Brian’s Blog

We mentioned the beauty of wall hangings and their practical uses in an earlier post. Here we would like to highlight one of the most beautiful and mysterious tapestries ever created: The Hunt of the Unicorn. This is a series of seven tapestries, and their origin dates from between 1495 and 1505. In its entirety, it’s considered to be one of the greatest artworks in existence. Despite it fame, many mysteries persist about The Hunt of the Unicorn, including who designed it, where it was woven, and what its panels are intended to symbolise.

Woven with wool, silk, and metallic thread, there are 5 large pieces, one small piece, and one piece that survives only in fragments. Each large tapestry is 12 feet tall by 14 feet wide. The seven tapestries are:

• The Start of the Hunt
• The Unicorn at the Fountain
• The Unicorn Attacked
• The Unicorn Defending Himself
• The Unicorn is captured by the Virgin (in two fragments)
• The Unicorn Killed and Brought to the Castle
• The Unicorn in Captivity

Together, the tapestries tell a tale of noblemen who, with their huntsmen and hounds, pursue a unicorn through a beautiful forest. They track down the unicorn, capture it, take it to a castle, and kill it. In the final tapestry the unicorn is resurrected and shown resting in a garden enclosed by a circular fence.

Unicorns are, of course, magical, pure creatures, and unicorn lore was popular in the medieval period when the tapestry was made. They represented wisdom, immortality, lovers, and marriage. People believed that unicorns could heal wounds and purify water and that only a virgin could tame a unicorn. These themes are woven into the individual tapestries of The Hunt of the Unicorn. A virgin leads the unicorn into an enclosed rose garden where it is sacrificed.

There is entirely another meaning to these tapestries, however. The unicorn at the center of The Hunt of the Unicorn is also clearly meant to represent Jesus Christ, and the virgin is meant to be his mother, Mary. There are many clues hidden within images of the tapestries to indicate this. The unicorn is wounded on his right side, as was Christ. The unicorn is sacrificed and resurrected. In the final tapestry the unicorn sits in a beautiful garden paradise. The piece as a whole was clearly designed to be meaningful and relevant on two levels: both secular and religious. The people of this age would have understood both messages.

Scholars believe that The Hunt of the Unicorn was of French design and woven in Brussels, but more than that is unknown. The initials AE appear over and over in the tapestries, but who AE was, if AE was a person, is another mystery. For centuries they were owned by the La Rochefoucauld family of France. John D. Rockefeller purchased most of the set in 1922 and displayed them in his own house until he donated them to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1938 along with the missing pieces he had tracked down. The Met has housed The Hunt of the Unicorn since then in the Cloisters where they are on permanent display for the public to view (above image theirs).

The Hunt of the Unicorn shows the intersection of art and everyday objects, of the sacred and the secular in a very beautiful way. It’s art that serves as more than art, but a reminder of the Easter message as well.

Bond Products offers a complete catalog of materials and supplies for carpet binding, serging, and rug making. This includes carpet binding equipment like carpet binding machines, portable binders, sergers, and tapestry binders. We also offer repair service and maintain equipment of all brands for our customers.

During our fall and spring open houses, we invite the public into our facilities to give them a chance to watch carpet binding by the experts and also ask them questions about fixing or maintaining their carpet binding equipment so they will be able to handle repairs on their own. We do small repairs on machines for free as well if they bring their equipment to an open house. You can see by browsing our Clearance page that many carpet binders stand the test of time and work for years or even decades with some tender loving care and the occasional repair.

Some of our customers prefer to have our experts do their repairs, and we are more than glad to do the work for them. If you have a binder or serger that needs repair, please do not hesitate to send it to us. Here are some testimonials from customers who brought or sent in their equipment* to us for repair:

“Wanted to say thank you so much for tuning up my machine. WOW!!! This machine runs and sounds like brand new and thank you so much for replacing my thread guide and belts.”

“Scott from Tech Support saved the day!!! I am in the middle of a very important job and my PBL1 stopped working, It took a 5-minute phone call, and I am back in business…”

“Scott and Gene have gotten me out of a bind (pun intended) many times helping me get my machines running. Keep up the good work, looking forward to many more years of business with Bond.”

We are proud of our efforts to educate our customers on which machines would be best for their needs, how to use them, how to maintain them, and how to repair them. If you have any questions about your carpet binding equipment, whether it’s running well or needs repair service, please call. We are happy to hear from you and help. And if you’d like to attend our upcoming spring open house, call us at 1-888-800-BOND to make your appointment. 

*Click here for our recommendations for packing up your binder if you need to ship it to us to repair.  We’ve found that if these guidelines are not followed, the machines are much more likely to be damaged on route and require more costly repairs to get them functioning again.

