The short answer
- Reweaving rebuilds missing areas of a rug, and repiling restores worn or thin pile. Both can be done by hand.
- We repair holes of any size, plus torn or worn areas, and we specialize in antique rugs.
- Early repair is easier and protects the rug’s value. Damage tends to spread.
- Refringing is also part of the work when the ends of the rug need rebuilding.
A hole from a moth, a worn path from years of foot traffic or a torn corner can make a beautiful rug look finished. It doesn’t have to be. Rug repiling and reweaving restore the structure, pattern and appearance of damaged rugs, and they are among the most skilled hand repairs we do in Denver and Austin. This guide explains what each repair is, when you need it and what to expect.
Reweaving vs. repiling: what’s the difference?
- Reweaving rebuilds areas where the rug’s structure is missing, such as holes, tears or sections eaten away. New threads are woven in by hand to match the original foundation and pattern.
- Repiling restores areas where the pile is worn down, thin or patchy, but the foundation underneath is still intact. New pile is added to bring back height and color.
- Refringing rebuilds the fringe ends, which are an extension of the rug’s foundation. See our guide to fringe replacement.
When your rug needs repair
- Holes, thin spots or bare patches, including moth damage.
- Worn paths in high-traffic areas, or worn corners.
- Tears or cuts from furniture, pets or accidents.
- Frayed or missing ends. Related: binding and serging protect the side edges.
Repair is much easier when damage is small. Wool that is already weak can keep unraveling, so it is worth acting early.
How we repair a rug
- Inspection. We study the fibers, dyes and damage, and decide what the rug needs.
- Cleaning first. A clean rug is easier to repair accurately, so we usually wash it before the repair. See our cleaning process.
- Matching. Yarn is chosen or dyed to match the surrounding colors and texture.
- Hand repair. Missing areas are rewoven, and worn areas are repiled, so the repair follows the pattern.
- Finishing. The repair is trimmed, blended and checked.
Antique and valuable rugs
Antique rugs deserve special care. A good repair preserves the rug’s age, character and value instead of trying to make it look new. We specialize in antique rugs and treat every repair as conservation. If you’d like to know what your rug is worth before repairing it, ask about appraisals.
Rug repiling and reweaving FAQs
Can any hole be repaired?
We repair holes of any size, along with torn and worn areas. How invisible the repair is depends on the rug, so we assess it first.
Will the repair match the rest of the rug?
That is the goal. We match yarn, color and pattern as closely as possible and blend the repair into the surrounding area.
Is repair worth it for an older rug?
Often, yes. Repair stops damage from spreading and protects the rug’s structure and value. We’ll give you an honest opinion.
How long does a repair take?
It depends on the size and type of the repair. We give you a timeline with your quote.
Do you offer pickup and delivery?
Yes. We collect your rug and deliver it back when the work is complete.