Rug fringe sparks strong opinions. Some people love the look. Others can’t stand it. Professional rug cleaners often say fringe is the hardest part to restore. That’s because dirt clings to it more than any other part of a rug. Most people prefer fringe that looks clean and neat, but few know what to do when it starts to look bad. In this post, we’ll explain what rug fringe is, when you can replace it, and when you should leave it to a pro.
What Is Rug Fringe?
On a traditional antique or Oriental rug, the fringe isn’t decorative. It’s structural. Fringe is made from the warp threads—the foundation fibers of the rug—gathered and tied off at both ends after the rug comes off the loom. Weavers knot wool or silk yarn around these warps to form the pile. Without fringe, those knots could unravel.
That’s why you can’t simply cut off the fringe on a handmade rug. Damaging or shortening it too much can compromise the structure of the rug and destroy its value. Handmade rugs require hand-repair to preserve their beauty and worth.
Can You Replace Rug Fringe on a Machine-Made Rug?
Yes, and it’s much easier. On a machine-made rug, the fringe is only decorative. Manufacturers attach it after production to mimic the look of a handmade rug. If your machine-made rug has a fringe that’s dirty, discolored, frayed, or destroyed by pets or vacuuming, you can remove and replace it.
At Bond Products, we use and sell a TMB lock-stitch sewing machine specifically for this task. We even have a how-to video on our website that explains the process step by step. If you’re handy with a heavy-duty sewing machine, you can do it yourself at home.
How to Tell Whether You Can Replace the Rug Fringe
Ask yourself this: is the fringe part of the rug’s construction, or is it sewn on after?
- If it’s structural (like on an Oriental or antique rug), don’t try to replace it yourself. Take it to a professional for hand repair.
- If it’s decorative, you can replace it using new fringe materials and the right tools.
Need Help Replacing Rug Fringe?
Bond Products offers everything you need to replace rug fringe on machine-made carpets, from tools to fringe in a variety of colors and materials. We even offer Instabind Fringe Style for a super simple DIY option. Whether you’re looking to restore a rug’s appearance or give it a fresh look, we’re here to help.
Call us at 1-888-800-BOND with your questions. Our team can walk you through your options and make sure you get the right products for your rug.
