Techniques, explained
What are the different types of rugs?
“Type of rug” usually refers to the technique used to make it, which determines its texture and surface. At Jubi, we specialize in all traditional rug-making methods. Learn more in this guide and explore how different rug styles, patterns, and materials create distinct looks and feels.
Hand-Tufted Rugs
Hand-tufted rugs are made by pushing wool through a fabric base to create a dense, textural surface. Each piece is then secured with a cotton backing and finished by hand along the edges for durability. The result is a plush, soft feel with sculptural dimension.
This versatile technique allows for curves, sculptural silhouettes, and detailed carving, making it ideal for modern patterned designs. With the aid of a tufting tool, it’s also the fastest method for producing a handmade rug. All Jubi tufted rugs are crafted from premium New Zealand wool and can be made in any size, shape, or color.
Pile Height: 0.5"–1.5", fully customizable.
What is a tufted rug?
Handmade with a Tufting Tool
Wool is pushed through a fabric base by hand, creating a dense, textural surface that’s later secured with a cotton backing.
Sculptural and Versatile / Backing?
Perfect for curves, waves, and detailed carving — tufted rugs allow for expressive, modern forms and intricate patterning.
Soft, Dimensional Texture
The pile can range from low and dense to high and plush, offering a cushioned feel underfoot and sculpted surface detail.
Our Tufted Rug Collection
Hand-Knotted Rugs
Knotted rugs are made entirely by hand, with individual knots tied one by one onto a loom. This meticulous process forms the rug’s structure, creating dense, detailed patterns and a strong foundation that lasts for generations. The result is a richly textured surface with subtle variations that reveal the hand of the maker.
Hand-knotted rugs are ideal for geometric motifs, tonal variations, and heirloom-quality pieces. Styles such as Persian, Oriental, and Turkish Oushak are all examples of this traditional technique. All Jubi knotted rugs are crafted from premium New Zealand wool and can be made in any size, shape, or color.
Pile Height: 0.25"–2" (shag), fully customizable.
What is a hand-knotted rug?
Individually Tied by Hand
Naturally Textured and Detailed
Heirloom-Quality
Our Hand-Knotted Rug Collection
Shag Rugs
Shag rugs are made by hand using the same knotting technique as traditional rugs, but with longer strands of wool that create a deep, luxuriously plush pile. The result is a soft, tactile surface with rich texture and warmth underfoot.
Known for their dimensional depth and sculptural quality, shag rugs can be carved by hand for added form and movement. Often inspired by Moroccan designs, they bring a relaxed, tactile feel to modern interiors. All Jubi shag rugs are made from premium New Zealand wool and can be customized in any color, shape, or size.
Pile Height: 1"–2", fully customizable.
What is a shag rug?
Made by Hand with Long Wool Strands
Sculptural and Dimensional
Soft, Relaxed, and Luxurious
Our Shag Rug Collection
Hand-Loomed Rugs
Hand-loomed rugs are made by weaving horizontal weft threads through vertical warp threads on a loom, producing a low, even pile. The result is a consistent surface with clean edges and a refined, structured appearance.
These rugs have a soft yet firm feel underfoot, ideal for rooms that call for polish without excess texture. Loomed rugs can also be hand-carved for subtle ribbing or linear designs. All Jubi loomed rugs are made from premium New Zealand wool and can be customized in any size, shape, or color.
Pile Height:Approx. 0.5", fully customizable.
What is a hand-loomed rug?
Woven by Hand on a Loom
Clean and Structured Surface
Soft but Firm Underfoot
Our Hand-Loomed Rug Collection
Hand-Woven Rugs
Hand-woven rugs are made by interlacing warp and weft yarns to create a flat, durable surface with no pile. The result is a lightweight construction with natural texture and subtle variation throughout.
These rugs are easy to maintain and ideal for high-traffic areas or layered styling. Their flat woven structure offers a relaxed, versatile look that suits both modern and traditional spaces. All Jubi hand-woven rugs are crafted from premium New Zealand wool and can be customized in any size or color.
Pile Height: Flatwoven, no pile.
What is a hand-woven rug?
