What Is “Reed” in Machine-Made Carpets?
If you’re sourcing machine-made rugs, especially from manufacturers in Iran, Turkey, or Egypt, you’ll often encounter terms like 700 reed or 1200 reed. But what do they actually mean?
In carpet manufacturing, “reed” refers to the number of weft yarns (picks) per meter in the width of the rug. It is similar to the concept of thread count in textiles. A higher reed count means more yarns are packed into the carpet’s structure, which typically results in:
- Finer design details
- Denser weave
- Higher production cost
- Smoother texture
Common Reed Categories:
- 500 Reed: Basic entry-level rugs
- 700 Reed: Medium-quality, widely used in mosque carpeting
- 1500 Reed: High-density carpets with intricate designs
For example, a 1500 reed carpet has 1,500 yarn lines per meter in the width direction.
What Does “Density” Mean in Rugs?
Density is often paired with reed when evaluating a rug. It refers to the number of knots per meter in the carpet’s length direction (along the warp). The combination of reed and density determines the total number of knots per square meter.
Example:
- 1500 reed + 4500 density ≈ 2,250,000 knots/m²
- 700 reed + 2550 density ≈ 700,000 knots/m²
Source: “Textile Manufacturing Technology” by T. Karthik – Chapter 11: Pile Weaving
Why Are Reed & Density Important?
1. Visual Clarity
Higher reed allows for more detailed floral and geometric patterns, which is essential in religious and luxury spaces.
2. Durability
Denser carpets tend to last longer under heavy foot traffic. In mosques, this is especially critical.
3. Pile Compactness
High reed-density combinations compress the yarns, reducing the chance of flattening over time.
4. Cost Implications
Higher reed/density = higher cost — but also higher perceived value. Export pricing should reflect that.
Reed & Density: A Quick Comparison Table
|
Type |
Reed |
Density |
Usage |
Price |
|
Entry Level |
500 |
1500–2000 |
Temporary carpets, basic rooms |
Low |
|
Mid-Range |
700 |
2400–2700 |
Mosque projects, schools |
Medium |
|
Premium |
1500 |
3600–4500 |
VIP halls, religious sites |
High |
Does Higher Always Mean Better?
Not always. A 1500 reed carpet may offer stunning detail, but it’s not always necessary for wide mosque halls where visual complexity is less important than durability and prayer alignment. A 700 reed / 2550 density carpet may be the perfect balance of:
- Functionality
- Cost-efficiency
- Cleaning performance
- Layout flexibility
Pamchal Carpet Expertise
At Pamchal, we manufacture:
- 700 reed acrylic carpets (standard for mosques)
- 1500 reed high-density rugs for VIP clients
- Custom density options based on project needs
- 4-meter-wide rolls to reduce seams and simplify installation
We help our B2B clients match their project requirements with the ideal reed/density combination, whether you’re building a government-funded mosque or outfitting a chain of Islamic schools.
Internal Resources for Buyers
- Why Pamchal Is a Trusted Mosque Carpet Manufacturer?
- Acrylic vs Polypropylene Carpets: Which Is Better for Mosques?
Final Thoughts: Choose Based on Your Project’s Needs
Understanding reed and density allows you to:
- Ask the right questions from manufacturers
- Avoid overpaying for features you don’t need
- Improve longevity and visual impact of your project
- Customize your carpet layout with precision
Contact Pamchal Carpet for a personalized consultation and quote today.