How to Repair a Seagrass Rug

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Things You'll Need

  • Upholstery cleaner

  • Club soda

  • Rags

  • Upholstery shears

  • Craft glue

  • Putty knife

  • Upholstery needle

  • Thread

Image Credit: Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Seagrass is a natural fiber used for rugs because of its sturdiness. It is resistant to stains and holds up well to foot traffic. Rugs are typically woven or manufactured using a basket weave. The one disadvantage to the way that seagrass rugs are woven or braided is their tendency to get small tears between the braided rows. The leg of any chair can easily work its way between the braids and cause a tear. These repairs can easily be handled at home with a needle and thread.

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Step 1

Clean any stains with upholstery cleaner and club soda. Wear and tear that causes rips in a rug also creates ground-in dirt and stains. Mix equal parts of both liquids and dab at the spot with a clean rag. Continue dabbing at the spot until it is completely removed. Allow the rug to dry.

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Step 2

Trim frayed edges with upholstery shears. Trim the seagrass with as neat an edge as possible. Using your finger, apply craft glue to the exposed end of the seagrass to prevent fraying.

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Step 3

Flip the rug over and lay it out flat. Smooth out any wrinkles or bumps so that you are working with an even surface.

Step 4

Push the fibers of the rug through the rip, using a putty knife. If any portion of the rug has become unbraided, braid that area and piece back together as well as possible. Use craft glue to bond any loose ends that can't be braided.

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Step 5

Push the ripped seam together with both hands. Ask a friend to help you with this part. While still holding the rug in place, begin stitching the two pieces of the rug together. Match the stitch that was used on the rest of the rug. Most basket-weave rugs use a cross stitch to attach the braids together.

Step 6

Flip the rug over. Stitch the top of the rug together tightly, using the same stitch used on the backside.

Tip

Avoid using chairs or other furniture with rollers on your seagrass rugs. The rollers dig into the weave of the rugs and cause holes.

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