Sheep wool, goat hair, cotton and silk are the main materials used in carpets. The quality of wool is vital for both appearance and the life of the carpet. Climate, shearing season and nourishment of sheep affect the quality of wool. Sheep which are living in cold climate or in higher altitudes with abundant grass and water give quality wool since their bodies produce fat under skin which makes wool longer and smoother. On the other hand, sheep living in warm places give dry and fragile wool.

Spanning of wool is also important. In hand span wool , the original length is kept during the spinning process. It can be spun by machines but it can not keep its quality since it works hard and break the fibers . To reduce the harm oil is used but still fibers lose their strength.

Silk is obtained from cocoons. They are boiled so that silk fibers release. Then silk fibers are hand-spund. Hereke and Kayseri are famous for producing fine pure silk carpets.

Cotton is generally used as warp treads. It is used for to make finer motifs as it is stronger. Tight knots harm the woolen warp so cotton warps is preferred to make high density knot pile carpets like Hereke and Kayseri.