Rug Repair: Difference between Fringe Repair and Over Casting to Machine Binding
Carpet binding is a flooring industry trade that involves modifying carpet edges with stitching, adhesives or fabric. Binding protects carpet edges from unraveling and wear. Binding adds function and style to match a décor.
Fringe Repair
Fringe deteriorates from normal wear and vacuuming. It becomes more noticeable after a rug has been cleaned. The sticky substance that holds weak fibers together is removed. There are four
common options for fringe repair. They are:
• Reweaving yarn into the rug
• Attaching a pre-made fringe
• Turning the fringe under
• Securing the ends with stitching
Overcast Stitching
A rug that begins to unravel has to be repaired, or the whole rug will unravel. Skilled personnel use a ‘lock stitch’ to stop the unraveling. A durable thread is woven between weft threads on the ends of the rug. The repair process is called over casting. It is recommended for hand-woven area rugs.
Machine Binding
Natural fiber rugs have a variety of binding options. With a bit of artistry and the right equipment, a carpet binder produces an economical and functional work of art. The process is completed with the following steps.
The Process
1.Shape – The piece to be bound is cut into the desired shaped. Repairing existing carpet is the purpose of binding. Trimming is done to ensure the edge of the carpet is straight and smooth.
2.Determination of need for power beveling. – Power beveling is used to taper the carpet edge before applying binding to ensure a smooth transition to binding that is relatively thin. Power beveling is always used on thick carpets. It is not needed for low-grade commercial carpet.
3.Choice of binding style – The binding for low-end goods is usually of polyester. Cotton, serging, or wide sisal border is the binding used on high-end goods. The type of carpet dictates the choice of binding along with the desired aesthetic effect.
4.Apply the chosen binding style with the appropriate tools and materials.
5.Prevent unraveling by stabilizing corners. – Hot glue can be used for each tab. Staples are the preferred method by some carpet binders. It should be pointed out that stapled rugs, exposed to moisture, such as entry rugs can discolor and rust. They might scratch the floor.
Machine binding is available in narrow, wide, and extra-wide widths. The standard binding is narrow cotton that can be used on all weaves. It comes in colors that match any rug. The stitching on these bindings is either a top stitch or a blind stitch. Top stitching is visible on the face of the rug. It is sewn close to the rug fabric. The corners are finished at an angle. This finish is called mitering. The corners are also top-stitched. Blind stitching means the stitches are hidden and are used on the widest bindings.