Repair: Fringes
Possibly the most common of all repairs are fringes. Fringes are always a maintanance issue. Fringes are not only a decorative finishing, they serve to take the brunt of normal use and abuse while protecting the ends of the rug.
Fringe repairs are dependant on many different factors: type of fringe, is the fringe part of the rug or is it applied, how much fringe is missing or worn, is the end of the rug in good condition and structurally sound? If the fringes have been improperly cleaned (bleached) in the past, the structure of the rug itself may be affected and may require further repair before any fringe work can be completed.
Applied Fringes
When the original fringe is an applied fringe, care should be taken to repair and/or replace the fringe while maintaining the structural integrity of the rug underneath the fringe. Are the ends a finished salvage or were they left raw? If the ends are left raw, a stablizing stich or wrapping of the raw ends may be necessary before replacing the fringe.
Foundation Fringes
If the fringe is an extention of the rug's foundation material, care should be taken to protect as much of the original as possible, particularly when the original is showing signs of wear or loss. This can be done by "enveloping" the end with a new fringe (applied on top) and a binding (sown to the back of the new fringe and to the back of the rug. The envelope encapsulates the original, protecting it from any further abuse. The new fringe can take all the wear and abuse while the original remains tucked inside the envelope. When the newer fringe eventually wears, the newer fringe and binding can be removed (and/or replaced); the original always remains without any further detereoration.
Other Fringe Concerns
In cases where previously cleanings involved bleaching the fringe, the foundation material in the body of the rug has most likely "wicked" or pulled some the bleaching agent into the rug. If this is the case, the ends of the rug may have already fallen apart due to the detereoration of the foundation materials by the bleaching agent. These cases require individual evaluation and may require additional repair(s).
When ends have begun to frey, well beyond the original fringe and into the body of the rug, ends may be better repaired with a binding and overcasting stich. This alternative option stablizes the ends from further freying. If a decorative fringe is still visually desireable, this can still be applied once an overcasting and/or binding has been completed.
To discuss potential repairs or restoration with a specialist, please contact us.
Fringe & Trim
Shaneybrook's offers a large number of "standard" rug fringes and trims, exclusive Shaneybrook woven fringes, genuine Karastan and Mohawk fringes.
Shaneybrook's also offers an exclusively line of specialty our own exclusive fringes woven at our mill in Maryland. All of Shaneybrook's fringes are 100% cotton. Several specialized fringes are also available in wool and silk.
Click here for more (including a full selection of fringes) ›
Other repair examples.
Day-to-day use and abuse always results in regular maintainance and repair. Some typical repairs are detailed below: rough ends, fringes, unravelling sides, kicked-up corners, and that small spot the dog chewed or the cat clawed while you were out. Shaneybrook services all of these repairs and more.
Restoration.
When abuse or damage exceeds the capabilities of more simple repairs, restoration is available. The nature of restoration projects demands a more individual assessment for the needs of your rug or carpet. A member of our conservation team can provide you with the best options and a plan for any restoration project.
To discuss potential repairs or restoration with a specialist, please contact us.
