Rug restoration
Rug Re-weaving in NYC
Re-weaving rebuilds a damaged area of a rug the way it was made: new foundation where needed, then individual knots tied to match the surrounding design, color and pile height.
When re-weaving is the right repair
Re-weaving is for damage that has gone into or through the pile: holes from burns, tears or pets, moth-grazed areas, and spots worn down to the foundation in front of a sofa or doorway. Patching cuts in a piece of another rug; it is faster, but the patch rarely matches and can distort the rug. Re-weaving keeps the rug whole.
How it is done
Every re-weave follows the same principles as the original weaving.
Rebuilding the foundation
If warp and weft are intact, we work directly on the existing warp. Where the foundation is broken, new warp threads are set into the sound structure around the damage and new weft is woven in, matching the original count.
Knot by knot
Knots are tied one at a time in the rug's own knot type, symmetrical or asymmetrical, following the design from the surrounding pattern. Wool or silk is matched for color, twist and luster.
Finishing the pile
The new pile is clipped to the height of the surrounding area and groomed so it lies in the same direction.
Moth damage
Moth larvae graze the pile, often in hidden places under furniture. We treat active moths during the wash, then reweave the grazed areas. Regular cleaning and moving furniture occasionally are the simplest prevention.
Step by step
Our process
01
Map the damage
We assess the area front and back and count the knots per inch.
02
Wash
Cleaning first gives true colors to match and removes any moth activity.
03
Rebuild and knot
Foundation is restored where needed and knots are tied to the design.
04
Clip and blend
Pile is trimmed and groomed so the repair sits in the rug.
Before you book
What to expect and turnaround
Re-weaving is careful, slow work, and the cost depends on the size of the area and the fineness of the rug. We give a clear quote after inspection.
On some antique rugs, a stabilizing conservation repair may be wiser than full re-weaving. We will explain the choice.
Small re-weaves can take a couple of weeks; larger areas take longer. We confirm the timeline after inspection.
Our work
Before and after
Before
After
FAQ
Questions we hear often
Will I be able to see the repair?
A well-matched re-weave is very hard to see in normal use. New wool can look slightly fresher at first and softens with time.
Is re-weaving better than patching?
For hand-knotted rugs, usually yes. It keeps the rug in one piece and matches the original design and structure.
Can you repair silk rugs?
Yes. Silk re-weaving uses matched silk and is assessed carefully because of the fineness of the knots.
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