Every so often, we write new rug terms in a dictionary post for those wanting to improve their handmade rug vernacular.

Whether you are an expert on decorative rugs or reading about the field for the first time, you will find these terms to be very interesting!

Terms From Hand to Heddle

Hand, handle: the overall impression of a rug or fabric when handled due to its density, flexibility, thickness, softness and texture.

Hatayi, khatayi (Turkish): an Ottoman decorative motif of stylized lotus blossom with bugs and feathery leaves.

Hava: a comb for beating down wefts on the loom.

Hearth rug: a small rug or mat used in front of a fireplace. In western countries, such rugs may be semicircular.

Heat set fibers: yarns that have been heated to set the twist. This commercial treatment helps prevent the cut ends of a pile from fraying or untwisting.

Heddle: a harness used to raise alternating or selected warps on a loom.

Terms From Homespun to Husk Matting

Homespun: a textile with yarn spun by hand and woven by hand.

Honeycomb: a compact arrangement of diamonds, hexagon or octagons used as an all-over pattern. The cells may be occupied by floral motifs. This design is common in rugs of the northeast Caucasus.

Hooked medallion: a lozenge with projecting hooks. These hooks may project outwards or both outwards and inwards.

Horsehair: sometimes used in the construction of tribal bags, particularly in Iran and Afghanistan. The sides of the bags may be laced with coarsely spun or braided horsehair. Loops for the closure of the top of the bag may also be made of horsehair.

Hunting carpet: Persian carpets from the Safavid period and Mughal carpets showing hunting scenes, animals in combat or animals singly, usually within an intricate floral setting.

Husk matting: an early American mat made of braided corn husks.

Hopefully after learning these terms, you can better understand the language the rug merchants use when selling an oriental rug or carpet.