 

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?

Bond Products, Inc.

4511 Wayne Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19144

1-888-800-BOND (2663)

*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

 

 

 

Do your friends and family have problems with allergies or asthma? If so, the carpet or rugs in your house could be part of the problem and not a solution at all. What is the best carpet for allergy sufferers? 

Scientists are learning every day that the human immune system is complex in ways that we do not understand. Our bodies have not evolved as quickly as our technology has. When it comes to our health and well being, simpler, more natural products are often better for us.

One of those is wool.  In the mid-20th century, man-made fibers were all the rage. Scientists and researchers found ways to “improve” upon natural fiber products, creating fabrics and fibers that were stain resistant, wrinkle resistant, easier to dye, and generally more durable. While these qualities made them seemingly ideal for items like clothes and carpeting, they may not have some other qualities natural fibers like wool has. Wool:  

• contains a substance called permethrin that kills very small insects.
• treated with lanolin, is water resistant, air permeable, and antimicrobial
• is resistant to bacteria, mold, and mildew.
• insulates both ways, keeping warm air in – and out. It is used effectively in both warm and cold climates.
• absorbs sound, odors, and other contaminants. When used in carpet, it can purify the air for up to 30 years.
• ignites at a higher temperature than other fabrics and requires more oxygen to burn. It does not melt like synthetic fibers either. It’s a wonderful overall protective material, which makes it an ideal fabric for firefighters, policemen, and others in dangerous professions.

As a carpet fiber, wool is particularly useful for keeping the home quiet, pest and dust free, and for reducing asthma and allergy attacks. In general carpeted floors are better for keeping dust and dust mites in check. Carpet traps dust mites which can then be vacuumed up. However wool is even better than synthetic carpets for asthma and allergy sufferers because it both traps and naturally repels tiny insects, acting with a two-pronged strategy to eliminate dust mites. It also cannot be inhaled. The millions of Americans are allergic to dust mite waste might find significant relief by switching to wool carpeting.

Carpet for Allergy Sufferers

The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that indoor air quality is one of five main health threats people face, and recent European studies have clarified the health dangers of too much fine particulate matter in the air. The increased use of natural fibers as air purifiers, and in lieu of synthetic fibers, can only improve general health.

All of the other benefits of natural fibers, and wool in particular, should be considered when making choices for furniture and apparel. The choices our grandparents and ancestors made to make our lives healthy and comfortable are not always as “outdated” as we may believe and often had rational basis for their selection. The best carpet for allergy sufferers is wool. Maybe it’s time to give this material another try.

 

 

Bond Products sells a number of narrow fabrics, one of the company’s original product offerings. Today we will talk about Hug-Snug seam binding, a rayon seam binding that can be used for a number of sewing applications, including as hem tape.

What is hem tape? Finer garments, such as pants and skirts, as well as many vintage pieces of clothing use hem tape to cover the hem allowance edge. If you look inside a tailor-made garment, you will see how hem tape is utilized to make the garment look better and last longer. It creates a neater, more finished look as well as a more comfortable drape and feel than you’ll find with most off-the-rack clothing. It’s a mark of quality in tailored and professionally sewn clothes.

You don’t have to be a tailor or a professional seamstress to give your own clothing these touches, however – not with Hug-Snug. How do you use this product? It can be sewn on flat as a standard hem tape or it can be used to enclose the raw hem edge, covering and preventing any fraying down the line in the life of the garment. Hug-Snug is not only attractive, it irons smoothly and easily. Because it’s lightweight, it will not bulk up your seams. It can also be used on curved pieces like arm holes with only a little extra pressing.

Hug-Snug is a 100% rayon ribbon with a satin finish and is available in a variety of colors. Bond Products carries the following Hug-Snug ribbon colors:

• Eggshell
• Chalkwhite
• Pink
• Goldenrod
• Leather Tan
• Bluewhite
• Black
• Havanna Brown/Beige

Using rayon seam binding is a great alternative to buying a serger or overlock machine while still giving clothes a seam that will look beautiful and never unravel or fray. Best of all it’s very inexpensive, especially when purchased in quantity.

And clothing is not the only use for Hug-Snug! It can be used beautifully in a wide variety of crafts. There are so many different ideas available on Pinterest illustrating all the possibilities of seam binding tape from bows to ribbon flowers to ribbon-work embroidery. There are many amazing decorative possibilities for dresses, hats, or purses as well.

For garment making, crafts, or fabric hobbies, seam binding tape is a must, and Bond Products can help you find what you need. Call us at 1-888-800-BOND to order your Hug-Snug binding tape and any other carpet binding or narrow fabric supplies today.

