Navajo rugs and blankets are beautiful hand-crafted weavings with a rich cultural heritage. When purchasing a Navajo rug or blanket there will be many things that you would like to consider including the scale of the weaving, the quality and the harmony of the color, the regularity of the weave, and the attractiveness of the design. Navajo rugs and blankets that are made using vegetal dyes are typically more valuable than those which are commercially dyed. When buying a Navajo rug it’s also good to open it up so you can see the whole thing. This can help you see the full effect of the design and the quality of the handiwork.
When taking a look at a Navajo rug or blanket remember that they are hand made and they shouldn’t be absolutely perfect. It should display good artistry but should not look like it was manufactured by a machine. A well woven rug will be smooth without any thin or thick areas. Another important part of handiwork to have a look for in a Navajo rug or blanket is color uniformity. Traditionally a weaver will dye small groups of yarn at a time, typically just enough to finish the rug they are working on.
While prime quality home made Navajo rugs and blankets will cost more than their mass produced options in the long term you will be happy you made the investment. These are one of a kind art pieces that are sturdy enough to be used as a rug and attractive enough to be hung on your walls.
Once you bring your Navajo rug home you can keep it looking great with consistent vacuuming. The rug is built to last and can square up to heavy use without needing a trip to the dry cleaners. After each vacuuming it is a good idea to reverse the order of the rug so it’ll wear uniformly on both sides. Never put a Navajo rug or blanket through your washing machine or dryer.
