A punja dhurrie rug is woven using the tapestry weaving technique which produces a graphic design on a strong, tightly-woven rug. It is a plain weft-faced weave having weft threads of different colours worked over portions of the warp to form the design. Thus a reversible design is produced, which looks the same on both sides of the rug. The word punja refers to a metallic claw-like tool which is used to pack the weft yarns. The design of the punja weaving looms has remained unchanged for centuries. Weaving is painstakingly slow, but the bright colours, geometric designs and sturdy flat-weaves are well worth the tremendous effort which goes into making a punja dhurrie. The weaver uses the design drawn or printed on paper, and skilfully inserts the dyed yarn between the warp threads. Azo-free dyes are used, which are tested for fastness to washing and rubbing.