 

Bond Products’ ironless peel-and-stick seaming tape is the perfect solution for your seaming needs. This ironless tape is designed to make any seaming project super simple, with its easy-to-use peel-and-stick application. It’s perfect for home renovation projects or DIY repairs. 

How Do You Use Ironless Tape? 

You do not have to apply glue or heat anything. Simply peel off the protective backing and stick the seaming tape to your desired surface. There’s only four steps to follow if you are seaming carpet: 

1. Place your carpet on the floor, butt the edges to be seamed, and adjust the tape to the correct position. 
2. Fold back the edges of the carpet, then place the tape under the carpet length of the seam with the brown side down. Be sure the carpet edges are centered on the tape. 
3. Lift the carpet edges on one end and pull up the light-release paper from the tape while pushing the edges into the glue. Continue to press carefully along the entire length of the seam. 
4. Walk over the seam a few times or place a heavy weight along the seam length to press the carpet into the glue.

That’s all! This tape can be used on new carpet or for doing repairs on seams that are splitting. This product is not designed for stretch-in wall-to-wall carpet installations that put tension on the seam, however. 

If you want to avoid using heat, glue, or complicated tools in your seaming project, our Cool Stic ironless carpet seaming tape is the answer. This tape is versatile and can be used for so many applications, including carpet seaming, upholstery, and crafts. It’s the ideal solution for any project that requires a strong, reliable bond without the hassle of traditional seaming methods.

The tape is made of high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting, making it perfect for seaming. It comes in 15-foot rolls, and right now is on sale – so why wait to purchase? If you have any questions about our ironless tape or other products used in carpet seaming or installation, please call us at 1-888-800-BOND. We are always happy to help match you with the right products for your needs and make useful suggestions on your home or professional projects. 

 

Bond Products offers AAT1132 latex custom rug compound for customers who work with rugs, either making custom rugs or repairing antique rugs. This product is available in either 1-gallon or 4-gallon buckets.

What Is AAT1132?

AAT1132 is a latex compound that can be used to help stabilize or repair carpets and rugs. AAT1132 has a flexible formula that enables it to dry fast and clear so that it will not cause the rug to discolor in any way. It does not yellow over time and ages extremely well on the rugs it is applied to. AAT1132 typically takes between two and a half hours and 6 hours to dry, depending on the humidity of the environment and how much compound is applied to the rug or carpet. AAT1132 is shelf stable for 12 months after its manufacture date.

How Is AAT1132 Used?

This product can be applied to custom area rugs and carpets to laminate secondary backings to them in order to add stability to a rug as a whole. It is used to attach backing to carpet as well. Our customers use it to attach our Grey Felt Secondary Carpet Backing, our MOVENOT Secondary Felt, Double Grip Rubber Backing, or any other backing that can be attached to area rugs or carpets. It can also be used to repair the backings of antique carpets.

Many antique or oriental rugs may have sustained damage over time. This can be repaired in order to extend the life of the rug and make it beautiful again. Some amount of wear in an antique rug will not take away from its utility or beauty, but many older rugs, if they are to continue in use, must be fixed. Applying a latex compound like AAT1132 will strengthen the backing of the rug and keep it from fraying further or otherwise coming apart.

To use AAT1132, pour a workable amount of the compound on the back of a carpet and spread it in one of four different ways:

• Using a flat trowel
• Using a fine notched trowel
• Using a paint roller (long nap ½” minimum roller needed)
• Using a sprayer

Make sure to apply AAT1132 evenly across the back of the entire carpet. Do not allow it to glob or pool. Then add the backing and rub it down in order to ensure that it fully attaches to the carpet.

Since AAT1132 is easy to apply and dries clearly,  it should be on the radar of anyone with an interest in repairing rugs. Bond Products sells AAT1132 in 1-gallon jugs for $46.25 or 4-gallon buckets for $132.50. No rug backing job is too big or too small!

If you make custom rugs or repair antique rugs and are looking for a product that will stabilize the backings of these rugs, AAT1132 is a great product to use. Call us today at 1-888-800-BOND to place your order.

When it comes to installing or maintaining a metal roof, one of the most critical components that often gets overlooked is the humble screw. Metal roof screws play a pivotal role in the longevity and effectiveness of a roof, holding the entire roofing system together and ensuring it stays secure and weatherproof. In this blog, we talk about the metal roof screws we offer at Bond Products and what jobs they are best suited for.

The Importance of Metal Roof Screws

The integrity of a metal roof is only as good as the quality of its installation and the materials used, especially the screws. These screws must withstand various stresses, including thermal expansion, moisture, and wind uplift. Using the right screws is crucial for preventing leaks, rust, and ensuring the roof’s structural integrity over time.

