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Afghan handmade wool rugs
Buy High-Quality Hand-Woven Afghan Rugs and Mats Online – Sarah Rugs
At Sarah Rugs Online Shop, we proudly offer a wide selection of hand-woven Afghan rugs and mats in various sizes, perfect for any space in your home. All our rugs are high-quality, washable, and made with natural wool, ensuring durability and authenticity.
As a platform representing Afghan women artisans, Sarah Rugs brings you unique handmade rugs, mats, and crafts, made with traditional techniques passed down through generations. Each rug tells a story of culture, heritage, and craftsmanship.
What Makes Afghan Rugs Special?
Afghan rugs are a type of traditional textile art, commonly used as floor coverings, wall hangings, or even saddle blankets. They are typically woven from wool, goat hair, silk, or other natural fibers sourced from domesticated animals. Today, these timeless pieces are also favored as elegant and cozy additions to modern interiors.
Each rug is made by hand—the wool is hand-spun and handwoven by Afghan women, creating what is locally known as a Kilim or Gelim. These flat-weave rugs feature vibrant colors and patterns unique to different Afghan regions.
What is a Gelim (Kilim)?
A Gelim (also known as Kilim) is a flat-woven rug made from warp and weft threads. The warp threads are typically cotton or wool, while the weft is mostly wool, creating lightweight yet durable textiles. Besides their use as floor mats or rugs, Gelims are also crafted into items like salt bags, horse blankets, and tent straps—especially by nomadic communities.
Traditional Dyeing Techniques
Authentic Afghan rugs are dyed using natural dyes derived from plants, minerals, and occasionally animal-based sources like cochineal. These dyes bring out rich, lasting colors and are a hallmark of high-quality, handmade rugs. The dyed wool threads are then skillfully woven into intricate patterns, preserving the beauty and identity of Afghan rug-making traditions.
Warp Threads: Usually made from cotton or wool
Weft Threads: Typically made from wool of domesticated animals, and in finer rugs, animal down is used for added softness.
Explore our collection of hand-woven Afghan rugs and support local Afghan women artisans. Shop now for authentic, eco-friendly, and timeless home décor.