How to Hem Rugs

Many people enjoy making their own rugs, whether they are woven or created by knitting or knotting fabric strips. Regardless of the method, all rugs need finished edges. Rugs can be completed by adding a fringe, folding and sewing or adding a binding. To determine the most suitable type of hem, consider the type of fabric as well as the skill level needed to complete the work. For rugs that have a thin fabric backing, hand sewing a folded edge is one of the easiest hems and looks good on most rugs.

Large sewing needle
Scissors
Thread in color matching the main color in the rug

Instructions

- 1
  Fold along the line where the backing material of the rug protrudes beyond the area of the rug, on one of the edges of the rug. Turn the fold to the wrong side of the rug.
- 2
  Insert thread into the eye of the needle. Pull the thread through the eye of the sewing needle, until the two ends of the thread are aligned.
- 3
  Work with the wrong side of the rug facing you. Insert the pointed end of the needle into the fabric backing of the rug and take a small stitch, about 1/8 inch long. Insert the needle into the rug and take another small stitch, being careful that your stitch is not visible from the right side of the rug.
- 4
  Continue taking stitches until you reach the end of the edge. Take two or three stitches in the same spot to bind off the thread.
- 5
  Repeat on the remaining three sides of the rug, or only on the opposite edge if the two short sides are fringed.

How to Uncurl a Rug

Rug Tufting Tools

Rugs