Persian carpets are still woven using techniques that are nearly 3000 years old where both weaving and knotting are used equally. Carpets are woven on a loom, traditionally made of wood, but now commonly made of steel. Closely spaced wool, cotton or silk threads are tautly stretched from top to bottom and are collectively known as the warp. These form the base or foundation of the Oriental carpet. Onto this base will be individually hand-knotted yarns of various colours to make up the design of the carpet. After each row of knots, a weft thread is woven across to keep the knots tight and aligned, and to give the carpet strength.

In some Persian rugs such as Bidjars, two rows of weft are woven after each row of knots. These double-wefted carpets are noticeable for their resulting plusher pile and heavier weight. They are ideal carpets for heavy traffic areas because of their strength and durability. Once the carpet is finished, the warp threads on either end of the carpet are cut and either knotted, tasseled or braided to create the warp fringe. Plain or colorful yarns are then wrapped along the lengths of both sides of the carpet to create the selvedge. The carpet is then shaved to even out the pile, then washed and dried in the sun.

Oriental carpets are either Piled or Flat weaves in construction: The piled rug is where loops of yarn are inserted between the warps and wefts, drawn through to the surface, knotted and sheared to make a soft, pliable surface of many colors and patterns. These rugs are very long wearing, meaning that they may have a useful life exceeding 100 years, depending on quality, materials and foot traffic. Their disadvantage is that furniture can flatten the pile if left too long in one spot.

The Flat weaves rug, either a Kilim or Soumak, uses supplementary yarns woven over and under the warp and weft strands to form a pattern. Depending on thickness and toughness, these rugs are also long wearing, if properly cared for and of good quality. They have the advantage that heavy furniture placed on them for long periods will have no effect on their appearance or quality. However, in heavy use the pile rug will generally outlast the flat weave rug.

The weaver needs only a few tools to produce a carpet: a knife to cut the thread after the knot has been made, a metal comb to place and tighten each row of knots; and finally, a big pair of scissors to realize the final cuts once the carpet is removed from the board.

The art of weaving a carpet is deeply linked to the traditions and customs of the people. These weavers mix wonderful patterns and colours to create such exquisite masterpieces, an art that is truly respected worldwide.