Hello!
I have this old super heavy braided rug that I bought at a thrift store in the early 2000s. I assume it’s from the 70s. It has no backing, and a few years ago it started splitting. I tried repairing it by hand with quilting thread, but the weight of the rug immediately ripped the threads apart again.
From other posts on this forum, I’m guessing I need some sort of curved upholstery needle and coated/waxed thread. But I have some lingering questions:
1.) What color thread and weight? Links appreciated. Needle, too?
2.) Should I attempt to put a backing on it to protect it moving forward? If so, what fabric and how do I attach?
3.) Do I thread through the entire braid? Does that hold it in better?
Thanks in advance!
Replies
“[Deleted]”
I had a braided rug in the past, and it was put together with invisible thread. It was a heavy weight rug, too.
I’m thinking that a thin fishing line would take care of your rug. I would use a large curved upholstery needle.
I wouldn’t put a backing on this rug, just place it on a rug pad if you think it needs it.
I don’t think sewing through the entire braid will make anything stronger. I should think that would stress out the next seam over and possibly cause it to fail. You have to consider that the threads in the rug are older and more fragile. That includes the fibers in the braid.
I will try this! Thank you.
If you have damaged rugs in your it can be repaired by professional in that services. Greyweave selling and providing services to carpets and rugs online
You might also try button and buttonhole thread.
You can use craft thread (it used to be called “button and carpet thread”). It’s thicker than quilting thread. You can buy beeswax in the notions section off fabric stores and run the thread through it. You can also use a curved needle.
Another idea is to use waxed dental floss. I use it for sewing on metal buttons that wear out regular thread too fast. Just don’t get the mint flavored!