Types of Roofing Screws

The roofing screws we offer are commonly used to install roofing on a house, porch, airplane hangar, shed, pole barn, shop, barn, or lean-to. They are ideal for attaching roofing panels and siding on post-frame and residential metal roof applications. Other common applications for these roof screws are for HVAC, steel stud framing, gutters, and register vents. 

Our screws have hex heads which are popular for their durability and ease of installation. They provide a firm grip and are less likely to strip. The 3-inch length comes in Midwest Green, and the 1-inch lengths are available in steel, white, and tan. 

The length and diameter of the screw should be chosen based on the thickness of the metal roofing panels and the type of substrate to which they are being attached. It’s crucial to ensure the screws penetrate sufficiently to secure the panels but not so deeply that they cause damage to the underlying material.

Roof Screw Installation Best Practices

• Proper Placement: Screws should be placed at the designated points to avoid damaging the metal panels.
• Avoid Over-Tightening: Over-tightening can strip the screw hole or damage the washer, compromising the waterproof seal.
• Consistent Angles: Screws should be driven in at a consistent angle to ensure an even, secure attachment.

Regular inspection of metal roof screws is essential to maintain a roof. Over time, screws can back out or become damaged, potentially leading to leaks or loose panels. Replacing old or damaged screws promptly helps maintain the roof’s integrity.

In the world of metal roofing, attention to detail makes all the difference, and this certainly applies to the selection and installation of metal roof screws. The right metal roof screws, properly installed, not only secure the metal panels but also contribute to the overall longevity and performance of the roof. With the proper screws in place, a metal roof can provide decades of reliable, aesthetically pleasing protection for any building.

If you are not sure which type of roofing fasteners would best meet your needs, please call us at 1-888-800-BOND. We would be happy to talk over the specs of each screw type and advise you. 

It’s the season for conventions and events! This Brian Milnes will be at TISE, The International Surface Event in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bond Products will be displaying in booth #6555 , so please stop by and say hello!

What is TISE?

The International Surface Event is three trade shows in one: SURFACES, StonExpo/Marmomac, and TileExpo events. TISE is the largest North American floor covering, stone, and tile industry event. It’s where everyone in the flooring industry goes to learn about flooring design, current and future trends, purchase products, and network with other people who work in the flooring business.

TISE exhibits will be open from January 24-26, 2024. We will be displaying and demonstrating our Instabind products, including our newest addition to our catalog of products, our fringe style Instabind™. If you are planning on attending TISE and you’d like to see how our Instabind™ line easily and inexpensively binds carpet and area rugs, check out booth #6555.

If you can’t by in Las Vegas for TISE this week, shop our online sale. Spend $100, and save 10% on any item (except already discounted package deals)! Use code SURFACES24 and save!

 

Happy New Year! It’s out with the old, and in with the new, and with the new calendar comes New Year’s resolutions. Many of us make personal resolutions, but business owners often choose to make additional investments in equipment too. The economy is still growing, and 2024 is a great moment in time to advance the capabilities you can offer to your customers. Bond Products offers a wide variety of new equipment for sale for carpet binding, serging, and installation, as well as rug carving and rug making and any other carpet need you might have.

Are you looking for:

Portable Binders – Our line of portable binders makes finishing carpet on site so simple and the results are clean and elegant looking. You will be proud of the work you can produce anywhere for your customers.

Stationary Carpet Binders – For in-house carpet binding, we have a variety of stationary carpet binding machines that are capable of binding carpets very quickly and with professional results. If you are unsure of the difference between portable and stationary binders or which would be best for your business, we cover that here. 

Portable and Table Mounted Sergers – The Bond Alpha Mini- 2000 Portable Serger works great for serging carpet anywhere, producing beautiful carpets and rugs. We also have a heavy duty serger for in-house serging capability. 

Rug Carving Equipment – If you’ve ever wanted to expand your carpet offerings to rug carving, we have the equipment you need. This is the art of adding texture to a piece of carpet using a carving tool. Give your customers one-of-a-kind results for their interior decor!

Portable Binder Cart – For carpet binding professionals who want to save wear and tear on their knees and backs in 2020, we have our portable binder cart. It will make running your Bond PBL, PBB 2×2 or 4×4, Alpha Mini, or PBL-TX much easier, as it supports your chest and keeps your hands free for working. 

Portable Bag Closer – Bond also offers a lightweight, fast and reliable bag closer that is useful for closing a wide variety of bags used to contain and ship product. 

We also offer a whole line of products related to carpet binding or installation. These include staple and mallets, needles, bobbins, and thread, binding and serging tapes, and, of course, Instabind in a large array of styles and colors! We even offer machine package deals if you want everything you need to get started with a new machine right out of the box. 

