Finishing Processes
When the last knot is tied or the final loop is cut, a raw rug still has miles to go before it earns the Sova label. A sequence of washes, stretches, shaves, and sculpting passes awakens colour, equalises tension, and refines every edge until the textile lies glass-flat and gleams like stone washed by tide. These post-loom rituals are where softness is coaxed out, motifs gain crisp relief, and decades of hard-wearing stability are locked in.
First Soak & Beating
A bath of mild soap and running water, followed by wooden mallet beating, drives out loom dust, excess dye, and air pockets so the pile blooms evenly.
Shearing for Level Pile
Large horizontal clippers glide across the surface, shaving the yarn tips to a uniform height that feels velvety and reveals true pattern clarity.
Stretching & Blocking
While still damp, the rug is power-stretched on a steel-pin frame, correcting any skew and setting the exact final dimensions.
High–Low Carving
Skilled artisans use hand scissors to recess background areas or outline motifs, giving the design sculptural depth and shadow play.
Lustre or Herbal Wash
Optional light acid, tea, or natural enzyme baths soften bright dyes into richer, antique tones and add a gentle silk-like sheen.
Side-Cord Binding
Wool or cotton cords are whip-stitched along the selvage edges, shielding warp ends from abrasion and stopping lateral fray.
Fringe Securing
Warp fringes are over-twisted, knotted, or braided, then spot-reinforced with invisible stitching to withstand vacuum pulls.
Latex & Cloth Backing
For tufted/hand-loomed pieces, a low-VOC natural latex locks fibres, and a cotton or felt secondary backing grants structure and floor grip.
Stone-Rolling & Brushing
Heavy rollers polish the pile while horse-hair brushes lift nap directionally, giving the face a consistent lie and soft hand.
Final Sun-Dry
Rugs are laid flat under open sky; UV sets dye chemistry and evaporates residual moisture without energy-hungry dryers.
Edge Serging or Taping
Machine or hand serging seals cut edges; alternately, linen tape borders create a contemporary, frame-like finish.
QC & Signature Tagging
Inspectors measure, photograph, and tug-test; only pieces meeting tolerance are numbered, bar-coded, and tagged with the artisan group’s mark.
