Posted by Ronna on Friday, 15 February 2002, at 4:09 p.m.:
In Reply to: pile rugs posted by Jill on Monday, 21 May 2001, at 7:56 a.m.:
I learned how to weave oriental rugs from a master weaver from Tabriz. The "student" loom I have will make a rug that is about 2x3 feet. It was made for me by some friends. It is relatively simple. My loom is basically just a frame with the uprights of 2x4's. The bottom bar is fixed, and the top bar is adjustable so you can tension the warp. The rug warp is continuous, so the circumference around the frame will be the total length of the rug.
The shed is separated by wooden dowels. One first lays in a warp stick to have something to beat against. Then just flat weave for about two inches. Then one ties the first row of knots. I have a tool that is used by Tabriz weavers, but in other weaving areas, they just use their fingers to manipulate the yarn and warp while making the knots. The tool makes it faster to tie a Ghiordes or Turkish knot, but it is not essential. I have a long flat tool with a hook on the end that allows me to slide between the warp threads when laying in the foundation wefts. This is basically a piece of sheet metal and can be made by anyone with metal working capability (basic shop). In the Tabriz weave, between each row of knots, there is a large weft (which is often the same as the warp)laid on top of the row of knots, and then in the next shed, two thinner wefts laid in the same shed and allowed to conform to the warp (i.e.; looser). Then one starts on the next row of knots.
You could make the rug using any simple frame loom. The tapestry loom would probably serve well enough if it is one where you can adjust the warp tension. Just remember that this will take a while! I have pictures of the rug and the loom if you want to email me for pictures. I don't think I can post them here....
Ronna