Amini carpets. From raw materials to yarn processing, from processing techniques to design. At the centre of the home. The evolution of an evergreen furnishing item. Discover Materials, Yarn processing, Manufacturing techniques, Furnishing with carpets
Materials
The Amini collection is based exclusively on the processing of wool, silk and viscose, materials obtained from natural textile fibers, of animal or vegetable origin. This aspect, in addition to the appreciation of local traditions and constant commitment towards ensuring safe working conditions, mean that Amini remains a business concern based on sound ethical principles and environmental sustainability.
Linen is a Natural fiber of vegetable origin. It's an ancient material, which has always been appreciated for its qualities of resistance and ductility, as well as for the particular brightness that allows it to best express the liveliness of colors. In addition to these qualities, today the simplicity in the cultivation of the plant is appreciated, which makes linen an extraordinary material in terms of environmental sustainability.
Viscose rayon is a fiber of regenerated cellulose obtained from the wood pulp. It was invented by the French chemist Hilaire Bernigaud de Chardonnet at the end of 19th century. Its softness and silky brilliance makes it particularly suitable for the production of monochromatic carpets.
The wool obtained from the shearing of Sardinian sheep has always been abundant and available; its thickened fiber composition makes it resistant and therefore ideal for the production of loom carpets.
Finer and longer compared to common wool, the wool obtained from the shearing of New Zealand sheep has always been widely appreciated in the furniture and clothing business.
Normally used for carpets, blankets, wrapping cloths and cordage, jute is mainly renowned for its resistance, owing to the high concentration of woody substances. Production is still prevalent in India and Bangladesh.
Characterized by a softness and gloss akin to natural silk, the silk obtained from processing the bamboo fiber represents a more sustainable alternative.
Lightweight, impalpable, and extraordinarily resistant, alpaca wool has always been considered an extremely valuable material. Water-repellent and hypoallergenic thanks to the absence of lanolin, alpaca is available in natural shades ranging from white, beige, brown, gray, to the most intense black.
Obtained from the shearing of sheep bred in uncontaminated environments, Tibetan wool is sorted, carded and spun by hand according to ancient tradition. From this procedure is obtained a strong yarn.
Obtained from a technique known as silk worm rearing, natural silk originated in China in 2000 BC. An astonishingly lightweight, sleek and shiny fabric, natural silk allows a very fine and compact knotting.
Obtained from the fleece of the Angora goat, bred in Turkey since ancient times, Mohair wool stands out for its extraordinary sheen and elasticity.
Made from the stem of cannabis sativa, typically found in the northern hemisphere, hemp is a particularly resistant textile fiber and historically appreciated in various areas.
Obtained from the post-consumer reconversion of PET bottles through an innovative depolymerization process, the ecological yarn guarantees constant qualities of ductility, resistance to use and UV rays, as well as an extraordinary softness. 100% recycled and in turn infinitely recyclable, this yarn represents an important milestone in terms of sustainability and technical quality. Compared to the virgin polyester production system, the recycling process from which the ecological yarn derives guarantees an energy saving of 50%.
Yarn processing
The carpet weaving phase is preceded by a series of yarn treatments ranging from carding to drying. The goal is to make the material as homogeneous as possible, so that it features such uniform characteristics as resistance, cleanliness, color and elasticity.
Carding
This is the processing phase where short fibers are untangled and spread out. Although today this is mostly done by mechanical carding machines, in some artisan laboratories this ancient technique is still performed by hand with tools known as “combing cards” used to comb the fibers between two large brushes with metal tips. The result is a thin flap called ‘card web’, later carved into thin strips, called ‘wicks’, and wrapped onto a beam. Each wick gives rise to a carded thread.
Spinning
Spinning is the twisting together of drawn-out strands of fibers to form yarn, and is a major part of the textile industry. The oldest spinning tools are the distaff (rock) and the spindle. The distaff is a staff, held under one’s arm while using a spindle. Fiber is wrapped around the distaff, and tied in place with a piece of ribbon or string. The spindle is a straight spike used for spinning, twisting fibers into yarn.
Dyeing
Dyeing is the application of dyes or pigments on textile materials with the objective of achieving color with desired fastness. Dyeing is normally done in a special solution containing dyes (soluble substances of organic origin), and particular chemical material. Dye molecules are fixed to the fiber by absorption, diffusion, or bonding. The variety and continuous enlargement of the color range, achieved over 50 years of experience, ensure that the dyeing phase remains one of Amini’s main strengths.
Manufacturing techniques
The quality of the Amini product range is the consistent result of a manufacturing process that has been honed over more than 50 years of history. Manufacturing lies at the heart of the business, performed using wholly traditional techniques and located in different countries, from Nepal to Afghanistan, from India to Turkey, according to the specific type of carpet.
Hand weaving
Technique of weaving the weft and warp threads on a loom by hand. With this method the yarns are twisted and “fastened” by means of a bobbin and the result is carpets without fleece. Originally carpets produced with this technique were known as Kilim; today they are revisited in solid colors suitable for even the most contemporary environments.
Hand-knotting
Typical of the best craftsmanship, manual knotting is an ancient manufacturing technique based on the patient work of master weavers that skillfully create high quality carpets, also very resistant and durable over time. The process involves several craftsmen who create the carpet design by knotting the warp threads on a vertical loom. The accuracy of the design and, consequently, the value of the handicraft depend on the number of knots on its back side. Manual knotting is possible with fibers such as wool, natural silk, botany silk and viscose.
Hand-tufting
Tufting is a type of textile weaving in which yarn tufts are inserted manually with a tool called tufted gun onto a cotton backing traced with a design. The resulting carpet can then be sheared to create the desired effects. At the end of the process, in order to compact the fibers, the carpet is finished with a cotton fabric applied to the back. Applicable to wool, natural silk, botany silk and viscose, hand-tufting allows an unlimited choice of design, shape and color and represents an ideal solution for contract furnishing projects and public spaces.
Handloom
A handloom is a simple machine used for weaving. In vertical-shaft looms, the heddles are fixed in place in the shaft. The warp threads pass alternately through a heddle, and through a space between the heddles, and lowering the shaft lowers the same threads — the threads passing through the spaces between the heddles remain in place. Without knots, this weaving technique reduces processing times and costs, while maintaining the appearance of a traditional rug. The hand loom is used on wool, natural silk, botany silk and viscose.
Soumak weaving
One of the world’s oldest hand weaving techniques, it involves wrapping coloured weft threads over and under the warp threads, adding strength and embroidery-like patterns to create the desired subject. The result is a flat weave, somewhat stronger and thicker than kilim, with a smooth front face and a ragged back. It creates a series of small braids that soften the perception of the design on the carpet. Nema rugs are made with this technique.
Furnishing with carpets
If the material, colors and design of a carpet help to determine the style of an ambience, the size certainly determines the overall perception. The choice is naturally conditioned by the space available, but it is also important to evaluate the relationship with the other furnishing components. By way of example, this section outlines some possible layouts for different rooms in the home.
small 200x250 cm, medium 200x300 cm, 250x300 cm, large 300x400 cm
small 200x250 cm, medium 200x300 cm, 250x300 cm, large 300x400 cm
small 200x250 cm, medium 200x300 cm, 250x300 cm, large 300x400 cm
small 200x250 cm, medium 300x400 cm, large 400x600 cm (custom made)
small Ø 240, 240x240 cm, medium 200x250 cm, 200x300 cm, large 250x350 cm
small 200x250 cm, medium 200x300 cm
large 250x350 cm