Afghan Rug Guide
What makes Afghan rugs unique?
All of our rug production takes place in Afghanistan, because we truly believe them to be among the best in the world. All aspects of production, from wool sourcing, dyeing, weaving, and finishing, are done in Afghanistan, using age-old techniques and the luxurious local material: Ghazni wool.
These wool and the skilled makers involved, are what make rugs from Afghanistan so special.
The Process
How Aghan rugs are made
Discover the processes involved in producing our flatweave and hand-knotted rugs by master artisans and weavers in Afghanistan. From sourcing the wool, to packaging for shipping, every step of the process is done in Afghanistan.
Roving & Spinning
The wool is carefully prepared - called 'roving' - where the fibres are compacted and lengthened, before being spun into yarn.
Design & Graphing
The designs are meticulously rendered into a digital graph that is then translated onto the loom and colours specified.
Dyeing
Many dyes used for our rugs are made of natural ingredients, such as pomegranate skins. The dye recipes are expertly crafted and matched by eye for each order.
Weaving
The weaving process is the lengthiest part of production, taking up to 5 women between 1-6 months to complete depending on size and whether it is a hand-knotted or handwoven rug. Find out more about the different between flatweave vs hand-knotted rugs.
Washing
Once off the loom, the rugs is washed thoroughly with soap and water to soften the wool, open the pile, and remove loose fibres and dirt.
Finishing
Before the rug can be completed and packed for shipping, the edges are bound, and any finishes done, such as trimming or burnishing.
The raw material
Ghazni wool
It all starts with the raw material. All our rugs are all produced with Ghazni wool: a region located along the Kabul-Kandahar highway. The rich grasses of Ghazni are said to provide the sheep's wool with a robustness and natural oiliness that gives it its silky sheen, soft touch, and natural durability. These qualities make Ghazni wool some of the finest in the world for rug making.
Label STEP
Fair trade rugs
ISHKAR is a certified Label STEP Fair Trade Partner. Label STEP's comprehensive fair trade standards encompass universal human rights, including the prohibition of child labour; working conditions; fair wages and eco-friendly production.
As a Certified STEP Fair Trade Partner, ISHKAR commits to independent audits throughout the supply chain. Through these combined efforts, ISHKAR and STEP reinforce industry sustainability and ethical standards, and help preserve centuries-old artisanal skills.
Make it your own
Go bespoke
We offer customisation for most of our flatweave and hand-knotted rugs, as well as a fully bespoke service. Whether for a commercial or private project, we'll help you to create your perfect rug.
Need help?
Frequently Asked Questions
Our rugs
Yes, we ship all over the world. Shipping costs will apply, and will be added at checkout. We run discounts and promotions all year, so stay tuned for exclusive deals.
Yes. We offer customisation on most of our flatweave and hand-knotted rugs. You can customise according to your required dimensions and colours. Contact our team, who will be happy to help you achieve the design you are after.
Rugs may take anywhere between 1 to 6 months depending on the construction, dimensions, number of colours, and the season. Production can often take longer during wetter seasons.
Hand-knotted rugs - these can take anywhere between 4-6 months to produce. The larger and more complex the design, the longer the lead time.
Flatweave rugs - these usually take between 2-3 months, depending on the size specified.
For all products, we will be able to provide a more specific lead time once the order has been finalised, and will update you with progress along the way.
This depends on many factors. See ourSizing Guide herefor expert guidance from our team.
Made in Afghanistan from 100% Ghazni wool, our rugs are hardwearing, with Afghan rugs known to last many centuries. Until then, we have a few tips on how to keep your rugs looking good as new:
- Vacuum lightly.
- Keep out of direct and prolonged sunlight.
- If a stain occurs, don't panic, but do act quickly to prevent it from drying.
Stains on flatweave rugs:
- Don’t use stain removal products. Simply wash with water, mild soap and a brush, then dry your rug in the sun if you can.
- For more stubborn stains, we recommend cleaning the rug professionally, with dry-cleaning always being the best option.
Stains on hand-knotted rugs:
- Liquids: use paper towels to absorb. Work gently from the edges toward the centre, so the problem area does not expand.
- Wine, coffee/tea: absorb as quickly as possible, then apply a solution of warm water, detergent and white vinegar with a damp sponge. Wipe with a clean cloth and let dry.
- Professional dry-cleaning is always the best option for dealing with stubborn or dried stains.
A rug underlay is not always necessary, however we strongly recommend using one if your rug is in a high-traffic area and is susceptible to moving around.
You may also wish to buy an underlay to improve the comfort and longevity of your rug. A rug underlay will add cushioning underfoot, making your rug more comfortable to walk on and helping to absorb the friction and wear.
For recommendations on which underlay to source, please reach out for advice on contact@ishkar.com.
Yes, we also use Afghan silk. Contact our team for details regarding designs and pricing.
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