Hamadan Rug repaired

Finished repair

 It was a very satisfying moment when I stitched the last buttonhole knots into the edging of the fringe to make sure the new knots don't unravel. As you can see from this section of the repair it is still lighter than the rest, but time will make it the right colour.  The rug was not cleaned prior to the repair and professionals always clean the rugs first so that every piece of wool is the correct colour. 

This was my first rug repair and I am more than pleased with the results. Would I do it again? yes I think I would if it was not too large a hole and I could match the colours again.

Tools and wool used

This was the mess left at the end, you can see I used two tapestry wools for the edge and I also had some wonderful really thick luscious Alpaca wool which somebody gave to me for the side edges.  I am so lucky to have friends in the Embroiderers' Guild who have a network of other friends who share things out when they don't want them and this wool has been in my stash for about 3 years. I used two large needles one with a slight curve which I think I bought many years ago when I upholstered a Chesterfield settee. I also used some very strong cotton and beeswax produced by a friend called Melanie who kept her own bees. The string was bought at W H Smiths and was their fine parcel string but I also used some thicker string I had here too. Two pens were used to add a dot of colour to the knots to blend them in and I dyed the white Alpaca wool with tea as that is what is sometimes done to old rugs to give them a worn look. 

So there you have it, the tools of the job. I also used the internet to research how to do it. The following websites I bookmarked and read as and when I was stuck for ideas.

Rug structure and the Hamadan weave below:
http://www.persiancarpetguide.com/sw-asia/FAQ/FAQ9995.htm

Antique Hamadan rugs
http://www.spongobongo.com/0her9970.htm

Rug repair and restoration
http://www.rugart.biz/rug-repair.html

End finishes
http://www.marlamallett.com/end.htm

Classic Rug Care
http://www.rugcare.co.uk/rugrepairs.html

I also looked up cleaning but thought it best to leave this area alone as its specialised, however, using an upright vacuum cleaner with a beater is why most rug edges become torn and worn. You should use an upholstery attachment to clean your rug and get down on your hands and knees. Beaters on cleaners damage rugs, but they can be used on the back when you turn them over if you are careful.

Rugs should really be given a good beating on some sort of line outside and a broom handle works quite well if you don't have an old fashioned bamboo carpet beater. I used to have one but sadly it was in the days when I saw it as a novelty and not a useful home tool. So its back to the broom handle for me.......