et-modernite/