Course Description

This course provides in-depth knowledge and practical skills required for manufacturing hand-knotted woolen carpets. It focuses on traditional craftsmanship, design techniques, and the use of tools and materials. By the end of the course, participants will be skilled in creating high-quality carpets with intricate patterns, suitable for domestic and international markets.

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Course Duration

6 to 12 months (based on the level of expertise and practical sessions)

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Eligibility

• No prior experience is required, but a basic understanding of design and craft is helpful.
• Ideal for individuals interested in textile crafts, entrepreneurship, or employment in the carpet manufacturing industry.

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Course Objectives

• Learn the history and cultural significance of hand-knotted woolen carpets.
• Understand the materials, tools, and techniques involved in carpet making.
• Acquire practical skills in knotting, dyeing, designing, and finishing woolen carpets.
• Develop quality control and maintenance techniques for hand-knotted carpets.

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Course Syllabus

1. Introduction to Hand-Knotted Carpets

• History and cultural importance of hand-knotted carpets.
• Overview of the global carpet industry.
• Key differences between hand-knotted, tufted, and machine-made carpets.
• Regions known for hand-knotted carpets (e.g., Kashmir, Persia, Turkey).

2. Tools and Materials Used

• Overview of essential tools:
  • Carpet loom (vertical or horizontal)
  • Knives, shears, combs, and hooks
  • Wooden or metal rods for knotting
• Materials:
  • Types of wool used (local, merino, etc.)
  • Warp and weft yarns
  • Natural and synthetic dyes

3. Carpet Design and Pattern Making

• Basics of carpet design and interpreting traditional motifs.
• Types of patterns: floral, geometric, medallion, and tribal designs.
• Color theory and its application in carpets.
• Creating a design map on graph paper or computer-aided design (CAD) software.

4. Wool Preparation and Dyeing

• Selecting and sourcing high-quality wool.
• Cleaning, carding, and spinning wool into yarn.
• Introduction to natural dyes (indigo, madder, turmeric, etc.) and synthetic dyes.
• Dyeing techniques for achieving consistent and vibrant colors.
• Setting and fixing colors to prevent fading.

5. Carpet Knotting Techniques

• Understanding the structure of hand-knotted carpets (warp, weft, and pile).
• Types of knots:
  • Persian knot (Senneh knot)
  • Turkish knot (Ghiordes knot)
  • Tibetan knot
• Step-by-step knotting process on a loom.
• Knot density and its impact on quality (knots per square inch).

6. Weaving and Loom Operation

• Setting up the loom: warping and tension adjustment.
• Techniques for weaving the base (warp and weft threads).
• Knotting rows and securing them with weft threads.
• Adding borders and fringe finishing.

7. Carpet Finishing Techniques

• Clipping and trimming excess pile for an even surface.
• Washing and stretching the carpet to enhance texture and durability.
• Final inspection for quality control.
• Techniques for repairing minor weaving errors.

8. Quality Control and Maintenance

• Recognizing high-quality hand-knotted carpets.
• Factors affecting durability and appearance (knot density, material, etc.).
• Maintenance tips: cleaning, storing, and protecting carpets from damage.

9. Marketing and Export of Carpets

• Understanding market demand for hand-knotted carpets.
• Pricing and cost calculation (labor, materials, and overhead).
• Branding and labeling for handmade carpets.
• Export opportunities and certification (e.g., GI tags for specific regions).
• Introduction to e-commerce platforms for selling handmade carpets.

10. Entrepreneurship in Carpet Manufacturing

• Setting up a small-scale carpet manufacturing unit.
• Sourcing raw materials and tools.
• Hiring and training workers for large-scale production.
• Building partnerships with wholesalers and retailers.
• Government schemes and support for the handicraft sector.

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Practical Training

• Loom Setup and Operation: Hands-on training in warping and setting up the loom.
• Knotting Practice: Practicing different knots and creating sample pieces.
• Design Creation: Developing a unique carpet design and executing it.
• Dyeing Workshop: Dyeing yarns using natural and synthetic methods.
• Finishing Work: Washing, stretching, and trimming a completed carpet.

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Assessment and Certification

• Written Exam: Test on the theoretical knowledge of carpet making, tools, materials, and design.
• Practical Exam: Create a small hand-knotted carpet based on a given design.
• Certification: Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate in Hand-Knotted Woolen Carpet Manufacturing.

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Career Opportunities

• Hand-Knotted Carpet Weaver: Work in carpet manufacturing units or artisan clusters.
• Carpet Designer: Create innovative designs for domestic and international markets.
• Quality Inspector: Ensure the quality of hand-knotted carpets meets industry standards.
• Entrepreneur: Start your own carpet manufacturing or export business.
• Craft Trainer: Train other individuals in hand-knotted carpet making.

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Industry Tie-Ups

This course can include collaborations with artisan communities, government handicraft departments, and export organizations to provide real-world exposure and placement opportunities.

By completing this course, participants will not only preserve the rich tradition of hand-knotted carpet making but also gain the skills to thrive in a competitive global market.