If you’ve ever thought of purchasing your own carpet serging or binding machines, the turn of the new year is a great time to invest in new equipment. With the right training and some acquired experience, you can create beautifully bound or serged carpets either in-house or on-site. If you have any questions about which equipment would be best to invest in, call us at 1-888-800-BOND today. We will be happy to help you make the perfect choice. 

 

Rug fringe. Believe it or not, amongst rug enthusiasts this can be a controversial topic. Some people love it, some hate it. Professional rug cleaners know that the hardest part of a rug to restore is the fringe because dirt gets caught in it so easily. Most people prefer their fringe to be neat, clean, and clearly differentiated from the rest of the rug, but, generally speaking, the average rug owner doesn’t know what to do with the fringe when it gets nasty looking except to take it to a rug professional. So here we will explain what rug fringe is and why you may want to maintain the one you have or entirely replace it.

What Is Rug Fringe?

On a traditional antique or Oriental rug, the fringes are the warps of the rug itself tied together to finish off the rug. Rug makers hand tie strands of wool or silk into knots around these warps.  The warps are as long as the rug itself. The fringe is the way the rug maker secures the foundations of the rug. He gathers together bundles of warp strings at both ends of the rug after it’s been cut from the loom. The fringe knots keep the pile knots and end finishes tight and in place. It’s not supposed to be particularly decorative, but it can’t be cut off because those warps keep the wool or silk in place. Without them you will have an unraveling rug. That’s definitely something you do not want.

If the fringe on your hand-woven rug has become dirty or discolored, you cannot get this dirt out without really scrubbing it. The problem is that the chemicals used to clean rugs combined with the force of scrubbing often take a toll on the fringes. As stated above, you do not want those fringes to get too short, or you take the chance of damaging the rug itself. If your fringe is short already or is disintegrating, you definitely need to take it to a rug professional to have it fixed. Handmade rugs always require repair by hand in order to maintain the look and the value of the rug itself.

If you have a machine-made rug, the fringe itself is a detail that’s added in order to give it the look of an Oriental or handmade rug. If the fringe on your machine-made rug gets dirty, discolored, frays, or gets destroyed by your pet or your vacuum, then the solution is easy: remove the damaged fringe and replace it with a new one. This can easily be done using a special kind of lock-stitch TMB sewing machine we use or sell at Bond Products, and we have a video explaining the process on our website here.

If you do not have access to a TMB sewing machine, we also offer our Instabind Fringe Style as a solution. This is a very simple way to replace the fringe and can be done by anyone who has a little time, a glue gun, glue, and a pair of scissors.

The important thing to understand about your rug’s fringe is the purpose it serves the rug. If it’s a part of the foundation of the rug itself, it cannot be replaced, but if it’s a decorative addition to a machine-made rug, it can. If you have any questions about this or would like to know how Bond Products can help your rug look cleaner, neater, and newer, call us today a 1-888-800-BOND.

 

If you have layered your area rugs on any of the carpets in your home, you may have noticed that they tend to travel over time despite being inanimate objects. Have you ever wondered what causes rug creep? Can you do anything to stop rug creep and keep your rugs in place on your carpeted floors?

Why Area Rugs Creep across Carpet

Area rugs can look really beautiful on top of carpet if they are layered with an eye toward design. “Layering your rugs adds depth and scale to a room which not only makes it more interesting, but actually pulls the eyes down and gives your guests additional style elements to enjoy and admire.”

It can be frustrating, though, to put your rugs down in a specific place and watch them slowly creep somewhere else over time. The reason rugs move on carpet is not because they have teeny tiny legs but because the carpet’s pile slants in one direction. All of the fibers in the carpet lean one way so that when a rug is placed on top of that carpet and people walked on it, the rug will slowly be pushed in the direction of the pile by the force of the tread. The carpet remains in place because it is fastened to the floor with staples or nails, but the rug is repositioned every time someone walks across it.

Carpet installers know this. When they install the carpet, they will lay it with the pile towards the main doorway because this will make the colors look more vibrant to anyone entering the room. Similarly, when installing carpet on stairs, the installer will lay it so that the pile flows down the stairs. It will make the carpet last longer and look more attractive. 

When you vacuum carpet, you will notice that it’s easier to vacuum it in one direction than it is in other directions. When you vacuum with the pile, you won’t be meeting resistance from the fibers and it will be an easier job. 

How to Stop Rug Creep

There are many backing products that can be used to stop area rugs from moving. Bond Products offers a number of rug backing supplies including: 

Safety grips – These grips can be peeled and stuck to the back of a rug to keep it from slipping on any surface, including carpet. 

MOVENOT and SUPERMOVENOT rubber backing – Both products can be glued to the underside of a rug. Glue the felt side down to keep it from creeping on carpet and the rubber side down to stop it from slipping on hard floors. 

