Hand-tufted rugs have become extremely popular with consumers over the past 10-20 years. However, they have their limitations. Unlike a hand-knotted rug, a hand-tufted rug is created without tying knots. A tufting tool or gun is held by the hand of a technician who loads yarn into a maga- zine and traces a pattern onto a canvas backing. Making a hand-tufted area rug takes a fraction of the time to make, therefore greatly reducing the cost. Most are about half the price – or less than a hand-knotted rug. Compared to a hand knotted rug which may last several generations, you can ex- pect a hand tufted rug to last anywhere from 3-10 years, de- pending on the fiber, quality, use and care.
Tufted rugs are made in India or China. The ones from India may have a pungent odor off gassing from the latex in the backing which cannot be remedied. Buyer beware!