Weft
The horizontal threads that pass over and under the warp to build the fabric. In a kilim, the weft is the pattern. In a pile rug, it locks each row of knots in place.
Definition
Weft threads run crosswise through the warp, building the fabric row by row. In a flatweave kilim, the coloured weft threads create both pattern and structure. There is no separate pile layer. In a pile-knotted rug, structural weft rows lock each row of knots in place.
Weft quality, its spun weight, fibre content, and how tightly it is beaten, directly affects the surface density and handle of the finished textile.
Why it matters for buying
Condition notes sometimes reference "weft slippage" or "loose weft" at edges, a structural issue distinct from surface pile wear. Understanding weft helps you read condition descriptions accurately.
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