Handmade rugs usually have a fringe on the ends, which is an extension of the rug's foundation. The fringe is often knotted or braided by hand. Machine-made rugs may have a fringe sewn onto the ends, but it is not an extension of the foundation and is usually uniform in appearance.

The back of a handmade rug is typically more uneven than the back of a machine-made rug. The foundation of a handmade rug is made of natural materials like wool or cotton, while the backing of a machine-made rug is usually made of synthetic materials like jute or polyester.

Handmade rugs often have more intricate designs and patterns than machine-made rugs, which tend to have repeating patterns that are more uniform in appearance. Look for slight irregularities in the pattern, which are characteristic of handmade pieces.

Handmade rugs are generally more expensive than machine-made rugs, as they require more time and skill to produce. However, there are some machine-made rugs that are designed to imitate the look and feel of handmade rugs, so price alone is not always a reliable indicator.