Weft-faced
A weave structure where the weft threads completely cover the warp. The surface is entirely the weft. The warp is the skeleton underneath, invisible.
Definition
In a weft-faced weave, the weft threads are beaten down tightly enough to completely hide the warp threads beneath them. The pattern and colour are determined entirely by the weft. The warp serves only as structural foundation. Most kilims are weft-faced.
This contrasts with warp-faced weaves (where the warp dominates, common in Saharan tent bands) and balanced weaves (where both warp and weft are equally visible, common in some tapestry traditions).
Why it matters for buying
Knowing a rug is weft-faced tells you the pattern is created entirely by the weft threads, their colour, tension, and how colour transitions were handled. Clean colour joins indicate quality work; loose joins indicate less careful construction.
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