Crafted by Interlacing Warp and Weft
Lightweight and Durable
Naturally Textured and Versatile
Our Hand-Woven Rug Collection
Compare Rug Types
Prefer to compare side-by-side? Here’s a quick breakdown of the key features of each technique.
| Technique | Pile Height | Feel | Best For | Durability | Customizable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tufted | 0.5–1.5" | Soft, plush; sculpted | Modern patterns, curves & carving; living rooms, bedrooms | Medium | ✔ |
| Knotted | 0.25–2" | Dense, richly textured | Heirloom pieces, geometric or tonal motifs; high-traffic spaces | Very high | ✔ |
| Shag | 1–2" | Ultra-plush, tactile | Bedrooms, lounges, relaxed modern spaces | Medium | ✔ |
| Loomed | 0.5" | Smooth, structured; soft-firm | Dining rooms, offices, refined interiors | High | ✔ |
| Woven | 0.25" (no pile) | Flat, naturally textured; lightweight | Kitchens, hallways, layering; high-traffic areas | Very High | ✔ |
Tufted
Pile Height: 0.5–1.5"
Feel: Soft, plush; sculpted
Best For: Modern patterns, curves & carving; living rooms, bedrooms
Durability: Medium
Customizable: ✔
Knotted
Pile Height: 0.25–2"
Feel: Dense, richly textured
Best For: Heirloom pieces, geometric or tonal motifs; high-traffic spaces
Durability: Very high
Customizable: ✔
Shag
Pile Height: 1–2"
Feel: Ultra-plush, tactile
Best For: Bedrooms, lounges, relaxed modern spaces
Durability: Medium
Customizable: ✔
Loomed
Pile Height: 0.5"
Feel: Smooth, structured; soft-firm
Best For: Dining rooms, offices, refined interiors
Durability: High
Customizable: ✔
Woven
Pile Height: 0.25" (no pile)
Feel: Flat, naturally textured; lightweight
Best For: Kitchens, hallways, layering; high-traffic areas
Durability: Very High
Customizable: ✔
Frequently Asked Questions
Each technique creates a distinct feel and texture:
- Tufted rugs are plush and sculptural, ideal for bold shapes and softness underfoot.
- Knotted rugs are dense and detailed, offering the most durability and heirloom quality.
- Woven rugs are flat and sleek—perfect for minimal, high-traffic areas.
For busy areas like hallways, entryways, or dining rooms, we recommend knotted or woven rugs. Both offer high durability and wear beautifully over time.
If you’re looking for softness, choose a tufted or shag rug. Both have a cushioned, cozy feel that’s ideal for bedrooms and living spaces.
View our Rug Size Guide →
Yes—every rug we make is customizable in size, shape, and over 1,200 wool colors, no matter the technique.
Learn more about our Custom Rugs →
Yes. Knotted rugs typically require the most time and craftsmanship, making them our most premium option. Tufted and woven rugs are more cost-efficient and faster to produce.
- Tufted rugs: 2–3 weeks
- Knotted rugs: 4–6 weeks
- Shag, woven, and loomed rugs: 3–5 weeks.
All rugs are handmade to order and ship shortly after production.
Yes! We offer 2' x 3' samples of most rug styles. A refundable deposit applies.
Contact us for more information →
About Rug Types
Choosing the right rug starts with understanding how it’s made. Different rug techniques affect everything from texture and durability to how a rug feels underfoot and how it performs in everyday spaces. At Jubi, every rug is handmade using time-honored methods, allowing us to offer a wide range of styles, pile heights, and finishes while maintaining the quality and character that come from true craftsmanship.
Hand tufted rugs are known for their plush feel and graphic clarity. Wool yarn is pushed through a backing by hand, then carved and finished to create clean lines and sculptural texture. This technique allows for bold patterns, precise shapes, and a soft, cushioned surface, making hand tufted rugs a popular choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and spaces where comfort and visual impact matter.
Hand knotted rugs are made entirely by tying individual knots onto a loom, one by one. This is one of the most traditional rug-making techniques and results in an exceptionally durable rug with a lower, denser pile. Because of the labor involved, hand knotted rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas and are often chosen for their longevity, refined texture, and heirloom quality.
Loomed rugs are woven on a loom using a structured, flat construction that highlights pattern and texture without heavy pile. This technique creates a lighter-weight rug with a more tailored feel, often favored in modern interiors, dining rooms, or layered spaces where a flatter profile works best.
Woven rugs are created by interlacing yarns over and under a foundation, resulting in a flexible, textural surface with subtle variation. This technique emphasizes movement and material, making woven rugs a natural fit for relaxed interiors and spaces that benefit from softness without thickness.
Oushak rugs are inspired by traditional Anatolian weaving and are characterized by their open construction, gentle patterning, and washed, nuanced color. While rooted in history, Oushak rugs translate beautifully into modern homes, offering warmth and visual depth without feeling ornate or heavy.
Shag rugs feature a longer pile that creates a soft, immersive surface underfoot. At Jubi, shag rugs are hand knotted for structure and durability, giving them a grounded feel despite their plush appearance. They are especially well suited for bedrooms, lounges, and spaces where comfort is a priority.
Regardless of technique, all Jubi rugs are made from premium wool and can be customized in size, shape, and color. From large area rugs to runners, round rugs, and custom silhouettes, understanding the differences between rug types helps you choose a piece that not only looks right, but lives well in your space.