The craft of Namad-mali (literally meaning felt beating) has long been practiced in Persia to produce Namad (a traditional rug) out of woolen fabrics by rolling and pressing them. The method of making felts is almost similar in different areas of Persia, but they sometimes vary in color, pattern, and thickness.

Felts are known to be the oldest floor covering made by mankind. A famous story is told by the Persian felt makers, narrating that Soleiman the prophet had a shepherd's son. He wanted to make a textile from the wool of his sheep and tried so hard only to fail. He beat the wool by a fist in despair and anger while he wept over them. His tears poured on the wool and intertwined them together. And that is how the first felt was made.

Felt is a kind of textile that is made without the use of a loom. It is not knitted but is created based on two basics—first, moisture, and second, applying pressure. In the process of making felts, the water is poured over layers of used materials while they are being compressed, causing the fibers to hook together into a single piece of fabric.

The most commonly used material of felts is sheep wool, which is sheared in springtime. It has long fibers and comes in different colors. A piece of felt can be made in one day of work, which is why this product is not very expensive.

However, it is a very exhausting process. To create a felt, the maker first lays pieces of colored wool on Karbas, a fabric also used for painting canvases, according to the final design. Then layers of combed wool are arranged on top. The Karbas is rolled together, holding layers of wool. The felt maker begins rubbing and pressing the roll while applying hot water repeatedly and step by step.

Felts are mainly floor coverings. But they are also used to make other tools, such as a low table with a heater underneath its cover, horse cover, kitchen utensils, dolls, and clothes. Patterns and designs of felts are commonly created by abstract motifs inspired by nature. Some examples are Chahar Goosh-e Khorshidi, a symbol of the Sun, paisley, or diamonds.