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Bond Narrow Fabric Co. began as a distributor of “narrow fabrics” after the Milnes family had diversified from weaving carpets into producing narrow tapes for the military. Those outside the textile industry might wonder what exactly the term “narrow fabrics” includes. Here is a short explanation of the type of fabric we have made our life’s work.

What Exactly Are Narrow Fabrics?

By definition, narrow fabrics are “any non-elastic woven textile having a width of 12 inches or less and a woven selvage on either side.” They are small strips of fabric, often designed for a specific and practical purpose. Cords, braids, and lanyards are commonly used items that are also narrow fabrics. They are woven on special looms, including the recently developed quad axial loom which allows for for the insertion of yarn from four directions and makes both a thinner and stronger product than the traditional layered strips joined with Z fibers were.

Narrow fabrics were initially used in the garment industry on hats, corsets, and lingerie, and in military uniforms as well. Nowadays soldiers will also find them in their pack webbing and parachutes as well as their waist belts, helmets, and body armor.

If you pay attention to the everyday objects in your life, you will see this type of fabric everywhere, from the seat belts in your car, to the leash you walk your dog on, to the tough fabric edging on your mattress.

Medical Applications

Recently, as technology has advanced, narrow fabrics have been used to make 3D medical devices such as the woven bifurcate that is used to treat aortic abdominal aneurysms. The strong fabric device is threaded into place to support the artery and reduce the aneurysm. Eventually, as the patient heals, this device will become a part of the artery itself.

During a procedure used to replace damaged heart valves, a narrow fabric medical device is used to fish out any surgical debris after the new valves are in place. The future promises more such medical technology. Other commonly known narrow fabrics used in the healthcare industry include rigid gauze, bandages, and fiberglass bands.

And, of course, narrow fabrics are used to join carpet seams during installation, whether inside the house or on the football field. Our Instabind products, which are used to bind carpet pieces, are all aesthetically pleasing examples of narrow fabrics.

We at Bond Products are proud of the part we have played and continue to play in the U.S. textile industry. Narrow fabrics can be found almost anywhere and have a myriad of uses from everyday to high tech. So the next time you take your dog for a walk or admire the carpet in your living room, remember narrow fabrics!

Due to spacing constraints, equipment expenses, and training challenges, many carpet retailers aren’t able to or choose not to offer binding services.  Though they are more than willing to cut and sell remnants to their customers, they don’t offer a way to properly finish the edges, which means they are missing out on profitable carpet binding opportunities.

Don’t Miss Out!

With the right planning and some diligent marketing efforts, carpet professionals who are able to operate professional binding equipment can potentially build a lucrative long-term business serving as the on-site outsourcing solution for these retailers.

The argument for the sales call is relatively simple and straightforward.  If a business offers remnants to their customers (which most will), but they don’t offer binding services on them, the customer will go elsewhere.

Our portable binding machines and binding/serging supplies allow anyone with the right training to become a traveling workshop able to turn what was once scrap into a solid revenue stream with significant profit potential.

Another Option: Instabind Carpet Binding

If money and space are the issue, Bond Products also offers a patented DIY Instabind tape that requires no initial investment and applies using only scissors and a hot glue gun. It’s available in many styles and colors and recently we added a nice retail package for retail display.

If you have any questions or would like some insight into how to uncover and pursue these carpet binding opportunities, don’t hesitate to call or contact us at Bond Products. We are dedicated to helping you succeed and would be more than happy to share our expertise and experience in this marketplace.

Traditional methods of seaming artificial turf fields with polypropylene backing require a large list of supplies and take an enormous amount of labor-and-cure or set-up time. They’re also subject to changing weather conditions and many other factors. The traditional list of supplies usually includes: two part epoxy pales of adhesive, wide Cordora nylon, trowels, and a dispenser sled. Bond’s hot melt turf seaming method is so much better!

Bond’s Hot Melt Turf Seaming Method

The Bond Turf Seaming Method is a much simpler, economical, and efficient way to achieve as good or better results! If you want to seam turf in less time with less expense and fewer hassles, this is it!

Available in fiberglass-reinforced, three- and six-inch face seaming tapes along back-seaming tapes that are used when sewing is also required, there is no longer a need for messy hard-to-handle pail adhesives and the long cure times associated with the old antiquated methods.

Bond’s hot melt turf seaming method is a huge improvement on the old messy, long-curing, inefficient way of seaming turf that was subject to all sorts of weather conditions and extremely expensive.  Contact us with questions and sample requests. Our customer service department will be happy to help you get started!

