How many knots does it take to make a Hereke carpet?
The number of knots in a Hereke silk carpet is calculated according to the average number of knots in a square centimeter. The normal average number of square knots per centimeter for Hereke silk carpets is 10×10=100 knots/sq. cm. This means that there are 10 knots vertically (along the warp) and 10 knots horizontally (along the weft) for every centimeter. The fineness of knotting may be 12×12, 14×14, 20×20 or greater in fine Hereke silk carpets. The total number of knots can be calculated by first determining the total area of the rug. Multiply the width or the rug by the length (in centimeters), then multiply the average number of knots per square centimeter. A Hereke silk rug one square meter in area, with 100 knots per square centimeter will have 1,000,000 (one million) knots. A skilled weaver can produce a carpet with 1 million knots in about a year. The normal average number of knots in Hereke wool carpets is 60×60=3600 knots/sq. dm.
