How Do I Sew a Carpet That's Ripped at the Seams?
Carpeting makes our homes warm, inviting and visually appealing. However, the expense of carpeting your home makes it more of an investment than a decoration. Shoes, accidents, pets and furniture are just a few of the things that cause damage, such as rips, to carpets. Replacing carpet is not always the best or least expensive option. If the carpet is ripped on a seam, using heavy thread and a few other tools to repair the damage is another option. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Knee-kicker tool
- Heavy thread
- Needle
- Scissors
- Latex seam adhesive
- Paper towel
Instructions
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1
Release the carpet from the wall in the corner nearest the rip using a knee-kicker tool. This tool has hooks that attach to the carpet, and various settings to help it grab the carpet and lift it from the wall and tack strip using pressure from your knee. Follow the setting guidelines in the knee kicker's manual since each tool is different.
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2
Lift the corner of the carpet from the tack strip; then roll the carpet back from the wall.
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3
Sew the rip from underneath the carpet. Use heavy thread and create 1-inch stitches every quarter inch of the rip.
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4
Flip the carpet over every three to four stitches to make sure you are not sewing down any threads of pile on the carpet.
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5
Apply latex seam adhesive to the back of the seam once the stitching is complete. Apply the adhesive in a wavy line along the repaired seam. The adhesive helps bond the newly stitched carpet even more.
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6
Roll the carpet back out, hooking it back onto its tack strip.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose a color of thread that exactly matches or closely matches the shade of your carpet to make the repair look less conspicuous.
A professional carpet installer can release the carpet from the wall if you have injured knees and are unable to use a knee-kicker tool, or if you have no experience working with carpet and want help.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
