The Process

Did you know our weavers complete 20 knots per minute with over 288,000 knots that make up an 8x10 rug? This means a single hand-knotted rug can take almost four months with four weavers working on it at a time! Here is an overview of the entire process from start to finish to help you better understand why our heirloom quality oushaks can take so long to create.

The origins of the Oushak (Ushak) rug can be traced to an area south of Istanbul, Turkey known as Uşak. This area was a major center of rug production dating back to the Ottoman Empire. The designs of Oushak rugs are typically based on geometric movements, and are distinctive in both color and pattern, making them the ideal centerpiece for any room.

Today, at Milagro Collective, we continue this tradition to create the perfect one-of-a-kind rug for your home. We partner with incredible manufacturers in both India and Turkey who are known for their artistry and the essence of the rugs has trickled down through generations. Our Oushak weavers use 100% natural wool to hand knot your dream rug. Be assured that no child labor is used.

Wool

Our process begins with sourcing the finest quality New Zealand wool. This wool is known not only for its exceptional softness but also for its resilience—making it perfect for family spaces and everyday life. Once the raw wool is sourced, it is carefully cleaned and sorted. Next comes carding, a process where the fibers are straightened and teased into individual strands by hand, preparing them for spinning.

The strands are then handspun into yarn using a traditional spinning wheel. Unlike machine-made yarn, handspun wool has subtle variations in thickness and texture that add movement and soul to the finished rug. Once spun, the yarn is dyed in small batches using traditional pot dyeing methods. Because we dye in limited quantities, the color retains a beautiful tonal depth. The yarn is then solar dried—an essential step that can take several weeks. Sun-drying ensures that the colors are evenly distributed throughout the fibers, while preserving their vibrancy and organic character.

Weaving

After the wool has dried, it is wound into balls and prepared for weaving. At the same time, our team translates the original Milagro Collective design into a digital file using specialized software called Galaincha. This serves as a “rug map” for the weavers—guiding them on where each color and knot should be placed to recreate the design exactly as envisioned.

The weaving process is where the magic truly happens. Each rug is hand-knotted on a loom, one knot at a time. Depending on the size and detail, a team of two to six weavers will work simultaneously on a single piece. The process is meticulous, requiring patience, rhythm, and years of experience. Our partners use traditional Turkish and Persian knotting techniques to bring each design to life. The knot count, density, and technique used can vary depending on the design and intended feel, but one thing remains consistent—each rug is made with care, intention, and no shortcuts. We’re proud to work exclusively with partners who uphold ethical labor practices. No child labor is ever used in the making of our rugs.

Finishing

Once weaving is complete, the rug undergoes a multi-step finishing process. First, it is carefully washed several times to remove any residual dust or dye and to soften the pile. This washing also enhances the color and texture of the wool, giving the rug its signature Milagro feel. After drying, the rug is sheared to an even height, bringing clarity to the design and enhancing its softness underfoot.

Additional finishing touches—such as fringing, edge binding, and stretching—are completed by hand. Each rug is examined in detail to ensure it meets our quality standards before it’s prepared for shipment. This final stage ensures that your rug will lay flat, age beautifully, and last for generations.

Forever home

From the first knot to the final trim, your rug represents months of artistry, intention, and care. Each piece is infused with heritage, yet made for real life—designed to be lived on, not just looked at. Whether anchoring a family room, softening a bedroom, or becoming the focal point of an entry, Milagro rugs are made to become part of your story.

This is more than a rug—it’s a legacy. And we’re honored to be part of the journey to your forever home. Although this process can be quite lengthy, we are always happy to update you on the status of your rug. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We’d love to hear from you!