The most reliable way to tell whether a rug is hand-knotted is to examine the back. Turn the rug over and look for rows of individual knots arranged along the warp and weft, the vertical and horizontal foundation threads that form its structure. In a genuine hand-knotted rug, the pattern on the front should remain recognizable from the reverse, though it may appear softer, less saturated, or slightly uneven. Knot shapes will rarely be perfectly uniform, and the spacing may vary subtly—evidence of a weaver working by hand rather than a machine repeating an exact pattern. You may also notice small shifts in color, minor asymmetry, or an irregular edge, all of which can reflect the human process and should not automatically be treated as flaws. A hand-knotted rug typically has a supple, flexible feel and can often be folded or gently rolled without a rigid backing. Checking the knot density, or the number of knots per square inch, can offer additional insight: finer designs generally require more knots and more weaving time, although knot count alone does not determine quality, age, or value. The rug’s fringe and construction can provide another useful clue. On many hand-knotted rugs, the fringe is part of the rug’s foundation—the warp threads extending beyond the woven field—rather than a decorative strip sewn onto the finished piece. The sides may show a hand-finished selvage, with slight variations in thickness or tension. Compare this construction with a hand-tufted rug, which is made by punching yarn through a stretched fabric backing and usually has a visible latex or cloth backing, or a machine-made rug, which often displays highly regular stitching and a uniform synthetic foundation. A hand-knotted vintage rug may also show gentle wear on the pile, nuanced shifts in color, and small variations in its floral, geometric, or medallion motifs. These characteristics can help distinguish an authentic hand-knotted rug from an imitation, but no single test is conclusive—especially with restored, lined, or heavily worn pieces. For a valuable vintage designer rug, have a reputable rug dealer or textile conservator inspect the knot structure, materials, provenance, and condition before making an attribution.