Felted Rug Craft soaked in culture and tradition
Layering of wool with Piece Industry Rugs
We welcome Peace Industry Rugs, to Australia, sparking excitement in the broad range of commercial felt rugs. While modern rug production often relies on synthetic textiles and chemical processes, Peace Industry Felt Rugs are preserving the traditional methods of working with pure wool, an art that dates back thousands of years.
Peace Industry Rugs is a husband-and-wife venture with an ambitious goal: the revival of an ancient craft tradition known as Namad. We recently sat down with Dodd Raissnia, of Peace Industry Felt Rugs, to explore their forward-thinking approach to the ancient process and traditions of felted rugs.
Dodd’s enthusiasm for the ancient tradition was evident during our virtual factory tour. This is where high design merges with minimalism, creating rugs adorned with contemporary aesthetics and ancient patterns, honouring the heritage of the region and the artisans who maintain these traditions.
The rug felting process begins with locally sourced wool in its raw natural form, loosely layering fibres to create a material four times the height of the finished piece. Skilled artisans use pressure-based agitation combined with simple oil soap and water to carefully manipulate the fibres into shape. The entire process remains relatively untouched by modern technology, crafted by hand and century-old artisanal mechanics. In fact, it takes four or more men to carry one rug through the agitation process, a blend of manual rolling and placing the rug into a traditional pressure machine to release excess water. The process speaks both to the durability of the rug and the communal time and handwork that forms the process.
Vegetable-based Dye Process
Utilising the wool in the raw state with no chemical cleaning retains the sheep’s natural lanolin, a benefit we see in the final result, enhancing the rug’s impressive stain-resistant qualities. Liquids tend to bead on the surface, making spot cleaning remarkably easy.
Colour is achieved through vegetable-based dyes producing the rich and earthy colour palette, leaving the final product chemical-free and biodegradable at the end of life. The colours have a wonderfully soft depth resulting from the layering of fibres during felting.
Peace Industry Felt Rug are:
Stain Resistant: The wool’s high lanolin content repels liquids, meaning quick clean-ups and fewer worries.
Allergy Friendly: With no pile to trap dirt and dust, these rugs are easier to maintain and more allergy-friendly than many woven alternatives.
Fire Resistant: Wool’s natural properties make it less prone to combustion, adding a layer of safety in family homes.
Acoustic: Thanks to their density and thickness, these rugs help dampen noise, making them perfect for busy households or echo-prone spaces.
From the shepherds in the regions to the skilled workers at the factory, Peace Industry Rugs maintains a deep respect for every person involved. The sheep are ethically raised, with traditional shepherds roaming the hills. To preserve the craft, Peace Industry Rugs has established a program that trains the younger generation of artisans in traditional felt-making techniques. Employees are drawn from the local community, ensuring their impact extends to their local community.
Water usage is minimised with the cleaning of the wool completed during the felting process. In the end, a sustainable product requiring minimal resources and interventions, reflecting Peace Industry Rug’s commitment to both heritage and the environment.
One of the most notable features of these rugs is their thickness. Dense and heavy, they require no underlay or anti-slip layer. They are also double-sided, featuring designs on each side, offering versatility and resulting in a durable surface that requires minimal maintenance or cleaning.
Peace Industry Rugs tell a story of culture, heritage, ethical sourcing, and artisanal skill. We are excited to showcase the range of Peace Industry Rugs.
In a world seeking meaningful connections to sustainable material and a circular economy, Peace Industry Rugs offers culture, craft and tradition. These rugs are not only beautiful floor coverings; they are timeless pieces that carry with them the history of a region, the integrity of traditional methods, and a heartfelt commitment to ethical craft.