A hand-knotted rug can do more than transform a room; it can connect you to the people and communities behind its creation. This October, Crafted Fair Trade in Downtown Overland Park will host a Fair Trade Rug Event, bringing a large collection of hand-knotted rugs from Pakistan to the Kansas City community.
From October 21–25, visitors can explore rugs ranging from 2’x3’ to 10’x14’, along with runners and other sizes. The collection spans Classic to Contemporary, including intricate Persian designs, traditional Bokhara patterns, and distinctive natural dye tribal rugs. With hundreds of rugs to explore, the event offers an opportunity to see the artistry and craftsmanship of each piece in person.
Every Bunyaad rug is hand-knotted by a fairly paid adult artisan in Pakistan. Bunyaad works with more than 850 artisan families in villages across Pakistan, creating reliable employment opportunities and helping families build stronger, more sustainable futures.
The story behind the rugs is an important part of what makes them special. Bunyaad was founded with the goal of creating and sustaining rug-knotting jobs in rural villages. Today, many artisans work from their homes, allowing families to earn an income while preserving the time-honored art of rug making. For many women, having a loom in the home provides an opportunity to contribute financially to their families while balancing work with household responsibilities.
Bunyaad guarantees a fair wage for its artisans. Because artisans are paid for their work rather than being pressured to produce as quickly as possible, they can take the time and care needed to create intricate, high-quality rugs. The result is beautiful craftsmanship that can become part of a home for generations.
The rugs also reflect the artistry of traditional materials and techniques. From natural dyes and hand-spun wool to intricate knotting and detailed patterns, each piece carries the marks of the people and traditions behind it. No two handmade rugs are exactly alike.
While Crafted Fair Trade carries a small selection of Bunyaad Fair Trade Rugs year round, the event is a chance to see, feel and explore over 300 of the collection in person. Bring room measurements, fabric swatches, paint chips or pillows if you’re searching for a rug to complement a particular space. And come prepared to take your time—finding the right rug is part of the experience.
At the heart of the event is what Bunyaad describes as a win-win situation: artisans in Pakistan receive fair wages and sustainable opportunities, while shoppers have the opportunity to bring home an exceptional piece of artistry with a meaningful story behind it.
Visit Crafted Fair Trade at 7947 Santa Fe Drive in Overland Park from October 21–25 to explore Bunyaad’s collection of hand-knotted rugs.
Learn more about the event and Bunyaad’s fair-trade rugs at bunyaad.com.
