KNOTTING
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The backbone of the rug, the warp, is usually constructed of cotton thread for Persian and Bokhara carpets and wool thread for Tribal carpets. The warp is usually created in the village center or house courtyard. By foot, motorcycle or bicycle, it is then transported to the individual knotter's home.

There the warp is set on the loom and pulled very taut, like guitar strings. Each warp has a front set of threads and a back set. When put on the loom, these are separated.

The looms are located inside the rug knotters' homes. This gives increased opportunity for women to work. Bokhara and Persian rugs are made on vertical looms (shown on the right) while tribal rugs are crafted on horizontal looms.

> Razia works on a loom located inside her home in the village of Halwan, Pakistan.