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Flat Weave
Flat weave refers to a technique of weaving where no knots are used in the weave. The warp strands are used as the foundation and the weft stands are used as both part of the foundation and in creating the patterns. The weft strands are simply passed (woven) through the warp strands. Some examples of this weaving method can be seen in kelims, soumaks and brocades. These weavings are called flat weaves since no knots are used in the weaving process and their surface looks flat.
Kelim
Kelims are the most well-known group of flat-woven rugs. They take less time to weave; as a result, they are generally less expensive than pile (knotted) rugs. However, in the recent years they have become more popular and their prices have relatively increased.
Kelim
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The main difference between kelims and pile rugs is that in kelims the weft strands create the colorful patterns. No rows of knots are added. The weft strands, unlike a pile rug, are discontinuous. They do not pass through the warp strands from selvage to selvage (edge to edge). The weft strands are passed through a few warp strands; then, they loop back around when they reach a section where a new color weft is needed.
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Soumak
Soumak weaving is another method of flat weaving. This rug weaving technique is used by the Caucasian weaving group. They have been using this unique method of flat weaving for generations. The Soumak technique refers to a method of flat weaving where the wefts are passed over two or four warps and back under one or two warps.
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Soumak
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Brocade
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Brocade
Brocading is also a form of flat weaving. Brocades already have a foundation (a warp and a weft). The foundation is patterned by additional colored weft strands, which can be continuous or discontinuous, and are passed through the already existing warp and weft strands.
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