For lightweight rugs like a Kashmir Chain-Stitch we'll use a hammer-tacker like the ones made for stapling down roofing felt. The staples are relatively light weight and galvanized.
Since Stanley stopped making the heavier staple H-1 hammer-tacker, we've tried several brands of hand-powered tackers and none of them last long before they start to jam. We use a 3/8 x 3/8 construction staple and an air powered stapler adjusted so that it leaves the crown of the staple 3/32 above the decking.
The short leg staple may have to be special ordered though, as most building codes no longer allow staples to be used for attaching roofing materials.