LOK-LIFT Rug Gripper – This tape can be attached to the bottom of a rug to keep it from moving.

RUGLOCK Spray – This product can be sprayed onto the rug’s back to keep it in place. 

Using one of the above products will keep your area rugs in position and halt rug creep in your home. They are also useful for stopping rugs from slipping across hard floors. If you have any questions about which product would best suit your need, please call us at 1-888-800-BOND. We will be happy to help you choose. 

There are many different ways to finish your rug edges to prevent them from unraveling. Bond Products offers a variety of carpet edge binding options that you can use to create practical and stylish carpets and rugs. In this blog we will list these binding options, with details, to make them easier for you to differentiate for your design needs. 

Your Carpet Edge Binding Options

Standard Edge Binding

This binding option involves using a durable, colorfast synthetic fabric tape that is designed to blend with the rug edge and not stand out. This is the most common and economical edge binding choice. Carpet binding is commonly done with a carpet binder, but for individual projects or DIYers, we offer Instabind carpet binding tape in many different styles.

Serging

Carpet serging uses a continuous wrap of yarn, about 3/8ths of an inch wide, around the edge of a rug. It looks very similar to a traditional whip stitch, except that the yarn is even closer together, and gives the rug a more finished look. The yarn color usually blends with the rug’s background color or highlights a color in the rug pattern that the customer wants to emphasize. Most serging is done using a carpet serger because serging by hand is extremely time consuming. 

Bond Products also has serge style Instabind available in synthetic and cotton options. 

Fringe

On a traditional antique or Oriental rug, the fringes are the warps of the rug itself tied together to finish off the rug. On most modern rugs available in stores, the fringes are a decorative finish that can be replaced. Bond’s replacement rug fringes are available in natural cotton in various colors and with or without knots.

We also offer Instabind fringe style for a faster, do-it-yourself project. 

Hand Binding

Hand binding is the least noticeable edge binding option. A cloth binding is sewn or stapled and glued with hidden stitching and wrapped tightly around the back. This is a subtle, but time consuming rug binding choice that we offer our local customers. We also sell a heavy-duty hand-binding stapler for this job. 

Hand Serging

Hand-sewn serging sits below the rug edge, creating a close-to-invisible effect. This is the most labor intensive edge treatment, but for customers with heirloom rugs it can be worth the investment.

Wide Fabric Bindings

There are also a number of wide-fabric binding options. They are done to add an accent to the edge of the rug and are often added to natural-fiber rugs like sisals. The stitching options available include top stitch and blind stitch, and the corner options include straight and mitered. 

Top Stitch – The top stitch binding style adds a visible seam to the edge of the carpet. This decorative stitch is sewn on top of the carpet, providing a neat and tailored finish. It not only prevents fraying but also introduces a subtle design element to the carpet’s edge.

Blind Stitch with Mitred Corners – The blind stitch, paired with mitred corners, is a sophisticated and seamless binding technique. In this method, the binding material is folded over the edge of the carpet, concealing the stitch beneath. The corners are meticulously mitred, creating a clean and polished appearance. 

Blind Stitch with Straight Corners – For a clean and no-nonsense approach, the blind stitch with straight corners is a classic choice. The binding is stitched directly onto the carpet’s edge, providing a robust and durable finish. This style is great for high-traffic areas. 

Choosing the right carpet edge binding style depends on your preferences, the intended use of the space, and the overall design scheme of the room. Each style adds its own touch of refinement to your floors.

As always, Bond’s customer service team will be happy to help you choose the best materials for your edge binding needs or, for local customers, make an appointment for your rug to be bound. Call us at 1 (888) 800-BOND with any questions you may have. 

 

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is: What binding or serging machine is the right choice for my business? With that inspiration we want to discuss and clarify our recommendations for each model machine in our line.

Portable vs. Stationary – the Pros and Cons

Portable machines are exactly that – portable. They are generally smaller machines on wheels that only require a small space to operate. They “roll” around the perimeter of the area rug either in your warehouse or right on the job site. They are considerably less of an initial investment than stationary machines and are generally recommended for those just getting started in the binding business or for those who simply do not have the space or budget required for stationary binders/sergers.

The benefits of portable machines are:

• They require less space to operate
• They are easily conveyed to the job site
• They require a smaller initial investment

Stationary machines, or table models as they are often called, require more space to operate as you will have to pass the carpet through on a set of rollers or an air table. You’ll need a minimum of twelve feet both in front and in back of the machine. If using a set of conveyor rollers, we like to set them up preferably double width and twenty feet front and back along a wall space to handle the rolled carpet, and then re-roll it three more times to bind/surge each edge. An air table that is both long and wide enough does not require re-rolling as the carpet will “float” and “turn” easily, reducing the handling time and effort. At Bond Products we have an air table in house that is 16’ x 32’ that does a great job handling the majority of the larger rugs we finish.

