Posted on July 30, 2015 by Behnam Rugs

The Fringe Benefits of Proper Fringe Repair: Why Proper Fringe Maintenance Matters

First we have to know how fine rugs are made.

Fine rugs are made on a loom.

Warps: the parallel vertical yarns running the length of the rug “interlaced” with the

Wefts: horizontal yarns through the warps of the rug.

The warp makes up the backbone of your rug and is what all the wool, silk, or cotton pile is constructed on.

If you look at the shorter end of a real handmade rug you will see this off-white stringy material hanging off the end of the rug-this is the fringe or tassels. The fringe is knotted at the base to close off the weaving of the rug and secure the rest of the rug from untying. If all of the fringe and knots are cut off or removed the rest of the rug will start to unravel- that is why we say do not remove the fringe yourself.

If you must remove the fringe have an expert do it that knows how to secure your rug, by rebinding the ends correctly and in a way that maintains the rug’s value. Rug experts will help you decide what type of repair is needed such as adding new fringe, reweaving new fringe, or making fringe out of the rug itself. The rug expert will also look at the type of rug, age, condition, and material of the tassels: cotton, wool, silk, synthetic, or man-made to pick the right tassels to match the age of the rug.

We have seen and re-repaired so many unprofessional repairs on antique rugs through the years in order for rug owners to again enhance the value and beauty and art of their handmade rug.

If the wrong fringe is put on your antique rug

it will look the same as a bad wig on a human!

Why is fringe so important, and how does it work? The tassels of a rug act like a hem of clothing that both finishes the textile and keeps it from unraveling. This is why we stress not to vacuum the fringe of your rug and only sweep it.

If you have a machine-made rug, in most cases the fringe has been added after the rug was completed. This fringe can be removed by an expert and the ends re-worked so you can continue to enjoy your rug.

The tassels of a rug tell many different things like how old the rug is and how dirty it is. Rug washing is an art and making sure the fringe of your rug comes out nice and white without using harsh chemicals is key to a long life for your rugs. If you have had your rugs washed by a non-rug care professional the tassels could start falling out and turning yellow.  If you need fringe repair or are looking to remove all the fringe please call Behnam Rugs to do it right to maintain the value of all your rugs.

Contact us today at 972-733-0400 to set up a time for Behnam Rugs to review your rugs.

18000 Preston Rd. Dallas, TX 75252/ 972-733-0400