A word of Turkish origin, Kilim denotes a pile-less textile of many uses produced by one of several flat-weaving techniques practiced in parts of Turkey (Anatolia and Thrace), North Africa, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Central Asia and China.
In Kilim rugs, weavers pack the weft tightly to completely cover the warp and often favor diagonal patterns so as to avoid weakening the structure of the rug with vertical slits.
This produces bold, sharp patterns that weavers enjoy creating with more freedom than a plain weave allows for. Kilim rugs can be used as stylish floor coverings, bench or divan coverings, mule saddles, or hung for decoration. Wool is the primary material used in Kilim rugs.