The benefits of stationary machines are:

• They run using foot pedals that free up both hands to maneuver the carpet more easily (especially when sewing on fringe).
• They are faster and more powerful than most portables
• They are heavy duty machines and require less maintenance
• They spare the operator physical stress because kneeling isn’t required

Binding vs. Serging

Binding is the traditional way to finish a carpet edge, using a binding tape in either polyester or cotton. The most common width is 7/8” although 1-1/4”, 3” & 5” widths are options.

Serging is actually attaching or whipping a yarn over the edge of the carpet. Serging yarn is available in synthetic or cotton (i.e., oriental carpet edge).

Real serging requires a special serging machine, although a properly fitted binding machine can attach serging tape that closely mimics real surging without the expense of an additional machine.

One More Option…

Not ready to invest in a binding or serging machine? Consider the option of our DIY Instabind. You can easily apply a binding, serging, or rope edge using only a pair of scissors or a glue gun. We offer nine styles and many colors to choose from.

Bond’s Lineup includes:

HDS & HDSB Stationary Sergers

Our Union Special 81200 heavy duty wrap around table serger with binder. The most heavy duty serger on the market, bar-none.

• Uses one spool of tex 210 bonded nylon and the serging yarn of your choice
• Binds and serges in one pass operation
• Also available without the binding attachment (stk# 21990x)
• Comes complete with table, motor, and thread stands, etc.
• Built on another quality Union Special head and backed by over 55 years of family owned & operated craftsmanship
• Charge 5-7 dollars a foot and up for unmatched profits

Bond Alpha Mini 2000 Serger

Bond’s Alpha – mini 2000 has the best value of any portable carpet serger available!

• Comes with no. 138 tex size 135 nylon thread  & cone of cotton yarn for starting up.
• Great for all carpet, rugs, & mats
• Utilizes the latest technology
• Handles large range of carpet thickness & backings
• Wraps perpendicular on the edges, not at an angle
• Wraps evenly around edge, on both top & bottom
• Maneuvers swiftly on its ball bearing wheels
• Serges outside & inside corners, curves, or scallops with ease
• Speed controlled electronically
• Digital meter registers the volume of serging
• Stand-up handle available
• Lightweight & easy to transport
• Designed for heavy duty use
• Comes with spare needles, tool kit, & operation manual
• Increases productivity
• 90-day warranty against manufacturer defects

Bond BBL-1 Table Binder

Built on the highest quality Union Special head, our BBL-1 is our best-selling commercial base binder.

• High speed, bobbinless, self-lubricating, low maintenance
• Combines with Bond’s portable cove base cutter and winder for optimum efficiency
• Priced complete with table, motor, thread & light stand

Bond BBL-2 Table Binder

The new Bond BBL-2 bobbinless carpet binder features 2 pulling wheels for a more positive feed. Perfect for binding carpet base, mill samples and high-speed production work. Self-lubricating, maintenance free and reliable, this machine is the choice for carpet workrooms with a high volume of work.

Features a 1/2 HP variable motor and will handle any width binding with a properly sized custom folder. This is a table model machine, perfect for adaptation to air tables and roller conveyor systems.  A cove base attachment is available as an option (runs carpet base hands free).

HDB-1 Table Binder

All new Heavy Duty Bobbinless Table Binder.

• Sews through the toughest carpets effortlessly
• Heavy berber, sisal and even bamboo cannot slow this beast
• Binds with 1-1/4 up to optional 5 inch width tapes in a single pass or attach our tapestry guide for even wider applications
• Heavy duty ½ hp variable speed motor
• Self -oiling
• Backed by Bond’s superior customer & technical support & service, it’s an investment that will pay for itself over and over

PBB-1X Portable Binder

Most economical, heavy duty,  high speed binder available. Variable speed to over 30 feet per minute. Glides through even tough unitary backings with ease. Put it on the floor and bind any size rug right where it lays. Also a terrific machine for binding carpet base with an optional cove base guide. Features include:

• Bobbinless portable “no more changing bobbins”
• High speed / variable speed with fingertip control
• Extra heavy duty construction
• Runs various widths of tape with optional folder attachments
• Lightweight & portable
• 110V, 60W, 8000 rpm HD motor
• Binding over 30 feet per minute
• Uses large spools of thread
• Easy to thread with full access removable front access panel
• Low maintenance / user friendly
• Backed by Bond’s 90-day limited warranty

