Repair: Seams
Some of the best quality rugs in the world are woven in strips (usually 27" or 36") and sown together. Some are sown by hand, others by machine.
The thread used for seams varies depending on age, manufacture, and quality. The most common threads include: cotton, mercerized cotton, rayon, and linen. The most expensive and least common is the linen, which holds up against the ravages of time far better than the others. Shaneybrook's only uses 100% linen thread to repair seams. We use no glue or seaming tapes (which detereorate and damage rugs). Seams are repaired in the original method just as the rug came from the mill.
As shown above, proper seam repair take proper execution by a skilled hand.
Seams can break and require repair due to detereoration of seaming thread materials due to age (usually in the 70 years or older category). Seams can also break from using too thick of a pad, using no pad, improper handling, spills and stains, and general wear and abuse. Broken seams are not a defect, they are part of the rug and demand the same care as the rest of the rug.
Repairing a seam properly will help maintain the value, condition and character of your rug.
To discuss potential repairs or restoration with a specialist, please contact us.
Other repair examples.
Day-to-day use and abuse always results in regular maintainance and repair. Some typical repairs are detailed below: rough ends, fringes, unravelling sides, kicked-up corners, and that small spot the dog chewed or the cat clawed while you were out. Shaneybrook services all of these repairs and more.
Restoration.
When abuse or damage exceeds the capabilities of more simple repairs, restoration is available. The nature of restoration projects demands a more individual assessment for the needs of your rug or carpet. A member of our conservation team can provide you with the best options and a plan for any restoration project.
To discuss potential repairs or restoration with a specialist, please contact us.