Magical Carpets: a Demonstration of Centuries-Old Craftsmanship

How can you spot a machine-made rug over a hand-knotted one?

Check the fringe. If it’s sewn on, a machine did the work. The fabric trimmings on a hand-made rug are created when the weavers cut the rug from the loom.

There’s much more to learn about tying the knots, and much of it will be presented at free seminars today through May 13 at Glabman Furniture and Interior Design in Pasadena and Costa Mesa. Three weavers will work on a 5,000-pound, solid-teak loom, and rug expert Nasser Rahmanan will speak on the ancient craft.

The United Nations Development Program, which promotes the culture of India through its art forms, is sponsoring the events. The rugs’ designs are inspired by Indian motifs seen in architecture, fashion and jewelry.

Kathy Jarvis, director of design for Glabman’s, says that even though woven rugs can cost $100,000 or more, they shouldn’t be treated as hands-off objects.

“We invite everyone to sit down at the loom and tie knots to learn how these centuries-old designs are made,” she says.

“These weavers are combining design, history and culture.”

Here’s how Jarvis says you can spot quality:

* Materials. The best rugs are made from silks and wool from New Zealand, which is durable and absorbs dyes well.

* Knot count. While there are many valuable rugs with a small number of knots in a square inch, a higher knot count usually makes for a more refined designed. Count the knots at the center of the rug.

* Colors. Generally, 13 colors or more is good, while 20 or more is excellent. However, a rug with intricate patterns created with color is more valuable than one with twice as many colors but a less detailed pattern.

* Weight. The value of a handmade rug is in the quality of the craftsmanship and materials, not in its weight. Some of the finest rugs in the world are no heavier than a blanket.

The demonstrations will be at the Pasadena store (525 E. Colorado Blvd.) today and Sunday and at the Costa Mesa store (3089 Bristol St.) Friday through May 13. Reservations: (800) 298-9055.