Home Garden

How to Fix a Carpet Snag

A snagged carpet fiber can be merely unsightly or even dangerous, causing a pet's claw or a shoe to connect with it and creating an accident. Although time consuming to fix, a snagged carpet can be fixed by hand and is worth it to prevent more damage to the rug. An awl is an ideal tool for fixing a carpet snag, but a knitting needle or yarn darner will work as well.

Things You'll Need

  • Sharp scissors
  • Carpet glue
  • Knitting needle or awl
  • Masking tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the snagged edge off as close to the carpet base as you can. Use very sharp scissors or a utility knife if the snag is at the edge of the carpet. If the snag is in the middle of the carpet, skip this step.

    • 2

      Run a piece of masking tape along each side of the edge of the carpet to protect the rest of the carpet.

    • 3

      Place a bead of carpet glue into the hole(s) where the yarn has come loose.

    • 4

      Weave the pulled edge of yarn back through the carpet backing using a knitting needle or awl. Push the yarn back into place as loops in the backing.

    • 5

      Pull the fiber until the snagged loop is a little longer than the loops around it. Continuing doing this with the rest of the row and with wear the loops will eventually even out.

    • 6

      Leave the rug edge alone until the carpet glue dries according to manufacturer instructions. Remove the masking tape once the glue is dry.