We understand it's not easy finding expert rug repair and restoration locally. Usually, especially for rugs of value, repairs should only be performed by a professional. However, there are times when you can try do-it-yourself rug repairs. Let's start with an overview of how professional rug restoration is done.
First they try to contain the damage by stopping the unraveling of the rug borders. We use a method called cashmere and overcastting, which is weaving wool throughout the Oriental rug's warp threads and fringe ends. After completing the overcastting, we sew each turn individually with a needle and thread to secure each fringe tightly.
Worn Fringe Ends:
The method used for replacing worn-out fringe will depend on how the rug was created.
Hand-Knotted Rug:
The edges will need to be rewrapped by hand to the original color and texture of the rug. If the foundation or edge cording is worn through it will first have to be rebuilt.
Machine-Made Oriental Rugs:
are power-fringed by equipment in a fraction of the time. You can choose any colors, lengths, or styles to coordinate with your rug colors. Worn edges are repaired quickly on a serger machine.
Tears, Cuts, Etc.:
It is imperative that tears are quickly sewn and pulled together before pile, nap, or rug body is lost
Holes:
Try not to let these go, because they will only get bigger! Reweaving holes is easier if the warp and the weft of the rug do not have to be replaced in addition to re-piling or re-knotting. It is of utmost importance that the right yarn texture, finish, and color are matched perfectly to the existing rug. For this reason, sewing in patches has limited value, especially on good Oriental rugs. Restoration by reweaving is recommended
Turned-Under Edges:
This is one of those do-it-yourself rug repairs we mentioned. (Don't delay in fixing this or it will wear the face pile quickly!)
1. First, turn the rug upside down.
2. Place damp towels over the edges.
3. With a hot iron on the cotton setting, slowly steam with the edge down straight so it will not turn under and wear prematurely when used.
4. Let your rug dry upside down for one day before turning it right-side up.
If this doesn't work, send the rug to us and we will permanently sew the edges so they do not turn under any longer.
Sprouting & End Tails:
This is another possible do-it-yourself rug repair. Do not pull these out! Just trim flush with an existing pile height and length to blend in with the nap.
Brightening a Faded Rug or Correcting Color Run:
The most common culprits are water spillage or wetness. After cleaning a rug yourself, you should carefully place it on a clean and safe outside deck or roof for warming the rug in summer sun for two to four days. The sun can be very helpful in brightening rug colors, especially ivory shades.
The following treatment is TO BE USED ONLY AS A LAST RESORT for an improperly cleaned rug with red-dye color-run. Try this at your own risk! A few days' exposure to summer sun can sometimes pull and bleach out some of the red dye that has run. Be careful not to overexpose and bleach out the other colors in the rug.
It is important not to overexpose rugs to the summer sun because ultraviolet rays can actually fade colors in the process of removing certain run colors. Bring the rug in immediately if you notice any other colors changing. Before trying this, watch the weather forecast so you can be sure to avoid wet days. Use only clean, secure, and dry places and bring the rug inside for security at night.
Caution: Home rug-cleaning is not recommended.
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