PBB-2X Portable Binder

With the most pull through power to tackle the thickest & hardest carpet backings and the high speed to run volumes of carpet cove base and area rugs.  Best of all, no more bobbin is required, so there’s no more stopping every 50-60 feet to replace a bobbin. Features include:

• Bobbinless – no bobbin required
• Extremely powerful and high speed
• Adjustable speed trigger switch
• Double puller 4 x 4 (top and bottom driven pullers both front and rear)
• Independent rear puller lifter (run like a single puller for circles etc)
• Binds up to 3-inch tapes with optional folders
• Optional cove base guide
• Easy threading accessibility & tension adjustments
• Independent front & rear clutch pullers
• Heavy duty casters
• Lightweight
• 8-foot cord
• Holds large thread spools
• Low maintenance / user friendly
• Easy threading with full access removable front panel
• Super heavy duty needle & looper
• Straight chain stitch
• Extra high lift of needle height
• 110V standard heavy duty motor
• Non-slip belt system
• 90-day warranty on parts and service
  • Note: Bobbinless binders are straight stitch only!

PBL-TX Portable Tapestry Binder

Get up to date with our PBL-TX Tapestry Binder. Now you can put on the wide tapestry borders (up to 6-1/2″ on the face). Simply blind stitch the wide border on and “flip & glue” to the back side of the rug. Charge $7 to $9 and up per linear foot. A great additional income to your workroom or retail store business.

PBL-TXB Wide Tapestry & Binder Combo

All new Bond Model PBL-TXB Zigzag Lock-Stitch Tapestry Portable Binder. Comes with tapestry guide & your choice of a narrow folder. Why buy three different machines when one can do the job? Now available with a zigzag lockstitch that binds ¾ to 3” widths of tape in a single pass (with optional folder attachments) or tapestry blind stitch up to 6-1/2 inches wide.

• Portable
• Straight or zigzag stitch
• Adjustable stitch length
• High lift needle
• Uses regular portable style A, HD bobbins
• Binds over 10 feet per minute
• Walking foot top and feed dog bottom for consistent pulling power
• Optional 3-inch sisal  tape folders available
• Four heavy duty caster wheels for stability
• 8-foot cord standard
• 220v motor optional
• Backed by Bond’s 90-day warranty
  • Note: When using as a regular binding machine, it’s only intended for light to medium weight carpets, also ideal for upholstery work.

 

While it would be great to install one piece of carpet in a room, avoiding any seaming, in most cases, this is not possible. Fortunately, correctly seaming carpet using carpet seam tape can produce the same seamless effect. Here’s how you go about achieving it.

Unroll the carpet in the room you will install it. Measure the width of the piece that you will need to add to the main piece in order to fully carpet the room. It’s important to measure in more than one place along the length of the room. Some buildings aren’t really square, and you know the saying, “Measure twice, cut once.” It doesn’t just apply to wood.

With a carpet cutter or utility knife, trim the edge of your carpet against a straight edge, carefully measuring as you cut. If you do not do this correctly, your finished seam may show. When cut right, your carpet pieces will both have a straight, smooth edge on them, and they will fit together perfectly. Make sure the nap of the carpet on both pieces is going in the same direction, and then you can insert the seam tape.

Cut the carpet seam tape to the length of the cut seam and place it centered under the two cut edges with the adhesive facing up. The seam tape is marked to make this easier.

Prior to heat seaming, using a seam sealing latex. As the CRI Carpet Installation Standard states, “most carpet requires an edge protective material be introduced between the edges to be joined…Failure to properly prepare seam edges often results in: edge ravel, edge delamination, tuft loss, seam separation, safety concerns.”

After you have sealed the seam, pull back the carpet and put your pre-heated seaming iron down on the tape. When the glue on the tape has warmed and is starting to bead, press the two sections of the carpet back down on that section of the tape, slowly moving the seaming iron forward to heat the next section. Make sure the backing of the two pieces of carpet you are connecting are exactly together, tightly.

Use a carpet tractor or a weighted object to push the melted glue into the grid backing of the carpet so it will fully adhere to the tape. Repeat these steps along the entire length of the carpet until it is fully seamed. Allow the glue on the tape to fully cool before you move the carpet into position for its final installation. Smooth the surface of the seamed pieces with your hands and trim off any stray pieces of string or carpet fibers. Unplug your seaming iron and clean it with a piece of scrap carpeting.

Following these instructions should result in a nice uniform looking piece of carpet. Connecting carpet seams in the direction of the primary light source of the room will also help hide the seam visually.

Bond Products offers everything a DIY weekend project warrior or a professional installer will need for seaming and carpet installation. If you need staples, staple guns, mallets, mallet caps, L-cleats, or finish nails for your flooring project, shop our Pro Drive HD™ line of supplies. Let us help you find and purchase the right items for your job!