Homeowners have a vast array of rug options to choose from when redecorating a room. One such option is a kilim rug. Of course, when you invest in a well-made kilim rug, you want it to last for a long time. What happens when the general wear and tear of life causes it to fray? We’ve put together some tips on how to repair the edges of a kilim rug and extend the life of your investment. First, let’s review what a kilim rug is and then dive into some ways to repair it.
What is a kilim rug exactly?
Often described as part of the oriental rug family, we feel this is too much of a generalization. Kilim rugs are in a category all their own, having a flatwoven and pileless style characteristic of the regions they originate from such as Turkey and Central Asia.
Kilim rugs are smooth, bold designs that can blend into any space. Aesthetically, they add an incredible sense of design and culture to your home. That’s why so many homeowners wonder how to repair the edges of a kilim rug. They become more than just a part of the decor: they’re a fundamentally key aspect of their living space.
How to repair the edges of a kilim rug tip #1: fraying edges
The edges of a kilim rug are particularly prone to fraying. In addition, the fibers of a kilim rug receive a lot of stress from being bumped by the vacuum cleaner or walked on.
Repairing this at home on your own is doable but will require care and preparation. Use upholstery thread to ensure your repair is durable and doesn’t cause your kilim rug to fray further.
Start by threading the string by hand through the warp. Then, bring the weft front to back to draw the edge back together. Continue until the frayed section is covered, Now, make a knot and tie it off.
A word of caution here, do not use a machine. The automated process of anything besides hand-weaving will ruin your rug.
How to repair the edges of a kilim rug tip #2: flatten the edges
Rugs withstand a lot of wear and tear in our homes. Sometimes, after they’ve been a focal point of our room for a while the edges will start to roll and bubble. This is both unsightly and a cause for concern if you want to maintain its longevity.
The easiest way to fix this is to use heat. Hang or lay your rug out in the sun for a while to encourage the rug fibers to loosen and stretch. Then put your rug back in its spot and place a heavy object on top of the bubbled edge. The relaxed fibers should flatten back to their original shape!
How to repair the edges of a kilim rug tip #3: trust the professionals
The best, safest, and most economical tip we can give you on how to repair the edges of a kilim rug is to trust the professionals to do it for you. They’ll use their expertise to evaluate the damage and let you know the best way to repair it.
Sometimes, if your rug is beyond repair, then your next option will be to look for a replacement. If that’s the case, we’re here to help. Browse through our extensive catalog with styles ranging from antique to distressed to Turkish and more!
Read our other blog posts on Kilim Rugs:
https://rugsource.com/what-is-a-kilim-rug/
https://rugsource.com/the-comprehensive-guide-to-kilim-rugs/
https://rugsource.com/tips-for-placing-hanging-and-storing-kilim-rugs/
https://rugsource.com/how-to-clean-a-kilim-rug-at-home/
https://rugsource.com/how-to-repair-edges-of-kilim-rug/
https://rugsource.com/what-makes-a-rug-kilim/
https://rugsource.com/which-country-makes-the-best-kilim-rugs/
https://rugsource.com/three-tips-to-teach-you-how-to-repair-the-edges-of-a-kilim-rug/
