Job completed for Customer in German Flatts

Completion date: January 31, 2025

Location: German Flatts, NY

Why did the customer contact us?

This is an example of a needlepoint rug that required enormous work to the field. Needlepoint rugs are not made in the same way as warp and weft hand knotted rugs, therefore Jafri Rugs had to apply a specific hooked wash and had weavers who specialized in hooked rug restoration to fix it.

Jafri Rugs observed the following:

-Edges were torn off
-Field of the rug had holes due to over a century of decay and wear
-Water damage and mildew caused the rug to become brittle and stiff
-Sections of the rug had to be rewoven

Solutions provided:

Jafri Rugs will do the following:

Needlepoint Rug Restoration
Restoring a needlepoint rug requires skill and precision, as these rugs often feature intricate, hand-done stitching and delicate fibers. The restoration process is more complex than standard cleaning and typically involves repairing any damage to the fibers, design, or structure of the rug.

1. Inspection and Assessment

The first step in restoration is a detailed inspection to assess the extent of the damage. This includes evaluating areas of wear, unraveling threads, fading colors, and any holes or tears in the rug. Special attention is given to preserving the original design and integrity of the stitching.
2. Cleaning Before Restoration

Before any restoration work begins, the rug must be cleaned thoroughly. Cleaning ensures that any accumulated dirt or stains are removed so that the restoration work can be done on a clean surface. This also helps identify areas that may require special attention during the restoration process.
3. Reweaving or Patching Damaged Sections

Reweaving: If the rug has areas of missing or damaged stitches, skilled artisans can reweave the missing sections, matching the original patterns and colors as closely as possible. This requires a high level of expertise to ensure the new stitches blend seamlessly with the rest of the rug.
Patching: In cases of extensive damage, a patch may be applied to restore the rug. This patch is typically made from the same or similar material to the original rug and is carefully stitched into place. Patches are often used when reweaving would be too complex or when a larger section of the rug has been compromised.
4. Fringe and Edge Repair

The fringe of a needlepoint rug is often subjected to wear over time. If the fringe is frayed or missing, it can be reattached or replaced by hand, ensuring that it matches the original design and material.
The edges of the rug may also need reinforcing or re-binding if they have started to unravel. This can be done by re-stitching or using a similar material to secure the edges.
5. Dyeing and Color Restoration

Color Fading: Over time, the dyes in a needlepoint rug may fade due to exposure to sunlight, wear, or improper cleaning. Skilled restoration experts can re-dye the affected areas using professional, colorfast dyes to restore the rug’s original hues.
Matching Colors: When dyeing a rug, it’s critical to match the colors exactly to ensure that the restoration is seamless. This process is usually done by hand to ensure accuracy.
6. Reblocking and Reshaping

After cleaning and restoration, the rug may need to be reblocked. This involves stretching the rug back into its original shape. Needlepoint rugs can lose their shape over time, especially if they have been rolled or folded. Reblocking ensures the rug lies flat and retains its intended appearance.
7. Final Inspection

Once all the restoration work is completed, a final inspection is conducted to ensure the rug is restored to its original condition. The rug is checked for any missed areas, color inconsistencies, or stitching issues that may need to be addressed before it’s returned.