Job completed for Customer in Stony Creek

Completion date: January 29, 2025

Location: Stony Creek, NY

Why did the customer contact us?

This 19th century Sumac had the following issues with it:

-Entire medallions faded and worn on the field requiring reweaving
-Fringe completely torn and unravelling into the warp and weft
-Binding completely torn and unraveling into the field of the rug
-Color of vegetable dyes completely faded after 150 years

Solutions provided:

Restoring a Sumac rug involves several careful steps to ensure that the rug retains its beauty and durability. Sumac rugs, often handmade from wool and sometimes silk, are known for their bold patterns and vibrant colors, and the restoration process should respect these characteristics.

Jafri Rug restoration will do the following:

1. Assessment
Inspect the damage: Look for areas of wear, fraying, or any broken fibers. Check the edges, pile, and foundation.
Identify the materials: Knowing whether it’s wool, silk, or another material will influence the type of repair materials used.
2. Cleaning
Gentle washing: If the rug is dirty, it may need a thorough but gentle cleaning. Sumac rugs should be cleaned by professionals to avoid damaging the fibers or dyes.
Drying: Ensure the rug dries flat to prevent distortion of its shape.
3. Edge Repair
Rebinding or reweaving edges: If the rug's edges have unraveled, the damaged section is typically rebounded with new fibers, matching the original weave and color.
4. Reweaving or Patching
Reweaving damaged areas: For areas with severe damage, such as large holes, individual knots can be recreated to restore the design. This involves a skilled weaver who matches the original pattern and color.
Patchwork: In some cases, a patch is sewn into the damaged area. The patch should blend seamlessly with the rug.
5. Fringe Repair
If the fringe is worn out, it may need to be reattached or replaced. Often, a new fringe is knotted into place to restore the rug’s original look.
6. Reconditioning the Fibers
If the wool or silk is dry or brittle, it may need to be conditioned with a special treatment that helps restore the softness and flexibility of the fibers.
7. Reblocking
After the restoration is complete, the rug is reblocked to ensure it lies flat and the shape is restored. This is particularly important if the rug has become misshapen due to wear or moisture.
8. Final Inspection
After all the work is done, the rug should be inspected for quality and consistency in color, pattern, and texture. It might also undergo another cleaning to remove any excess repair materials.