When you use Bond’s Turf Tape Seaming System, you really need to use a turf seam sled. There are some things that you do not want to happen while you’re seaming artificial turf together. For example, you don’t want crooked seams, and you don’t want the adhesive you’re using to not bond completely.

Using Bond’s Seam Sled

The seam sled helps you centrally align the turf tape with the iron under the seam so you’ll have a straight seam line, and it lets you press and tractor turf into the turf tape’s melted adhesive for optimal bonding strength.

The seam sled does more than prevent these things from happening. If you’re having to seam over gravel or stone, or some other kind of rough and uneven surface, the seam sled provides a solid, smooth, and even base, eliminating any distortion or bumpy seams. It also helps prevent delaminating of the turf backing.

When trying to lay artificial turf in cold weather, keeping the iron hot to melt the turf tape adhesive can pose a real problem. The seam sled keeps the iron hot enough for the adhesive to melt completely.

If you don’t use a seam sled, you might find yourself running into a lot of problems that will cost you time and money. Take a look at our video demonstration of artificial turf seaming below and see how easy it is to use.

As always, if you have any questions about the turf seaming process, be sure to contact us at 1-888-800-BOND. Our customer service team will be happy to help you find anything you need.

Don’t throw away that family heirloom rug. You can have it cleaned and restored and get many more years of service out of it.

The example above is typical of older carpets that have been restored to almost or like new status. The photograph, of a recently restored rug in the Bellevue Hotel Restaurant here in Philadelphia, required a professional cleaning and re-binding. Using a wide tapestry binder, a new leather edge was re-applied to restore it to its original beauty. This rug was rebound using our PBL-TX Tapestry Binder, in fact.

Tips on Refurbishing a Custom Rug

Restoring an antique rug is really an art. What will be required for restoration depends upon the complexity of the pattern and the wear and tear the rug has endured. Examples of needed repairs include the following.

• The missing warp may need to be rebuilt
• The right yarns need to be found and woven in to recreate or fill in the design pattern
• Edges need to be rebound to prevent the rug from fraying and to give it a renewed appearance

The decision whether to toss the rug or get it restored may not be easy since it does involve some costs. However, if the rug has artistic, sentimental, or historical value, you might want to consider having it refurbished because you won’t be able to replace its significance.

If you have any questions about what it requires to refurbish your rug, just contact us at 1-888-800-BOND.  We’ll be happy to talk to you about it.

Let’s talk about a specific binding edge that is unique and highly profitable. It’s called serging tape! Serging tape mimics the look and feel of real serging but is applied quickly and easily with just about any binding machine with a simple tape folder attachment change.

How Serging Tape Is Applied

Serging tape is generally applied using a straight stitch. It’s made of 100% cotton tape, and Bond Products offers it  in 7/8″ or 1-1/4” widths in a wide variety of colors. Because of its loose-face yarn weave, it mimics the look and feel of real serging yarn, but it doesn’t require a real serging machine to be applied!

Your costs may vary depending on the quality, width and style of the project, but the Bond serge tape line boasts 70 colors in 1-1/4” width and is put on 216-foot rolls. The cost is about $.30/ft to apply and usually commands $3.00 – 5.00/ft and up. For an example, let’s take a 9 x 12 carpet. Cost of application is about $12.00 and at a minimum charge of $3.00 a foot equals $126.00 for the job that should take less than twenty minutes to complete.

By finishing rugs with serge tape, not only will you add serious profits to your bottom line on a daily and weekly basis, you’ll be offering a high-end carpet edge to your service offerings that will set you apart from your competition.

Of course, if you are a DIYer or have a much smaller rug-binding project, you can also use Bond’s Instabind tape in either cotton serge style or synthetic serge style to produce a similar effect for your rug.

If you have questions about serging, serging tape, or Instabind, feel free to contact us anytime. Our knowledgeable customer service team is always happy to help.

Bond Products would like to invite you to join us at our 8th Annual Spring Open House on April 18, 2024. This event offers Bond customers the opportunity to learn carpet binding skills from our staff of professionals.

Bond’s 8th Annual Spring Open House

This event will be held at Bond Products location at 4511 Wayne Ave., Philadelphia from 8 AM until 3 PM. Tour our facilities and take advantage of our expertise. We will be offering free labor* on portable binder repairs. You pay for the parts, and we will get your portable binder up and running again. We will also be there to explain how to maintain and service your binder so that you won’t be stuck on a job with an inoperational one ever again.

