Rug restoration
Rug Binding and Edge Repair in NYC
The sides of a hand-knotted rug are wrapped in wool, called the selvedge or binding. When that wrapping wears through, the edge begins to unravel. We rewrap edges by hand with wool matched to the original.
What the binding does
Along each side of a rug, a few warp threads are bundled into a cord and wrapped tightly in wool. This selvedge holds the outermost knots in place and protects the edge from wear. Vacuums, furniture legs and pets tend to catch the edges first, and once the wrapping is gone the cords loosen and the field begins to fray.
Our approach
How we repair an edge depends on how far the wear has gone.
Overcasting
Where the cords are sound, we overcast them by hand with wool dyed or selected to match. The stitch density follows the original so the edge lies flat and looks right.
Rebuilding the selvedge
Where cords are broken or the edge has started to unravel, we replace the cord, reweave any lost knots along the side and then rewrap. This restores the rug's true shape along the edge.
Flatweave and tufted edges
Kilims and other flatweaves have their own edge finishes, which we repair to match. Machine-made and tufted rugs use a sewn binding tape, which we can replace where appropriate.
Step by step
Our process
01
Inspect the edges
We check cord condition, the original wrap and any knot loss along the sides.
02
Wash
Cleaning first reveals true color for matching.
03
Match wool
Wool is selected or hand-dyed to match the existing binding.
04
Wrap by hand
Edges are rebuilt where needed and overcast evenly along their length.
Before you book
What to expect and turnaround
Edges are usually repaired along a section rather than one small spot, so the color and tension are even.
If only one side is worn, we will tell you whether the other side needs attention soon.
Most binding repairs return in about a week alongside the wash. Edges that need rebuilding take longer and are confirmed after inspection.
Our work
Before and after
Before
After
FAQ
Questions we hear often
Do you match the original color?
Yes. We select or dye wool to match the binding after the rug is washed.
Should I repair the whole edge or just the worn part?
Usually the worn section plus a margin either side, so the repair blends in. We will recommend what makes sense for your rug.
Can a frayed edge make the rug lose shape?
Yes. A broken selvedge lets the edge pull in or wave. Rebuilding it helps the rug lie straight again.
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