What is Kilim weaving?

Kilim is a pile-free weave made on the basis of two thread systems: without reverse and straight.

It is one of the oldest known types of woven carpets and can also be used for decoration. It is woven from woollen or hair yarn on vertical or horizontal floor looms. It differs from carpet in that it is lint and knot free, and differs from other plain weave carpets in that it is made with a two-thread system and its patterns are not fluffy.

Kilim

Development of the kilim in history

The kilim is one of the most important weaving techniques of the nomadic tribes. It differs from the carpet in that its pattern and surface do not consist of loops that are thrown onto the warp threads one after the other, as is the case with the carpet. The kilim is woven with coloured weft balls or shuttles that constantly move back and forth between the warp threads. This gives the surface of the kilim its thin and flat appearance; there is no difference between the front and back. Due to the weaving technique, the kilim patterns are geometric. These patterns are created when the weaver interprets the shapes found in nature and adapts them to the kilim. This process of interpretation and personalisation is also known as "stylisation". These motifs, which can be seen as a kind of "means of self-expression" for the weaver, have become identified with certain regions by moving away from their expressive qualities over time.

It is assumed that carpets, which belong to the flat woven fabrics, have a 4000-year-old history. The oldest carpet pattern is estimated to date back to 6500 BC. It was found in Pasirik Kurgan in Upper Altai in Central Asia. The kilim consists of figures of praying women. A piece of carpet dated to 2300 BC was found in Troy, but there is no clear information about this piece. Kilim is the general term for non-woven carpets. Technically, it is a weft-faced or weft-look weave in which the warp threads are completely covered by the weft threads. Other weaves in this group are Jijim, Sili and Sumak.

The motifs and colour characteristics of Kilim rugs

Kilim patterns generally consist of geometric motifs due to the weaving technique. The colours used are blue, orange, green, dark blue, red, pink and moth colours.

The pattern of the kilim surface is formed in three ways:

1.      Previously woven carpets are used as a pattern.

2.      The weaver patterns and colours the carpet as he sees fit.

3.      The drawn patterns are used.

The warp yarn (Aryan) is usually double-twisted wool, mohair or cotton yarn. Coloured yarns, known as weft yarns (Argatsch), are threaded between the warp threads. Fine twisted and sheep's wool is used for the weft threads. The carpets are known as doormats, prayer rugs, lining bags, cushions and pillows.

Motifs and patterns ensure the transmission of traditions, customs, values and beliefs from generation to generation within the social structure and establish communication between the past and the future.

Kilim weaving

Considering details when choosing hand-woven kilims and rugs

No matter how flawless machine weaving may be, the handwoven rug will always be the crown jewel. There are a few details to look out for in hand-woven handicraft products. In the market, watch out for opportunists who offer machine-made rugs at inflated prices by printing original labels. We can summarise the details to look out for in hand-woven rugs as follows:

-       A hand-woven product can be recognised by the knot markings and the pattern jumps on the back.

-       You should look at the rope in each pattern jump and check whether the texture feels the same.

-       You should base your choice on the colour and style of the furniture in your room.

-       Take the correct measurements and choose accordingly.

-       The preferences of the season will ensure a long service life.

-       You should protect it from moisture and wetness.

-       If you notice that a loop has come loose, you should not pull it by hand, but cut it off properly.

-       Do not use special detergents or similar products that you use for machine weaving, but wash with natural soap and cold water.

Paying attention to these details is both important enough to make your home look spacious and a very necessary way to prolong the life of the products you buy.

Special hand-woven carpets and kilims born out of necessity

In the past, carpets were first removed and cleaned at the beginning of the summer months so that summer carpets in stronger colours could then be laid. Summer rugs were woven from thinner threads that did not reflect the temperature. When we think of hand-woven rugs, the winter months usually come to mind, and weaving involved heat-retaining yarns such as cotton or wool. Although this is still the case for many people, in the age of manufacturing we have started to weave rugs that are suitable for all seasons as the need and demand has increased. For example, combed cotton, which appears in our minds as fabric, has also taken its place in the world of carpets. In the children's room, in the bathroom, in the living room, in short, wherever you want, it is easy to find displays that meet your needs.