Yes, the fringe on an Oriental rug can often be repaired, but the work may be more involved than simply replacing a decorative trim.
Every hand-knotted rug is constructed on a foundation of warp and weft. The warp consists of the foundation strands that run lengthwise from one end of the rug to the other, while the weft runs from side to side. The visible fringe is an extension of the warp—not the weft—and is therefore part of the rug’s structure.
When the fringe wears away or breaks, it often means that portions of the original warp have also been lost. This can make replacement challenging, especially if the damage has progressed into the pile. Depending on the rug’s condition, the repair may involve securing the remaining ends, rebuilding missing foundation areas or carefully adding new fringe that is compatible with the original construction.
Early repair is important. Securing worn ends before the damage moves farther into the rug can reduce the amount of restoration required. We inspect each rug individually to determine the most appropriate repair method.