How to Remove Fringe From a Rug

Inspect the rug fringe to see how it is attached. Most fringe is sewn onto the rug or attached to small tassels that form the foundational backbone for the rug. Handle tassels carefully to prevent the rug fibers from unraveling.

Remove hand-sewn fringe first. Sewn fringe is often secured to the rug with two rows of stitching. Gently place the end of a sharp seam ripper under a stitch at the outermost section on one side. Pull the seam ripper up until the stitch breaks. Move to the next stitch and gently pull it out with the seam ripper.

Continue until you remove all the stitching. Pull the fringe away from the rug carefully, stopping and cutting off any excess thread as you go. Throw away your rug fringe.

Remove fringe attached to small tassels. Place your rug on a hard flat surface and arrange all the fringe so it lies as flat and straight as possible. If necessary, straighten the fringe with a small comb.

Cut off the fringe below each tassel. It is essential that the tassels stay uncut and in place, as removing them can cause your entire rug to unravel. Use a sharp pair of scissors and cut as close to the tassel as possible without cutting through the tassel itself. Repeat until you have removed all fringe from the rug.

Fold the tassels to the underside of the rug to protect them from wear and keep them out of the way of dirt and shoes. Tape them down with masking tape to safely secure them to the rug. Flip the rug over and put it back into place.