Handmade rugs aren’t just floor coverings—they’re little pieces of history, woven knot by knot. If you’ve ever picked one up and wondered whether it was truly made by hand or not, you’re not alone. It’s not always obvious. But there are a few down-to-earth ways to spot the real thing, especially once you understand how these rugs are built, edge to edge. And once you know what to look for, it’s like unlocking a secret language that only rugs speak.

What’s a Selvage and Why It Matters

Let’s start at the sides. Those tightly wrapped edges running along the long ends of a rug? Those are called selvages. The name actually comes from “self-edge,” and they’re there to keep the rug from coming undone. Think of them like the binding that holds a book together—they’re not just decoration, they’re structural. When the selvage begins to break down, the rest of the rug isn’t far behind.

Not all rugs have the same selvage. For instance, oriental rugs usually have selvages only on the longer sides, while Navajo rugs often have them all the way around. Some traditions even use fancy wrapping techniques for durability and looks. These wrappings—usually made from the same stuff as the rug (wool, cotton, silk, even animal hair)—do double duty: they protect the sides and also add a little flair.

It might seem like a tiny detail, but selvage wear can lead to major issues down the road. Rugs deal with a lot—shoes, pets, vacuums—and the edges are the first to show signs of stress. If you’re in the D.C. area and your rug’s edges are looking tired, getting a professional to repair or clean it might be worth your time. It’s a bit like maintaining the tread on your tires—small upkeep can save a big problem later.

What Rug Makers Actually Do to the Sides

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Some rugs don’t keep their original selvages at all. After they come off the loom, weavers sometimes cut the edges to straighten them out, especially if they look a little wavy. This happens a lot with Indian and Pakistani rugs. Iranian rugs, not so much. Turkish and Chinese ones? Pretty rare.

Once trimmed, the sides are often wrapped in yarn again. It’s practical—it keeps them from unraveling—but it’s also a cosmetic fix. Export buyers often want rugs to look symmetrical and neat, even if it means giving up a bit of original craftsmanship. Sometimes these new wraps are stronger, but sometimes they’re not as well done, which can create problems later.

Over time, these wraps can wear down from foot traffic. When that happens, the sides start to fray and expose the base of the rug. That’s why rewrapping the sides every few years is actually a smart move if you want the rug to last longer. It’s not a glamorous job, but it’s one of those small details that makes a world of difference.

In fact, side damage is one of the first signs Appraisers and Cleaners look for. If it’s caught early, it can usually be fixed without much trouble. But if it’s left to unravel, that’s when the real damage kicks in.

How to Tell If a Rug Is Truly Handmade

This is the fun part—spotting the signs of real handiwork. First, take a close look at the fringe. On a hand-knotted rug, the fringe isn’t sewn on. It’s actually part of the rug’s structure—the ends of the threads that run through the whole thing (these are called warps). In handmade pieces, these threads go all the way from one end to the other and are knotted into the rug itself.

Machine-made rugs, on the other hand, often have fringe that’s just sewn or glued on as an afterthought. It might look nice, but it doesn’t do anything to hold the rug together.

In many cases, between the fringe and the start of the pattern, there’s a thin, flat-woven section. That’s called the kilim, and it helps lock everything in place. Not every handmade rug has it, but when you see it, it’s a good sign. It also adds a little visual charm.

If you turn the rug over, you can often see the knots clearly on the back. The pattern should mirror the front, just in a more muted way. This is another giveaway that it was made by hand.

So in short: if the fringe is sewn on, it’s likely machine-made. If it flows right out of the rug like hair from a scalp, you’re probably holding a handmade beauty.

Things to Remember to Identify a Genuine Handmade Rug

Keep an eye on the fringe and edges. If the kilim or the fringe is falling apart, the structure of the rug is at risk. That’s not just cosmetic—it can actually shorten the life of the piece. Early repair is always cheaper than waiting.

Also, selvages that are starting to wear can often be fixed. In many cases, a simple yarn wrap can help. If the damage is worse—like with Navajo rugs that use multiple cords—it gets trickier, but even those can be re-woven if the base threads are still intact.

When rugs come in for cleaning or appraisal, the selvages are one of the first things professionals check. Especially on Pakistani rugs, a loose edge cord can sometimes just be stitched back into place with a needle and thread. It’s one of those little fixes that makes a big difference.

Also, trust your instincts. If a rug looks too perfect—like every knot is identical and the design is flawless—it might be machine-made. Handmade rugs often have tiny irregularities. A flower might be slightly crooked. The border might wave a little. These “imperfections” are actually part of the charm. They show that someone made it by hand, not by machine.

If you have access to a UV light, you can even test the fibers. Natural materials like wool and silk reflect light differently than synthetic ones. It’s not a perfect test, but it’s another tool in your belt.

A Few Final Words

Handmade rugs are tough, but they’re not indestructible. Everyday wear, vacuuming, and pet traffic can all wear down the edges—especially the fringe. And please, whatever you do, don’t throw strong detergents or bleach on them. That stuff can destroy the fibers and the dyes over time.

Try to vacuum gently and avoid using rotating brush heads, which can chew up the delicate threads. If something spills, blot—don’t rub. And if a fringe gets caught in the vacuum, stop immediately. These little actions make a huge difference.

If you’ve got one of these rugs in your home, it’s worth learning how to care for it—or knowing someone who can. A little attention goes a long way in keeping it around for generations. Sometimes, just rolling it up the right way when you store it or using a rug pad underneath can prevent years of wear.

Because at the end of the day, knowing how to identify a handmade rug isn’t just about spotting the signs—it’s about understanding and respecting the work that went into it. These rugs weren’t pumped out of a factory. They were built with patience, with skill, and with a whole lot of heart.

If you ever get the chance to watch a weaver at work, take it. You’ll walk away with a new appreciation for every knot under your feet.