Persian rug restoration and repair.

Re-piling

Worn and bare patches are re-knotted, so the pile and the pattern read through again where traffic has worn them down to the foundation.

Fringes

Fringes are the ends of the warp threads that run the length of the rug. Where they have worn short or come loose, they are secured or rebuilt so the ends stop unravelling.

Ends

Once a rug loses the band or knot row at its end, it starts to shed knots. The ends are secured before the loss reaches the pattern.

Side cords

The selvedges along each side take more wear than the field. They are rewrapped or replaced so the edges sit straight and stop curling.

Woven to match

A Heriz, a Qashqai and a Kashan are built differently: knot type, foundation and the way the sides are wrapped all vary. Each repair follows the rug in front of us.

Honest advice

Not every rug needs work, and on an antique less is often more. We tell you what is worth doing, what it means for the rug’s value, and what is better left alone.

Can my Persian rug be repaired?

Almost always. Worn pile, frayed fringes, loose ends and damaged side cords can all be mended. The real question is how much work is sensible for the rug, which is why we look at it, in person or from photographs, before we quote.

How much does rug repair cost?

Every piece is quoted on its own. The price depends on the size of the rug, how finely it is woven and how much work it needs. Send photographs of the whole rug and close-ups of the damage, with its size, and we will come back to you with a quote.

How long does a repair take?

It depends on the work. Securing a fringe is quick; re-piling a large worn area takes much longer. You get a timeframe with your quote, before anything starts.

Is it worth repairing an old rug?

Usually, if the foundation is sound. A small repair now stops a fringe or an end from unravelling into the pattern, which costs far more to fix later. For an antique we will also tell you what a repair does to its value, and when conserving it as it is makes more sense.

Should a rug be washed before it is repaired?

Often, yes, since dirt hides wear and can make it hard to match colours. We will tell you when we look at the rug. Washing is priced separately at $55 per square metre.

What should I avoid doing to a damaged rug?

Do not trim loose threads or fringes, glue anything, or run a vacuum cleaner over a frayed end or a hole. Each of these turns a small repair into a larger one. Fold the damaged area under and bring it in.