There will be training all day on binding, serging, beveling, and fringing techniques, so if have an interest in learning or you’ve been waiting to bind or rebind a carpet you already have, come and see how it’s done. We will be showcasing all of our available options for carpet maintenance or restoration – and they are many!

In addition, Bond Products will be giving a 10% discount on all Bond equipment and supplies, and we will be doing trade evaluations on older equipment, if you are interested in trading up to a new binder with more capability.

Last, but certainly not least, there will be free food and beverages available. So bring your appetite as well as your interest and any equipment you need looked at to our state-of-the-art carpet workroom on April 18. For both DIYers and carpet professionals, this is a day that will be well worth your time.

Appointments are required to attend, so call us at 888-800-BOND ???? and make your appointment today!

Where are we located?

*Note: Free labor is limited to portable binders only, with a limit of two per customer. If you would like to take advantage of this service, please call ahead and make an appointment. 888-800-2663

Bond Products offers a wide range of products for carpet and flooring installation, helping both professionals and DIYers achieve clean, seamless results. That same goal applies outdoors as well. 

Artificial turf installation requires precision, and Bond provides the tools to make it happen, including turf tape, combination shearer/bevelers, and even the Bondbilt Turf Master seam sewing machine for larger or professional projects.

Artificial grass has both indoor and outdoor applications, but it’s the outdoor uses that have gained the most attention in recent years. Ongoing drought conditions, especially in places like California, have changed how people think about lawns. In some areas, even homeowners who can afford irrigation are restricted from using water for landscaping. As a result, demand for artificial turf has increased significantly.

But what about areas that are not facing extreme drought? Is there still a reason to choose artificial turf over natural grass? The answer is yes.

The Cost of Artificial Turf vs Grass

Installing artificial turf is not inexpensive upfront, but over time it can be far more cost-effective than maintaining a natural lawn. Traditional grass requires ongoing expenses for water, fuel, fertilizer, and maintenance. In areas where water and fuel costs are high, those expenses add up quickly.

Historically, a well-maintained lawn was a luxury. Before modern tools and chemicals, only the wealthy could afford the labor required to keep grass trimmed and healthy. In the twentieth century, advances in equipment and materials made lawns more accessible, and they became a staple of the American home.

Today, however, the equation is changing again.

Maintenance and Environmental Considerations

Today many homeowners are rethinking lawn care. Water is more limited in some regions, fuel costs are higher, and chemical fertilizers can have negative environmental effects. On top of that, fewer people see mowing and maintaining a lawn as an enjoyable task.

Artificial turf offers a different approach. It stays green year-round without watering, mowing, or fertilizing. It also holds up well under foot traffic and can last for many years with minimal upkeep.

A Practical Alternative for Modern Homes

For many homeowners, artificial turf provides a clean, consistent look without the time and expense of maintaining natural grass. It’s a practical solution for those who want a polished outdoor space without the ongoing demands of lawn care.

That’s why Bond Products offers tools and supplies specifically for turf installation. Whether you’re a professional installer or a DIY homeowner, our turf tape, cutting tools, and seaming systems make it easier to install artificial grass correctly and efficiently.

If you’re considering an artificial turf project, Bond Products can help you get started. Call 1-888-800-BOND to find the right tools and supplies for your installation.

It’s that time of year again! Cabin fever is in the rearview mirror, and it’s time to think about having fun in the sun! We’d like to officially kick off spring with some innovative ideas to make your summer chores a breeze and get you out enjoying the great outdoors. Are your RV and boat in tip-top condition, or do they need some sprucing up? There’s an easy way to repair or replace your RV or boat carpet: Instabind!

Repairing or Replacing the Carpet in Your Recreational Vehicles

Are you looking to update or repair your boat carpet? Do you have damaged or shabby looking carpet in your RV? Sites like Pinterest are great for finding ideas for your DIY projects. Custom yacht interior designers are always an option as well, and publications like Boating Magazine are another great resource for ideas on sprucing up your boat. Companies like Sailrite sell our outdoor marine Instabind just for that purpose.

One style that our customers love is the rope edge Instabind. This style appeals to people who want a carpet binding that has a little something extra or who appreciate the nautical look in their home decor or on their boats.

Often people will choose a binding color that matches the carpet, mat, or snap-in flooring as closely as possible. Another decorative choice is to pick a contrasting color that will match an element of your boat, yacht, or RV. This will change the look of the carpet or mat and give it something extra visually, as well as complement its surroundings.

