The production process of an Azul Rug is very special to experience. The families work intensively together, joining forces. We are happy to take you through all the steps taken up to when an Azul Rug is completed.
The weavers
Depending on the tribe of an area, there are different styles of rugs in Morocco.
Moroccan rugs have been handmade for centuries by Amazigh families in Beni M'rirt and Taznakht. They are the original residents of Morocco. We work with Amazigh families consisting of sheep herders and craftsmen who color, hand-knot and wash the rugs.
These families join forces to make high-quality rugs from natural raw materials. They do this using the following steps:
Quality virgin wool
Azul Rugs are made from high-quality new wool from sheep from the Atlas Mountains. Our shepherds ensure that the sheep have a good life: they mainly live in the open air where they have sufficient freedom of movement and sufficient food. In the summer, the winter wool is sheared off the sheep, so that they do not get too hot.
Wash thoroughly
The virgin wool is thoroughly washed at a nearby river and then dried in the sun.
Brushing and spinning
After the virgin wool has been washed, it is brushed by hand and spun into threads.
Dyeing virgin wool
Depending on the sheep, new wool naturally has an off-white or brown color. The other colors are obtained from natural raw materials. Only natural raw materials are used such as: Indigo, Nila, Kermes, pomegranate peel, walnut shells, grape leaves, saffron flowers, etc. Coloring the wool threads can take days and depends on the color that needs to be obtained.
Preparing the loom
Three women prepare the loom so that the rug can be woven.
Making a rug
It takes two to three women to make the rug. The time required for this depends on the size. Each rug has a special design. Our Minimal Art Collection and Fusion Art Collection are designed exclusively in the Netherlands.The rugs for the Traditional Art Collection are designed by the craftswomen in Morocco. The inspiration for this is taken from their life experience and/or Amazigh symbols.
Washing and drying
The Azul Rugs are washed by hand using a special technique. The wool is washed with natural spring water and natural and environmentally friendly soap. This ensures that the rugs are thoroughly clean. In addition, washing the carpets prevents any lint formation. The rugs from Beni M'rirt go through a special washing process. They are washed up to five times and the rugs are dried after each wash. This ensures a silky soft rug with a luxurious look.
