Rug Types
Kilims & Flatweaves
Flatwoven rather than knotted — no pile at all, the pattern formed by the weft threads themselves, usually with slits where two colours meet.
Identification
How to tell
Reversible, with the design appearing on both faces, and thin enough to fold rather than roll. Hold one to the light and the slit-weave openings between colour blocks are visible.
Method
How we clean kilim rugs
With no pile to absorb handling, everything happens to the structure directly. These are washed flat with minimal mechanical action and dried under light tension so they do not pull out of square. Slits are checked and secured first, because a small opening becomes a long tear very quickly under water weight.
Common Damage
What goes wrong
Slit separation lengthening into splits, and edge curl from being stored folded on the same lines for years.