How to Bind a Carpet Remnant With Tape
A carpet remnant can be a cost-effective alternative to a rug or runner. You often can get a remnant cut to size by a large carpet store for half the cost per square foot of a finished rug. However, this doesn't include the binding--the edges aren't finished, so you'll need to bind them to keep your carpet remnant from fraying. You can ask the carpet store to bind it for you, but sometimes that can increase the cost. Fortunately, there are do-it-yourself binding tapes available, and it is fairly easy to finish your carpet at home. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Utility knife
- Measuring tape
- Do-it-yourself carpet binding tape
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Work gloves, optional
- Iron, optional
Instructions
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1
Make the edges of your carpet remnant square and clean, using a utility knife. This will ensure that you not only have a good-looking rug, but also that the binding tape will properly adhere.
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2
Measure your carpet remnant to ensure you buy enough binding tape. It's probably a good idea to get a bit extra just in case of any mistakes. Make sure you buy do-it-yourself carpet binding tape, which has a rounded edge on one side. This will make your end result more durable and visually appealing.
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3
Cut the appropriate measurement of binding tape for each edge of your remnant. When you reach the corners, you have two options. You can cut the tape at an angle and join the two pieces together to form a sharp corner. Or you can cut the tape with a square edge that has a bit of overhang so you can attach the next piece of tape onto it. The amount of overhang will depend on the thickness of your rounded edge.
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4
Lay the carpet on the binding tape. Make sure the edge with the rounded end fits snug against the edge of your carpet remnant, and that you have cut enough tape.
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Dot the edges of the binding tape, using the hot glue gun, and fold the edges of the binding tape around the carpet remnant, working quickly enough to make sure the glue doesn't cool, but not so quickly that you burn your fingers. Be sure to press firmly.
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Work your way around the carpet edges until all sides are secured with binding tape and your carpet remnant is completely bound.
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Tips & Warnings
While the hot glue gun should not be extremely hot, wearing work gloves to protect your skin is a good idea.
If your binding tape is very wrinkled, running a cool iron over it to smooth it out will help make sure you measure it properly.
References
- Photo Credit persian rug image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
