How to Measure Knot-Count: The Persian Way
Have you ever wondered how Persians determine the quality of a rug? For centuries, two methods passed down between generations have have been used as the definitive methods of measuring the quality of the weave of a rug. By following the steps below you can learn one of the oldest secrets of the Bazaar.
The Traditional Method of Measuring Knot Density
When it comes to measuring the knot count of a rug in Iran, you will hear one of two terms. 'Kheft'- most commonly used in Esfahan, and 'Raj'- most commonly used in Tabriz. These two methods differ very slightly but revolve around the same principle of estimating the number of knots within an area of a row of knotting.
Measuring by Kheft
'Kheft' is one of the most traditional measurements in Iran. To measure knot density by Kheft, follow these steps:
Turn over your rug so that the underside faces up towards the ceiling
Use a ruler to measure 6.5cm across its width
Count the number of knots within the 6.5cm you measured
You now have the ‘Kheft’ of your rug. You can use this figure as an estimate of its quality using the following scale:
Very High: 75+
High: 74-60
Medium: 59-40
Low: 39-15
Very Low: 14 or fewer
Measuring by Raj
To measure by 'Raj', follow the same steps as above, but use a sample size of 7cm rather than 6.5cm. As the sample size is slightly different, the scale used to determine quality also is.
Very High: 85+
High: 84-70
Medium: 69-50
Low: 49-25
Very Low: 24 or fewer