Bond’s outdoor marine style carpet edging is made using solution-dyed acrylic material. It is available in four stock colors (black, navy, grey & beige) in 50-foot rolls. This marine carpet binding is UV protected and mildew resistant, which makes it ideal for outdoor carpets or anything that might get damp or exposed to the elements.

We look forward to hearing from you anytime with any questions or comments! Please email us at sales@bondproducts.com or call our helpful team at 888-800-BOND for prompt assistance. Happy spring!

The Milnes family and carpet have a long, interconnected history. It’s not just a phrase to say we go “way back.” A Milnes family Bible was presented to John Milnes over 130 years ago as a wedding gift. It still remains in the family’s possession as of 2023, and contains birth and death records. What we know about their involvement in the history of carpeting in England and America is as follows:

In 1856 George and Freedy Milnes came to this country from Bradford, England. This village is located in Yorkshire which is in the northern part of the country near Scotland. They raise sheep in those colder climes, and Bradford was known as a woolen town, meaning that it was an area that manufactured woolen yarn and fabric products. So it was natural for the family to continue in the textile trade in their new country.

George and Freedy’s son John started the family business in 1910. It was then known as National Tapestry Company and produced woven high-­end upholstery fabrics with intricate designs on jacquard looms. During the lean years that followed, including the Great Depression, the company diversified and began making narrow tapes used in the garment industry, in particular for military uniforms. John’s son, Wesley Milnes, Sr., was born in 1889, and he continued the mill very successfully along with his brother-­in-­law, Ralph Shaw. Wesley and his wife, Minnie Bond Milnes, had 10 children, and the fifth child, Kenneth Bond Milnes, started the present Bond Products, Inc. in 1947 as a proprietorship, then incorporated in 1953.

Bond Narrow Fabric Co. began as a distributor of “narrow fabrics.” This is defined as fabrics less than 6″ wide: woven, knitted, braided, non-woven or other construction. Kenneth’s brothers, Wesley, Jr. and Arthur Milnes, were active in Bond Products during the 1950s, When Arthur’s son, Richard Milnes, began working in the family business as a shipping clerk at 17 in 1960, the company sold a small amount of cotton carpet binding tape, mostly 1-1/4″ and 1-1/2″ width. This was made at a local mill in Philadelphia.

In 1963 Bond introduced the first “one-pass” narrow binding tape in 13/16″ width. This binding was applied by a zigzag stitch sewing machine using clear monofilament thread on the top side, and a conventional filament bobbin thread. The machine was introduced that year by a company named Broadloom Speedbinder, Inc. A few years later they introduced a portable version of this machine. By the late 1960s, Bond was the leading producer of this new style of carpet binding tape.

In 1966 Bond was the second company to manufacture hot-melt carpet seaming tape. This was a major item in our product line for a long number of years, and continues to sell today.

Bond Products was acquired in 1974 by the family business, National Tapestry, which was known by that time as Wayne Mills Co. In 1980 we added a non-woven synthetic binding tape that became very popular. In 1987 we opened our sewing equipment division and entered the machine market. Our line of machines has evolved to include carving and cutting equipment and a wide variety of specialty products used in the creation and installation of carpet and rugs.

When Richard Milnes retired from full­-time employment in 2002, it was sold to his son, Brian Milnes, the present owner, who was already working for the family business at that time. So the family that brought their textile background here in 1856 continues to progress in this very competitive industry and now specializes in products for the floor covering trade.

Over 76 years and under four generations of Milnes guidance, Bond Products continues to offer innovative products and accessories to the floor covering trade, remaining in tune to the needs of our loyal customers and the carpet business as a whole.

There are so many automotive uses for our Instabind product – we at Bond know that. It’s particularly rewarding to see the wonderful results our customers get from it as well. We recently received these photos of the interior of a limousine, showing how Instabind can be used to bind carpet on site anywhere – to great effect.

These photographs came to us rather circuitously from the United Kingdom where our Instabind is known as Easy Bind. A company called Border Limousine Hire, located in the Scottish Borders, hired Hutchison’s Carpets to carpet the interior of one of their limos.

NICF master fitter Hugh Hutchison did the work, and it was photographed by Stevie Blake. To match the grey carpet, he used our Easybind Grey Dunn product in rope edge style.

These photos vividly illustrate the versatility of our Instabind/Easybind products, whether for crafts, car interiors, or the traditional carpet binding use, Instabind gets the job done beautifully.

Thank you, Hutchison’s Carpets, for trusting in and using Easy Bind for your work!