Even when we take good care of our rugs, time – and just everyday life – can take a toll on them. So, you might think… I’ll just go buy a new one, right?
Well, that’s no doubt easier said than done. Not only is it doubtful you’ll find a new one that looks anything like your favorite rug, the cost of replacing a rug isn’t coming down.
In fact, as you’re no doubt keenly aware, everything is going up!
Add to this, the fact that the cost of visiting a rug repair shop (if you can find one) can be high. Sometimes there’s no avoiding it, but there are a few minor fixes you can make yourself to save some money and keep your rug in good condition.
Fortunately, repairing a small tear in the back or frayed edge is well within your ability, even if you’re not a professional. Here are five simple rug repairs you can make to help your rug last longer, while saving money in the process.
1. Repairing edges
Worn and damaged fringes are a wool rug’s most frequent and persistent problem. The fringes on your rug begin to unravel as it is used, and eventually the rug starts to shrink and unravel. Your fringe’s tiny knots require attention to help them last longer.
But whatever you do, avoid using a machine because they are too robust to delicately thread the fringes together and could make matters worse.
Use upholstery thread strong enough to keep together a thick rug when mending an edge. To hold the ends of your rug together, you should thread that string through the warp and weft (the back woven portion). Most importantly, do this as soon as you spot a problem. Waiting makes a rug less likely to be repairable because there is less yarn on it. Tie off the knots after sewing the thread through until it completely covers the frayed area.
2. Loose Backing
Over time, rubber-backed rugs have a propensity to deteriorate and fall apart. It may be time to replace the rug or get a new non-skid natural rubber felt pad if the rubber backing is generally cracking and falling apart.
To repair the rubber backing that’s unraveling, cut a replacement piece and carefully apply a thin layer of hot glue from left to right where the old backing is missing. Firmly press the edges together until the glue dries.
3. Rugs with braids
A braided rug’s entire weave can be ripped apart by damaged stitches. Pull out the broken stitches and uncoil the damaged area. The damaged material should then be replaced, and the braids should be repaired. Sew the edges and coil tightly together using linen thread.
4. Body Cuts
Cut a line parallel to the tear into both sides of your rug if a piece is cut or torn from the top side. After making an even, clean cut, close the two ends of the tear by sewing them together tightly and securely.
5. Tears on the back
Finally, repairing a minor hole or puncture at the back of your rug is easier than you might think.
Covering it with adhesive tape is always a low-cost alternative. Duct tape works well for indoor area rugs. For a stronger hold, simply sweep off the dust and debris before applying the tape. Push any fibers that start to emerge back into the fabric. Once the fibers are caught, add the adhesive tape.
For double-fabric sided rugs, however, you need to reposition the fabric through the hole to the correct side and close the holes with upholstery thread.
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