What construction feature distinguishes tufted carpets from woven carpets?

Tufted carpets are distinguished from woven carpets primarily by their method of construction that involves either loop or cut pile formation. In tufted carpets, yarns are pushed through a backing material to form loops. These loops can either be left intact to create a loop pile or cut to create a cut pile, providing different textures and appearances. This method allows for quick production and the ability to create various styles and patterns.

Woven carpets, on the other hand, are made using a more complex process that intertwines yarns typically on a loom. This construction is generally more labor-intensive and results in a durable fabric that can maintain intricate designs and textures but does not utilize the loop or cut pile formation technique characteristic of tufted carpets. Therefore, it is the loop or cut pile formation that distinctly characterizes tufted carpets, setting them apart from the woven variety.