Talim is a symbolic representation of the design to be used by a carpet weaver. This representation along with a color card, containing the actual pieces of the colored wool, represents the actual scheme and the colors and stitches to be used by a weaver.
The talim consists of an array of numbers starting with a circle, which indicates a stitch. Other symbols indicate the number of knots to be woven at a particular point. Writing of a talim requires great skill and practice. Its complication increases with the detail involved in the designs. A talim for an average sized carpet may take up to 3 months in the making.
